A year later, celebrated Baltimore building reopens after riots

James Carter calls out to a friend crossing the street as he stands in front of the remains of a senior center that burned during the riots following Freddie Gray’s funeral Sunday, May 3, 2015, in Baltimore. Gov. Larry Hogan has called for a statewide “Day Of Prayer And Peace” on Sunday after civil unrest rocked Baltimore. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Parishioners pray during a service at Southern Baptist Church Sunday, May 3, 2015, in Baltimore. Gov. Larry Hogan has called for a statewide “Day Of Prayer And Peace” on Sunday after civil unrest rocked Baltimore. A nearby senior center being built by the church was burned during the riots following Freddie Gray’s funeral. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Parishioners holds hands during a moment of prayer at a service at Southern Baptist Church Sunday, May 3, 2015, in Baltimore. A nearby senior center being built by the church was burned during the riots following Freddie Gray’s funeral. Gov. Larry Hogan has called for a statewide “Day Of Prayer And Peace” on Sunday after civil unrest rocked Baltimore. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
One year after the Baltimore riots, the entrance to the Mary Harvin Transformation Center was festooned with an archway of balloons, and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was among the dignitaries who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
One year after the Baltimore riots, the entrance to the Mary Harvin Transformation Center was festooned with an archway of balloons, and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was among the dignitaries who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
One year after the Baltimore riots, the entrance to the Mary Harvin Transformation Center was festooned with an archway of balloons, and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was among the dignitaries who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
One year after the Baltimore riots, the entrance to the Mary Harvin Transformation Center was festooned with an archway of balloons, and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was among the dignitaries who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
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One year after the Baltimore riots, the entrance to the Mary Harvin Transformation Center was festooned with an archway of balloons, and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was among the dignitaries who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)
One year after the Baltimore riots, the entrance to the Mary Harvin Transformation Center was festooned with an archway of balloons, and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was among the dignitaries who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

WASHINGTON — It was supposed to be the centerpiece of a neighborhood revitalization in Baltimore. So when word spread that the senior center of Southern Baptist Church went up in flames during the riots, it was especially wrenching.  

One year later, the entrance to the Mary Harvin Transformation Center was festooned with an archway of balloons, and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was among the dignitaries who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“One year from the time it burned to the ground, it’s just amazing. It’s a beautiful facility and we’re very excited just to be here and be a part of it,” Hogan said as he toured the center’s interior.

Shirley McNeil was among the first occupants of the senior center operated by the Southern Baptist Church. She was clearly delighted by the rebuilding, and the celebration in a neighborhood that hopes to see more recovery.

“How they rebuilt, and rebuilt in a timely manner, you know, it’s just awesome!” McNeil said.

Her daughter Rhonda McNeil said the restoration of the center allows her to know that her mother is getting the services she needs.

“We’re from the heart of East Baltimore, so this is our area,” she said, looking around the building.

Michael Saunders, who goes by “Big Mike,” was among the local residents attending the event.

He asked Hogan to take a selfie with him, and got a bear hug from the governor.

Saunders, 57, said he’s hoping the reconstruction of the Mary Harvin Center is just the start for a city that still has block upon block of boarded up, abandoned buildings.

Saunders recalled when the area was a vital neighborhood, with lots of small businesses dotting the blocks where families knew each other well: “I know what this area was about, and I’d love to see it come back like it used to be.”

A few miles to the west of the Mary Harvin Center, another community marked the anniversary of the riots with a vigil and a pledge to work together to heal the city’s wounds: including those that were present before Freddie Gray’s death.

Phyllis Felton, pastor of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, led a community walk and gathering so “that we as a church might step beyond the confines of church walls to add our voice to the voice of our neighborhood.”

If there’s one thing Felton wants people to know about Baltimore, it’s that there are thriving communities among those that are struggling.

“Don’t write us off — don’t label us — because we’re not dead,” she said.

Kate Ryan

As a member of the award-winning WTOP News, Kate is focused on state and local government. Her focus has always been on how decisions made in a council chamber or state house affect your house. She's also covered breaking news, education and more.

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