June 9, 2017

One hundred-and-six-year-old Madeline Dates has lived at Primrose Place Apartments in Baltimore for almost 30 years, but the past several months have been particularly memorable thanks to a year-long renovation of the affordable housing complex led by CHP’s development department. Now, her apartment gleams with an all-new kitchen and bathroom; new flooring; EnergyStar light fixtures, appliances, and programmable thermostats; and more. The upgraded facility, which comprises 125 apartments, also has a community room, computer lab, central laundry facilities, and a picnic area.

“The new building is just wonderful! I love every part of it…even the mailboxes are beautiful,” exclaimed Dates.

Dates’ neighbor of eight years, Wendy Jones, also enthused about the building’s new features, saying, “When they first started construction work I didn’t think they’d ever finish, but then I saw the first floor completed and I was blown away. I love the new building…especially my apartment.”

Ricardo Young, who has lived at Primrose Place for 10 years, agrees that facility has come a long way. “Before CHP bought the property and began rehabbing it, the building was in pretty bad shape. But now we have an incredible place to live…the transformation is amazing! I especially like the clean new lobby and the big community room where we can get together for socializing.”

To thank the residents for supporting the rehabilitation efforts, which took place while the tenants remained in residence at the facility, CHP and Southway Builders, Inc. hosted a resident gathering on June 6. The event was held in conjunction with National NeighborWorks Week, a week-long initiative that CHP and other NeighborWorks member organizations across the country participate in to bring about neighborhood change and awareness through local community improvement and celebration projects. Dozens of residents, staff, and community partners came together for the occasion where they enjoyed refreshments, a deejay, and a raffle for prizes such as a bed comforter donated by Bed Bath & Beyond.

“This party was just our way of giving back to the residents,” explained CHP Resident Services Coordinator Danielle Clemons. “They were very patient as we completed our work here at Primrose Place and now we are excited for them to have a clean, healthy, and comfortable space to live in.”