The Service Center is a new apartment building that is more than just a place to rent.
It's a place dedicated to civic purpose, a distinction that earned the project a 2025 CoStar Impact Award as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
The $29 million development in Baltimore's Remington neighborhood combines 64 rental units in a six-story building with space for nonprofit organizations and an initiative to encourage volunteering. One of the nonprofits, Wide Angle Youth Media, occupies an 11,000 square foot media production facility and learning hub for area youth. Another nonprofit group, Collegebound, established its headquarters in the building to help low-income and first-generation city public school students achieve college degrees.
There's even an initiative called Service Works that aims to connect apartment residents with local volunteering opportunities. For every hour residents volunteer at a local nonprofit, the developer Seawall pledged to make a contribution to that organization.
The mixed-use project quickly found takers. Seventy-five percent of the units were pre-leased before the building opened, and all the apartments were rented within the first six months.
"The Service Center is groundbreaking, connecting its residents to local volunteering opportunities within the development. The quick lease up demonstrates the success of this multifamily development," said Lacey Johansson, assistant vice president for leasing at St. John Properties and an Impact Awards judge.
About the project: Seawall commissioned a colorful, 80-foot high mural — by local artist Saba Hamidi — to promote the civic engagement the firm hopes to foster.
What the judges said: "This is incredibly impactful to the area and encompasses the most important aspect of development, giving back to the community. " said Chris Lamb, vice president of asset management at Beatty Development Group.
They made it happen: Thibault Manekin, co-founder of the development firm Seawall. Peter Jackson, vice president of JLL's agency leasing team in Baltimore.