The former VFW building located at 8123 Harford Road in Parkville is set to undergo a significant transformation into the EPICENTER Community Center and the Parkville campus of Mountain Christian Church. A public groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 25, 2024, marking the beginning of a fundraising initiative aimed at providing essential services focusing on hunger relief, youth programming, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Details of the Transformation
According to a report by Baltimore Fishbowl, the EPICENTER Community Center will include several vital facilities. These will feature a community café, a choice-style food pantry, hot showers for the homeless, youth classrooms, and green space for community activities. The groundbreaking event will kick off the public phase of a $1.1 million initiative that is part of a larger $9 million project being funded by Mountain Christian Church.
“This moment represents far more than the start of construction,” stated Darrell McDavid, executive director of EPICENTER, in a statement to Baltimore Fishbowl. His remarks underscore the community impact expected from this redevelopment.
Funding and Project Timeline
The project, known as “Epicenter at Parkville,” is supported by a State of Maryland bond initiative. It outlines that the EPICENTER will lease the building from Mountain Christian Church under a ten-year lease with options for renewal. The existing structure is approximately 12,000 square feet, with additional space planned. Construction is anticipated to be completed by December 31, 2024.
Funding for the project is diversified, including a $100,000 legislative bond request along with a mix of private pledges, grants, and county funds. This funding strategy aims to ensure the project’s sustainability and effectiveness in serving the community.
The Harford Road building has a rich local history. Originally opened as the Colony Theatre in the 1940s, it later became home to the VFW Parkville Post 9083. The post was sold in 2022 due to declining membership, a transition reported by the Baltimore Business Journal and WBALTV.
Community Engagement and Future Steps
Organizers from both EPICENTER and Mountain Christian Church are actively seeking community input as they move forward. They plan to provide updates and volunteer opportunities on their platforms. The EPICENTER maintains a dedicated Parkville page that includes a survey for local residents. Meanwhile, Mountain Christian Church has launched a “Parkville Promise” giving initiative to encourage community involvement.
For those interested in participating or sharing their priorities, project information can be accessed through the EPICENTER website and the Mountain Christian Church site. As the community prepares for this significant change, the collaborative efforts of these organizations aim to create a new hub that addresses pressing local needs.
