Rita Church Community Center

Baltimore, MD

Details: Contributing structure in a National Register Historic District; Multi-purpose room, basketball court, concessions; Learning center, game room, craft room, lounge; Designed in accordance with Baltimore City Green Building Standards

Owner: Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks

Services: Programming, Community Involvement, Cost Estimating, Sustainable Design, Interior Design, Full Design Services, Construction Administration

Rehabilitation included the exterior, in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as well as the interior. The original fabric of the exterior was in relatively good condition; hence the majority could be restored. Non-contributing later additions to the original structure that distracted from the original concept were removed. Masonry blocks and wood panels that had been used to fill in some openings were removed and replaced with doors or panels to complement the style of the original structure. The upper level open-air pavilion was enclosed with a curtain wall system—containing both solid and glazed panels that serve as a back-drop to the original columns that define the space—that is located behind the pilasters and complements the structure’s proportions. The upper level program is comprised of various multi-use spaces including a tall open space lounge that displays elements of the historic structure, such as the heavy timber trusses and masonry chimneys.