A group of community investors, government agencies, and partnering organizations are launching a landmark redevelopment of the historic Edmondson Village shopping center in Baltimore City.
First opened in 1947, the shopping center has been ripe for revitalization for many years; but it took a conversation in Nevada to make the project seem like a safe bet.
At the annual International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference in 2025, the Maryland Governor’s Office of Business Advancement (GOBA) facilitated an introduction between the Chicago TREND Corporation and Governor Wes Moore to explore additional opportunities for Edmondson Village. Chicago TREND’s nonprofit arm, the TREND Community Development Corporation, acquired the West Baltimore shopping center in 2023—but getting state support and incentives were key to moving the project forward in Maryland.
One year later, Governor Moore and local leaders joined together to highlight the Edmondson Village’s revitalization and investment in the surrounding community. The center has undergone substantial renovations since the ICSC meeting, with nearly $4 million in state funding coming from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and additional financial support from the Baltimore Development Corporation and hundreds of community investors.
“The revitalization of Edmondson Village is more proof that Maryland is rewriting a narrative about a city and a community that have been historically ignored. This project is about restoring a historic community anchor, empowering local ownership, and ensuring that every part of Baltimore has the resources and attention needed to thrive.”
Governor Wes Moore
Edmondson Village is gaining the Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland headquarters, an Ascension Saint Agnes primary care clinic, an ALDI USA grocery store, a Quickway Japanese Hibachi restaurant, and a Dunkin’ cafe, with more retailers on the way; it has also secured new roofing and lighting, an upgraded security system, and parking lot and utility upgrades.
“Edmondson Village is setting a new standard for equitable, community-driven development,” said Maryland Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day.
Something as simple as fostering conversations between business development partners can lead to opportunities for communities throughout Maryland. While GOBA mainly focuses on regulatory affairs, it also provides key connections to business resources, says GOBA Director Luis O. Cardona, like the one provided in this case study.
“This story is a great example of how economic development organizations – like the Maryland Department of Commerce – broker connections that lead to tangible results,” said Cardona.
GOBA was established through an executive order in 2024, and impacted nearly 7,000 workers in its first full year. The office successfully helped resolve problems on behalf of 80 Maryland businesses – from major companies to sole proprietors.
