Summer 2025 Update

NIIF Receives CDE Certification

We're newly certified as a Community Development Entity (CDE)! 

This certification makes Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund (NIIF) eligible to apply for allocations in the Federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program. NMTCs are a critical tool that leverage private investment to spur community development and economic growth in traditionally distressed communities. 

As a certified CDE, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to compete for funding through the NMTC Program to deliver even more investments to Baltimore's historically disinvested neighborhoods. We look forward to sharing more information as we pursue funding.

If you have a Baltimore City project in need of financing, please visit our website for more information or contact us at info@baltimoreniif.org.

A once-abandoned warehouse in the Greenmount West neighborhood – formerly a horse stable and auto upholstery factory – has been transformed into the Trenton Art Garage helping to elevate public art, neighborhood pride, and affordable housing in the community. And now the project has received well-deserved recognition with a WaveMaker Award from the Urban Land Institute (ULI)! 

The Trenton Art Garage was a collaborative effort between developer and architect Tamir Ezzat of ddbWorkshop and Graham Projects, along with funding from Central Baltimore Partnership (CBP) and Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund (NIIF). The ULI’s WaveMaker Award recognizes projects that transform neighborhoods in a manner that reflects a sense of place and a high standard of excellence, incorporates sustainability, and takes a concept to a visionary level, which are all characteristics of this thoughtful redevelopment. 

The design approach for the Trenton Art Garage focused on adaptation by maintaining the historic elements of the early 1900s building. The ground level was transformed into an artist studio and headquarters for Graham Projects while also reinforcing the existing masonry and timber to support residential dwellings above. The roof line was altered to accommodate a true 3rd story while not jeopardizing the historic, industrial nature of the building. Located close to Penn Station, the building was designed with alternative transit methods in mind, allowing the City to waive parking requirements to help make renovation viable. It also incorporated a 100-foot, vibrant mural designed/installed by Graham Projects that migrates into the building corridors, taking the artist-centric theme from outside-in. The result is a sense of playfulness and artistry that suits the creativity of the Art District and contributes to a pedestrian-friendly public space. 

“We are incredibly proud of this project and of bringing our vision to life. But a vision without action is just an idea. If not for CBP and NIIF believing in us, this building would still be a vacant shell. The journey wasn’t easy and required a great deal of creativity, but we’re confident we’ve charted a sustainable future for this space and contributed to the Arts District in a small but meaningful way,” said Tamir Ezzat, ddbWorkshop. 

Bringing the building back to life with artists and residential tenants, the project is a unique example of how a small-scale redevelopment can improve the quality of life for all who live and play in Greenmount West. The creative, community-responsive revitalization of this neglected alley building is an exemplary awardee. Congratulations to ddbWorkshop and Graham Projects!

The Zero Energy North Avenue Affordable Housing project is back in action. After delays following its initial kickoff, Baltimore-based Schreiber Brothers Development is returning to the heart of West Baltimore to rehabilitate vacant, historic townhouses into the first multifamily, zero-energy development in the City. 

“It’s really great to be back up and running,” said Brendan Schreiber, President of Schreiber Brothers Development. “Our number one priority is to live up to the commitment that we made to the neighborhood. We’re excited to complete what we pledged to do and keep working in service of the community.”

The project combines 20 housing units meant for individuals who earn a certain percentage below the area’s median income with four storefronts intended for local Black-owned businesses and nonprofits. In response to the community’s input, its goal is to accommodate future residents' employment and living needs under one roof by providing first right of refusal to owners and staff of the ground-level commercial spaces. Edgemont Builders is serving as the project’s new general contractor.

On the forefront of environmentally sustainable building practices, the project includes super-insulated walls, tight air sealing, and sophisticated ventilation methods to reduce energy use, and solar panels to produce as much energy as it consumes. Importantly, this approach will translate into significantly lower energy costs to make it even more affordable for the building’s tenants and business owners. 

Leveraging public and private funding, the project builds on the vision for the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor, which was designated as Baltimore’s first Black Arts District in 2019, and harkens back to its vibrant jazz age. To support the re-launch, Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund increased its loan commitment from $1 million to $1.4 million in July 2025. Additional financing for the project includes a loan from Enterprise Community Loan Fund, Inc., Opportunity Zone equity, and grant funding from the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Maryland General Assembly.

Read the original post on Zero Energy North Avenue Affordable Housing.