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The property, valued at $4.2 million by one appraiser, has been the site of an armory for the past 120 years and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Its transfer, approved without discussion at the state meeting, is subject to a historic preservation easement to the Maryland Historic Trust. 

 

‘Multi-use venue’ 

Preservation and redevelopment of the armory property have been a subject of community concern and debate for years. In 2017, the armory was the focus of attention of a governor-appointed commission that gave citizens a chance to say what they would like to see happen there. 

 

Community-focused development

Founded in 2006 and headed by Thibault Manekin, Seawall has extensive experience with community-led, mixed-use projects and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Its past projects include a new home for Lexington Market; the R House food hall in Remington; the multi-tenant Union Collective development and teacher apartments and non-profit office space at Miller’s Court and Union Mill. 

 

Onyx Development is a Black- and female-owned company led by Rian Hargrave, its founder and CEO. It specializes in community-centered development and is currently working on the renovation of historic rowhomes in the Pimlico and Franklin Square/Harlem Park neighborhoods; student housing near Coppin State University, and as a consultant to other mission-driven projects.

 

Seawall and Onyx will work in partnership with the foundation on all aspects of the project’s design, financing, public art, leasing, and programming.

 

“The Pikesville Armory redevelopment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring together Baltimoreans from all walks of life,” said Peter DiPrinzio of Seawall, in a statement. “We believe this will be a transformative project that both honors the history of this property and turns it into a valuable community gathering place for generations to come.” 

“Community-focused development is something Onyx and Seawall pride ourselves on,” said Hargrave. “The Pikesville Armory project will be a paramount project that will make the Armory a destination not only for Baltimore County and the Northwest Corridor, but Baltimore City as well as the State of Maryland. We’re thrilled to be a part of restoring such a renowned site.”