This new development of mixed-income housing units in southeast Baltimore replaced and built upon the Perkins Homes development located in the Somerset neighborhood. This project was funded in part by a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant awarded to the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC). Design and construction included careful coordination over several phases.

Re-Imagined Neighborhood Plan

The new Perkins Homes development includes several low-rise affordable apartment buildings, townhomes, market-rate apartments, a large public park, and a public school with playing fields. The development is a public-private partnership that invited and implemented extensive community input. Once complete, it will feature 1,346 affordable and mixed-income units and 500 market-rate units.

Kleinfelder was selected to perform mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design and consulting for the inner-city project. Each of the buildings and rows of townhomes were designed with unique styles, creating a vibrant neighborhood while requiring specific plans for each layout.

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems Design 

Kleinfelder provided phased services for the development beginning in 2019. Each of the buildings features ventilation via a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) unit, and each unit/townhome uses split-system heat pumps. The units are also outfitted with washers, dryers, microwaves, disposals, and dishwashers.

One of the main challenges of the project was working in a phased approach over multiple years of development and construction. Services for early phases were designed such that they were coordinated with future phases while maintaining existing services to surrounding buildings in the community.

Utilities including gas, electric, cable and telephone were coordinated with the project’s civil engineer, as well with representatives from the respective utility providers.

Project Results

All phases of the project are expected to be completed in late 2025.

The Perkins Homes development, phase III, was honored with an award of excellence from the Maryland Building Industry Association Land Development Council in 2023, recognizing excellence in residential and mixed-use land development.

Project Details

Location:
Baltimore, MD
Owner:
Perkins Homes c/o McCormack Baron Salazar Development