March 2026

State Gives Final Approval For West Lexington Corridor Plan

March 19, 2026   |   Alex Likowski

“Early in the Moore administration, Governor Moore came to visit UMB to see about our plans and how he could help. We told him about our vibrancy plan, which was an initiative to enliven the northern end of our campus, the Vibrancy Initiative,” University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, told the Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) in Annapolis at the March 18 meeting. “I'm here today to present to you the signature element of that vibrancy vision, the West Lexington Corridor Development Project.”

The BPW, which is responsible for all Maryland capital expenditures and has authority over all state public works projects, consists of the Governor, Comptroller, and Treasurer. Governor Wes Moore could not attend the March 18 meeting, and was replaced by Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, who noted that the plan represents “a major investment in West Baltimore.”

“It's a once in a generation opportunity. and reshapes the northern end of our campus,” Jarrell agreed.

Under the plan, what are now two surface parking lots will become the sites of two housing and retail towers hosting 1,300 residential beds and 25,000 square feet of new retail space. In between the two lies the historic Pascault Row homes, now unused for want of significant repairs. Pascault Row will be renovated returned to use. The plan also calls for the conversion of the current Pharmacy Learning Center on Pine Street to an entertainment venue and gathering place. And the plan anticipates outdoor athletic space open to all.

“People won't just walk through UMB to go to the Orioles game.” Jarrell added. “They will live, they will work, they will stay, they will contribute to the businesses.”

Jarrell explained that 95 percent of the project’s $263 million price tag will be paid by private investment, including the $17 million needed to refurbish Pascault Row. Most of the University’s share of the costs will come from the $12 million the state will receive in upfront ground rent.

“Your approval of this 99-year ground lease is essential to unlocking the full potential of these properties. It allows us to bring private capital to bear on public goals. that also align with the university's mission,” Jarrell continued, adding that the plan “brings private investment, it enlarges the city's tax base, it makes it safe and walkable, and it boosts our ability to recruit and retain Maryland's future professional workforce. We respectfully request that the board's approval to advance this transformational initiative occur.”

“Thank you so much for your extraordinary leadership and I’m excited to see how West Baltimore and UMB will benefit from this lease,” Miller said with a smile before turning to State Treasurer Dereck Davis for any final questions.

“He had me at ‘Hello,’” Davis replied, spurring laughter from the roughly 40 members of the audience.

Passage of the plan by the BPW represents final state approval and a green light for the West Lexington Corridor Development Project. Now the developer, Wexford Science and Technology, along with partner GMH Communities, will work with Baltimore City officials to work through final details, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

See all the details of the West Lexington Corridor project at https://bit.ly/4cST5EY