Baltimore's First EcoDistrict: State Center Redevelopment Project

Baltimore's first test of the EcoDistrict green neighborhood program was enabled by a lawsuit that delayed the State Center redevelopment project for four years.

1 minute read

June 24, 2014, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"[Caroline] Moore, the lead developer for the 28-acre State Center project, said the setback caused by a lawsuit — which was dismissed this spring — has created a chance to incorporate the latest environmental techniques into the designs. The project could introduce Baltimore's first "ecodistrict," creating a zone with a set of common environmental goals and infrastructure systems to help meet the targets," reports Natalie Sherman.

Although this will be the first development project to move forward under the EcoDistricts model, the idea is being considered for other development opportunities, like Harbor Point and the west side around Lexington Market, "where the city is looking for developers for a number of major sites."

EcoDistricts have already been tested in Portland and Washington D.C., and for those looking for more information on the relative merits of EcoDistricts, a recent feature by Eliot Allen compared EcoDistricts to other green neighborhood systems.

The article concludes by hinting at some of what's to come for EcoDistricts: "Next week, the group is planning to announce eight cities with specific projects to show what an ecodistrict looks like beyond the planning phase."

Saturday, June 21, 2014 in Baltimore Sun

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon at dusk with mountains in background.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums

In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

December 3, 2023 - NBC 16

Green Paris Texas city limit sign with population.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit

A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

November 30, 2023 - Texas Monthly

SMall backyard cottage ADU in San Diego, California.

San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’

A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.

November 29, 2023 - CALmatters

Aerial view of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah with snow-capped mountains in background.

How Salt Lake City Maintained a Vibrant Downtown

Unlike other major cities, the Utah capital’s downtown has seen a steady stream of visitors even as demand for office space diminishes.

December 8 - Governing

White modular home being installed on a lot.

Modular Homes Make Housing More Affordable in Chicago

Cheaper and faster to construct, modular homes provide an affordable alternative to traditional new construction for low- and moderate-income residents on Chicago’s South Side.

December 8 - WTTW

Woman bus driver sitting behind wheel of bus wearing long-sleeved shirt and yellow safety vest.

How Inequality Impacts Transit Safety

Transit workers are being assaulted by riders at alarming rates, and inequity may be partly to blame.

December 8 - Streetsblog USA

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.