Rosemont

In Baltimore's Gwynns Falls Park neighborhood, residents and architects transformed the Rosemont townhouses through collaborative planning. The revamped complex includes 106 three-, four-, and five-bedroom homes with enhanced accessibility, amenities, and a distinctive appearance that builds community identity.

Community-Led Vision

At meetings in Belmont Elementary School and through individual interviews coordinated by Coppin Heights Community Development Corporation, residents outlined their goals: they wanted to replace uniform exteriors with a look that balanced individual character and shared identity.

Inspired by artist Piet Mondrian, the architects applied white acrylic masonry coating to existing brick and added fiber cement panels in seven colors. A palette of blues and oranges—chosen for colorblind accessibility—creates gradients across buildings, while black window trim and accents echo Mondrian's characteristic lines. Each residence stands distinct yet harmonizes with its neighbors.

Making Space Work

The renovation prioritized accessibility. Six units meet Universal Federal Accessibility Standards. The recreation center now houses a multi-purpose sport court, laundry facilities, and leasing offices, all connected by a new elevator and ADA-compliant restrooms. Interior colors carry forward the palette of the gymnasium's original mural.

The team solved a persistent problem at each townhouse entry: restrictive brick walls with narrow slots created cramped vestibules that blocked street views and hindered furniture moving. Removing these walls and adding steel supports opened the space. New metal awnings extend above each stoop, creating covered porches.

Environmental Impact

Energy Star appliances, enhanced roof insulation, and LED lighting reduced energy use by 28 percent. High-efficiency HVAC systems with smart thermostats maintain precise temperatures, while thorough air sealing prevents waste.

Environmental analysis shows that renovating these buildings will reduce carbon emissions over the next 25 years compared to leaving them as they were. The choice to renovate rather than demolish and rebuild saved 2,551 metric tons of carbon emissions—the renovation materials produced only one-third of the carbon emissions that new construction would have generated.

WaterSense fixtures and native plants minimize water use. A 2,468-square-foot reduction in impervious surfaces decreases stormwater runoff and strain on municipal systems.

Living Well

Beyond structural changes, the renovation eliminated hazards: the team removed dangerous materials, installed carbon monoxide detectors, and replaced gas systems. Low-VOC materials, better ventilation, and formaldehyde-free cabinetry ensure clean indoor air.

Outside, organic forms in the playground strengthen nature connections, while clear pathways welcome pedestrians. Residents reach surrounding areas via Poplar Grove Street buses or the MARC Penn-Washington Rail station, just a mile away. The location's Walk Score of 69 reflects these transportation options.