DHCD-Supported Baltimore Food Hall Receives National Economic Development Award
The Mill on North Food Hall in Baltimore recognized by International Economic Development Council
New Carrollton, MD. – The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has been nationally recognized, receiving a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Award on Sept. 15 from the International Economic Development Council for its support of The Mill on North Food Hall in West Baltimore’s Coppin Heights neighborhood.
The department provided $4 million in awards towards the project through its Seed Community Development Anchor Institution Fund as well as its Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative and The Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative programs.
The Mill on North was developed in partnership with the Coppin Heights Community Development Corporation, Osprey Development Company and Neighborhood Housing Services with the aim to convert an old lumber yard into a mixed-use development with a 10,000 square-foot food hall on the ground floor with a 65-unit mixed income (market rate and affordable) apartment complex above. The food hall, which officially opened in April, gathers seven local food vendors under one roof, each with longstanding connections to the area and offers everything from seafood and soul food to brunch favorites, bakery treats, and hand-crafted coffee.
“We are grateful to be recognized by the International Economic Development Council for The Mill on North and thankful for partners such as Coppin Heights Community Development Corporation, Osprey Development Company and Neighborhood Housing Services. This also wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, State Senator Antonio Hayes, Delegates Marlon Amprey, Frank Conaway and Melissa Wells, City Councilman James Torrance and others,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “This is the kind of project DHCD is proud to support in Baltimore and across Maryland. This space will help transform the West North Avenue community and aid in the revitalization of the city.”
The Excellence in Economic Development Awards program has 26 unique categories that highlight impactful programs, projects and people in the economic development field. The Department’s entry was recognized as a bronze award winner in the “Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development” category.
“This year’s winners truly embody the spirit of innovation and excellence in economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC’s President and CEO. “Their outstanding efforts have not only enhanced their own communities but serve as a benchmark for impactful and sustainable economic development worldwide.”
Competition judges gave The Mill on North project high marks.
“This project demonstrates true collaboration, public and private sector engagement, and leadership which not only lead to the furtherance of the local small business community and opportunities for entrepreneurs but also seeks to transform a neighborhood and implements brownfield redevelopment and adaptive reuse strategies in the process,” one judge wrote.
“Not only did the project directly address disinvestment, it did so with community partnership and is impressive in creating opportunities for traditionally distressed communities,” another judge noted.
For more information on the Department’s community and economic development programs, visit dhcd.maryland.gov.
# # #
CONTACT:
Allison Foster, Director of Communications – allison.foster@maryland.gov
