The Allegany Arts Council is pleased to be a partner with the City of Cumberland, Cumberland Economic Development Corporation and State of Maryland to support the public dedications of Baltimore Street.
How has the Allegany Arts Council been involved?
The Arts Council was an early partner in the planning and development of the Baltimore Street Revitalization project, offering support, both in action and funding, to forward several phases of the project. For more than six years, our staff has participated in weekly workgroups, design discussions, planning groups and now, as part of the public dedications of this more than $17 million project.
What does art have to do with it?
The Baltimore Street Revitalization project is unique - the streetscape, including everything from the underground infrastructure to plantings and street furniture, was designed by an artist, Frederick-based William Cochran Studios. This kind of progressive commitment to doing more than necessary to upgrade outdated water and sewer lines has already proven to be a worthy investment, with more than 13 downtown buildings being bought or redeveloped since the project began. Today, buildings including the McMullen Building, Rosenbaum Building, and others, lead the way in transforming the once desolate downtown into a thriving marketplace for commerce, arts and entertainment.
With the recent purchase of 123 Baltimore Street as our future, permanent home, the Arts Council is joining investors who are making permanent plans to stay downtown.
In addition to the November 14 dignitary dedication, there will be a public celebration on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 2:00PM-10:00PM, co-sponsored by the Arts & Entertainment District of Cumberland, the Downtown Development Commission and the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation. Details are forthcoming for that event!
