Strong schools are key to revitalizing communities, serving as anchors that foster local engagement and attract families and businesses. Pimlico Elementary / Middle School (PEMS), in collaboration with Baltimore’s historic Park Heights community, is playing a central role in transforming this once-overlooked neighborhood into a thriving hub.
Baltimore City’s Plan for Park Heights
In 2006, Baltimore City adopted the Park Heights Master Plan, a blueprint for revitalizing the 1,500-acre neighborhood through housing, economic development, and community services. The plan prioritizes collaboration among residents, businesses, and stakeholders to improve the overall quality of life.
Park Heights Renaissance, Inc. (PHR) has been instrumental in leading redevelopment efforts, including the Main Streets program and the construction of nearly 1,000 new residential units to boost the local economy and expand affordable housing. Partnerships with organizations like LifeBridge Health/Sinai Hospital, which sponsors the Pimlico/Sinai Middle Grades Health Sciences Program, further support residents through healthcare services and educational programs, reinforcing a holistic approach to revitalization.
Pimlico Elementary / Middle School: A Community School
A major milestone in the neighborhood’s transformation was the 2018 reopening of PEMS after a $43 million modernization under the Baltimore City Public School’s 21st Century Schools initiative.
In 2021, the school transitioned to a neighborhood charter under the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) to improve academics and school culture. Since then, its Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) star rating has increased from 1 star in 2019 to 2 stars in 2023, reflecting a 22.2% improvement.
- English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) rose from 5% in 2022 to 15.1% in 2024.
- While math proficiency remains at 5%, the school has prioritized improvement by adopting a new curriculum for 2024-2025.
As the only middle school in Park Heights, Pimlico offers specialized academic programs, including the Pimlico/Sinai Middle Grades Health Sciences Program. This initiative, developed in partnership with LifeBridge Health and Sinai Hospital, provides students with hands-on experience in medical and health sciences, deepening the school’s role in the community’s renewal.
Community Redevelopment and Economic Growth
The revitalization of Park Heights extends beyond education, with economic initiatives designed to bring new investment and opportunity. In May 2024, Park Heights was named Baltimore’s newest Main Streets District, a designation aimed at attracting businesses and strengthening commercial activity.
A major part of this effort is the redevelopment of Reisterstown Road Plaza, a longtime commercial hub. Acquired by Tide Realty Capital in 2023—the first local ownership in 20 years—the 750,000-square-foot property is undergoing a $4.5 million renovation. This includes a redesigned main entrance, an upgraded exterior, and a $1 million grant from Governor Wes Moore’s Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative to address blighted properties and stimulate business growth. A major milestone in the Plaza’s revitalization was the grand opening of DTLR’s 250th store on February 15, 2025, marking a renewed confidence in the area’s economic potential.Three PEMS students with high attendance were invited to attend the grand opening and enjoyed a shopping spree with Mayor Brandon Scott.
What’s Next? Pimlico Race Course Redevelopment
The transformation of the storied Pimlico Race Course is another key element of the neighborhood’s revitalization. In March 2024, The Stronach Group transferred ownership of the historic venue to the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) to facilitate a major renovation. The redevelopment will replace century-old facilities with a modern clubhouse and community events center, designed for year-round public use.
A Holistic Approach to Neighborhood Renewal
The redevelopment of Park Heights is a multi-faceted effort, with education, economic development, and community investment working together. PEMS serves as an educational cornerstone, while projects like the Reisterstown Road Plaza and Pimlico Race Course renovations provide economic and cultural momentum.
We are proud to be part of the initiatives that are shaping Park Heights into a vibrant and thriving community for generations to come.
