Springboard Youth Training Center
Nestled in the shadow of City Hall and just blocks from the Inner Harbor, the site of the historic Douglass Institute will be reimagined as The Springboard Youth Training Center – a new community-focused facility led by Springboard Community Services.
Client
Springboard Community Services
General Contractor
Cross Street Partners
Design
Quinn Evans
Financing
Corporation for Supportive Housing, US Bank, The Reinvestment Fund, Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund, State of Maryland
A Legacy of Resilience & Equal Opportunity
Named in honor of Frederick Douglass, the renowned abolitionist, writer, and statesman, the Institute once stood as a beacon of hope and progress for Baltimore’s Black community. From 1865 to 1890, it served as a vibrant center for lectures, debates, educational programs, and cultural events. At a time when access to education was limited, the Institute created opportunities that helped advance and uplift the community. Its impact extended far beyond education, standing as a lasting symbol of resilience, hope, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
Growing Impact, Changing Lives
Since 1849, Springboard Community Services (SCS) has provided prevention, intervention, counseling, and advocacy services to families and children, across Baltimore and Central Maryland.
When complete, the Youth Training Center will honor this legacy by strengthening SCS’s track record of providing critical wrap-around services for some of Maryland’s most vulnerable residents. The Youth Training Center will offer workforce development and complimentary employment programs, mental health counseling, and permanent and temporary housing to help youth aged 18-24 successfully transition to adulthood. The 21k SF, $18MM redevelopment will serve youth experiencing homelessness, and will be the first of its kind in the state of Maryland.
Our Advisory Role
Cross Street Partners was engaged to assist Springboard Community Services in stewarding the rehabilitation of the Springboard Youth Training Center as Development Consultant and General Contractor. Our Development Advisors helped SCS navigate real estate due diligence, bring in project partners and consultants, and assemble the project’s capital stack which includes grant funding, state and federal tax credits, and bridge debt. Our team coordinated a $15MM twin New Market and Historic Tax credit transaction and helped SCS raise over $8.9MM in local, state, and private philanthropic funding. By layering a multitude of subsidies to fund project costs, SCS is on a path to debt free building ownership at the end of the 7-year New Markets Tax Credits compliance period.
In our role as General Contractor, Cross Street will complete the $9MM rehabilitation of the historic structure, to advance SCS’ critical mission while making sure the restoration followed the Secretary of Interior’s standards.
