At first glance, The Service Center looks like a thoughtfully restored mixed-use building.
Look a little closer, however, and it becomes clear that this project was never just about renovating a property. It was about creating a place where organizations with a shared mission could work side by side to better serve Baltimore.
Located on North Howard Street, The Service Center brings together nonprofit organizations, attainable housing and shared community spaces under one roof. Developed by Seawall, the project, which is housed on a former Volkswagen dealership, was intentionally designed as an ecosystem where collaboration isn’t simply encouraged — it’s built into the fabric of the building itself.
“The Service Center was never conceived as simply another mixed-use building,” said Kelly Ennis, Director of Commercial Interiors and Strategic Growth at JP2 Architects, the architecture firm for the project. “After more than 15 years of working in Remington, we wanted to create one of Baltimore’s most civically engaged buildings — a place where mission-driven organizations and residents come together in a space that feels authentically rooted in the neighborhood’s identity.”
Two anchor tenants illustrate that vision. Wide Angle Youth Media expanded into an 11,000-square-foot production facility that provides young people with hands-on media arts education and creative opportunities. CollegeBound established a new headquarters where it continues helping low-income and first-generation Baltimore City students prepare for and succeed in college. Together, the organizations create a destination focused on education, opportunity and long-term success for Baltimore residents.
The building also contributes to the neighborhood beyond its nonprofit tenants. Residential apartments bring life to the property, while 20 percent of the units are offered at below-market rents for households earning 80 percent or less of the area median income, helping make quality housing more accessible.
The impact extends beyond the building itself. Construction generated approximately 100 jobs, and the completed project supports roughly 50 permanent full-time positions. Consistent with Seawall’s inclusive hiring practices, local residents were prioritized for project-related employment opportunities, further strengthening the connection between the development and the surrounding community.
“The name ‘Service Center’ carries a double meaning,” Ennis said. “It honors the site’s automotive heritage while reflecting our commitment to serving the community.”
Project team included: Seawall, JP2 Architects, J Cole Builders, Cityscape Engineering, LLC, Richard Stern, PE, and Floura Teeter.