Baltimore Deferred Vote on Howard Row Apartment Purchase

The city seeks to buy 52 units for bridge housing, but officials have delayed the final decision until late October.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Apartments

Isometric editorial illustration of a generic urban brick apartment facade, representing Baltimore's proposed municipal housing acquisition. — The Baltimore Board of Estimates delayed a vote on the $8.57 million acquisition of Howard Row Apartments for city bridge housing. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the city spend $8.5 million to repurchase properties it previously sold for $175,000?

Baltimore city officials have proposed an $8.57 million purchase of the 52-unit Howard Row Apartments to serve as bridge housing for families. The Board of Estimates delayed the vote on the acquisition at the request of the City Administrator.

Why it matters

The proposal aims to convert these market-rate units into long-term subsidized housing as part of a broader city strategy to address homelessness. Officials postponed the deal to allow for more time to review the specific terms of the purchase.

The city previously sold these properties on North Howard Street for $175,000 in 2014. This follows recent city hotel acquisitions for $18.4 million in February 2024 and $13.3 million in October 2025.

The players

Board of Estimates

The city governing body responsible for reviewing and approving major municipal expenditures and contracts.

Poverni Sheikh Group

The real estate developer that purchased the Howard Row properties in 2014 and managed renovations.

Mayor's Office of Homeless Services

The city department tasked with managing housing resources and support services for local families in need.

CORE DC

The management organization slated to oversee the operations of the apartment units if the purchase is finalized.

The details

The city plans to incorporate the apartments at 407-417 North Howard Street into its housing stock, with management expected to be handled by CORE DC. The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services intends to phase in the new family housing as current leaseholders vacate the units. The proposal requires approval from the Board of Estimates before the city can finalize the transaction and begin the transition process.

1998: Baltimore acquired properties for $514,900.
2003: City purchased the sixth property for $170,000.
2014: City sold properties to Poverni Sheikh Group for $175,000.
February 2024: City purchased two hotels for $18.4 million.
October 21, 2026: Board of Estimates expected to consider the purchase.

The Home Front

This proposal extends the city's strategy of acquiring private real estate assets to bolster public housing stock, a trend highlighted by recent hotel purchases. It follows a decade of market fluctuations where the city previously divested the same site in 2014.

Current residents of Howard Row should monitor official city communications regarding their lease terms and building management transitions. Homeowners in the area may wish to track the city's long-term utilization of these assets as the board evaluates the impact on the Howard Street corridor.

The takeaway

Municipal housing strategies often involve re-acquiring properties once held by the city to meet current social service goals. Residents can track the outcome of the Howard Row deal by attending or reviewing the public meeting minutes of the Board of Estimates following the October 21, 2026 hearing.