It was a long time ago that this story begins. In fact, about 200 years ago, when the Westside was Baltimore Town. With an area so rich in history and culture, it's easy to see why preservation plays such an important role in the revitalization of the Westside.

1782 Lexington Market opens. Today, it's the nation's longest-operating food market.

1807 The University of Maryland Baltimore is founded in "Baltimore Town"

1914 The Hippodrome opens

1920-1960 The heyday of the Westside Retail district. Grand department stores, theatres and picture palaces flourish alongside Lexington Market.

1960 The exodus to the suburbs begins, with retailers following. Declines and disinvestments sets in.

1996 Otis Warren creates momentum by developing the City Crescent Building on S. Howard Street.

1997 The University of Maryland Medical Center and University of Maryland Baltimore announce major expansion projects, becoming additional catalysts for redevelopment. The Baltimore Development Corporation amends its Urban Renewal Plan.

1998 Westside Task Force is formed by major stakeholders in the area. The result: an “action plan” for the Westside.

1999 The first Request for Proposal is advertised for large scale development.

2000 WestSide Renaissance, Inc. is formed to lead a consortium of public and private sector constituents through the transformation.

2001 The City signs a Memorandum of Agreement with the Maryland Historical Trust to preserve hundreds of historical buildings.

Today The transformation is well underway with many projects completed. It’s easy to see...the West has Zest!