Baltimore City Set to Sell Lake Clifton High School Property to Morgan State University

BALTIMORE – The Baltimore City Department of Real Estate has announced a new Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) with Morgan State University, which has agreed to purchase the former Lake Clifton High School property in East Baltimore. The university has long-term plans to develop a new satellite campus on the site.

The LDA will be presented to the Baltimore City Board of Estimates for a vote of approval at its April 6 meeting.

If the agreement is approved, the university will purchase an approximately 59-acre parcel that includes the former Lake Clifton High School, another 14 acres of adjacent property south and east of the school, and the historic Valve House. Under the proposed agreement, Morgan State commits to redeveloping the property over a 15-to-20-year period, with a projected total minimum investment of $200 million.

As part of the 21st Century Schools Initiative, Baltimore City Schools are required to surplus 26 school buildings. As a result of this process, the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development issued a public offering, “Expressions of Interest (EOI),” for the former Lake Clifton High School property. The City Council approved the property sale in 2020.

“It’s fitting that we convey this vital community asset to one of our City’s most important anchor institutions,” Comptroller Bill Henry said. “Morgan State is the perfect partner to lead the revitalization of the former Lake Clifton High School building.”

As part of the LDA, Morgan State has agreed to:

• Demolish the former school building;
• Stabilize the Valve House:
• Complete a Master Plan approved by the Baltimore City Planning Commission:
• Construct a Convocation Center;
• Restore and conserve five public artworks now installed on Lake Clifton’s campus; and
• Help relocate a basketball court to a more accessible location.

Following the development of a Master Plan, the university will seek to realize its long-term vision for the site, which includes establishing a satellite campus that would include academic buildings, athletic fields, a wellness center, mixed use housing and other amenities.

“This is a wonderful development for our City,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said. “This development will create new jobs, generate much-needed tax revenue, breathe new life into the surrounding communities and provide one of our region’s strongest institutions space to grow.”

The university will pay the city $93,652.80 for the parcel, which will cover the balance of the unpaid bond debt service owed to the State of Maryland. The City will also save approximately $724,379 in annual maintenance and security costs.

“Today, we took a significant step which moves us closer to the revitalization of historically underinvested communities,” said Senator Cory V. McCray, a staunch advocate for this project. “By partnering with our anchor institution, Morgan State University, communities like CHUM, Darley Park, South Clifton Park, and Belair Edison will be provided access to more resources and opportunities. I am proud to stand with the community, our elected leaders, and Morgan State University as we work steadfastly towards the advancement of and equitable investment into our neighborhoods.”

If approved by the Board of Estimates, the project will be presented before the Morgan State University Board of Regents for review and approval, followed by a presentation and vote before the Maryland Board of Public Works.

“Although this isn’t the final step in the process, this agreement is truly an important step in what will be a monumental advancement in Morgan’s history,” said David K. Wilson, Ed.D., president of Morgan State University. “Through the acquisition of this important property, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future of opportunity. With support from the local community and the City of Baltimore, we will be able to not only expand our footprint and our access to the communities we serve but also acquire a new site that will play a vital role in the education of our students while also driving local investment.”

The Board of Estimates will meet Wednesday, April 6, at 9 a.m., in the Hyman Pressman Board Room on the second floor of City Hall. The meeting will be broadcast live on CharmTV (Channel 25). Morgan State University President David K. Wilson is expected to speak about the project.

About the Department of Real Estate

The Department of Real Estate (DoRE), under the Office of the Comptroller, is mandated by City Charter with responsibility for the acquisition and disposition of real estate in Baltimore City. DoRE manages real estate assets and is responsible for the disposition of real property owned by the City; leasing City-owned property to agencies and other parties; acquisition of real estate for the City; and reviewing real estate-related transactions and development proposals for City-owned real property.

The Department maintains the repository of unsold tax certificates after the annual tax sale, as well as a public inventory of all City-owned property and associated leases.

About Morgan State University

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

Media Contacts:

Larry Jones or Dell Jackson, for University PR
443-885-3022

 or

KC Kelleher, for the Office of Comptroller Bill Henry
410-396-4755