In the 1950s, Dundalk was an economic engine for Baltimore and the surrounding area.
Bethlehem Steel and the manufacturing industry were sustaining 30,000 jobs. But over the course of decades, manufacturers changed ownership and moved out of town, leaving behind the skeletal remains of Dundalk, a once-respected blue-collar labor community.
Dundalk Renaissance Corporation is looking to change that, though, one home at a time.
On April 9, DRC will host its now-annual tour of homes and housing fair. Starting at 9 a.m., guests can ride buses with narrated tours, visit homes, and speak with lenders and agents looking to connect families with available Dundalk real estate.
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“You can buy a nicely renovated row home for $150,000 or less,” said Diane Lesman, marketing and development coordinator for DRC. She also pointed out the affordability of waterfront property ($250,000) in Dundalk when compared to other similar properties.
Dundalk Renaissance Corporation is also looking for buyers interested in taking advantage of the $5,000 homebuyer grant. DRC has 20 grants to give to qualified buyers. Lesman said that the fair will be a great opportunity for first-time buyers to speak with people who can help through each step of the process.
DRC has also worked to rebrand the area within the 21222 ZIP code. In June 2014, DRC launched a new logo and campaign: Dundalk. Live the Unexpected. In September that same year, the first home tour took place, drawing 243 potential buyers.
[Inman Slideshow]
“Six months later we changed it to spring and had 293 adults,” said Lesman. She expects to see anywhere from 300 to 350 people attend the upcoming fair based on early registration.
She has been living in Dundalk for four years, and she is excited about the changes on the horizon for the community.
Earlier this year, Fed Ex Ground announced the development of a 300,000-square-foot distribution facility in the Tradepoint Atlantic global logistics center. Tradepoint Atlantic is on the property where Bethlehem Steel’s manufacturing once stood.
“Texas Roadhouse opened here. Chili’s is opening here. For a big city that’s nothing, but we haven’t had any of that here,” she said.
Lesman also sees the reality in trying to beat any stigma associated with Dundalk. She knows that the area has been a laughable conversation piece, but she believes, like others with DRC and the community, that it’s a great time to invest in Dundalk.
“There is still a stigma, but I feel as though within three to five years that stigma will be a tired, old joke,” she said.
“Those are the kinds of changes we are seeing here.”
Dundalk Housing Fair & Neighborhood Tours
Saturday, April 9th, 2016 9 AM – 2 PM Dundalk High School / Sollers Point Tech
1901 Delvale Ave., Dundalk, MD 21222
