The multimillion restoration of the historic Preston Gardens kicks off in Downtown Baltimore with appearances by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, local and state officials.
Modifications will be made to the park's Western retaining wall, which supports three lanes of traffic and one lane of parked vehicles. Fortifying the wall will improve its structural integrity, damaged by traffic overtime.
Preston Gardens, built in the 1920s, will also receive improved lighting, landscaping and drainage during the restoration process. A new green space will move vehicular traffic away from the wall.
The $6.75 million project is funded by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Baltimore Department of Public Works, Maryland and Baltimore Departments of Transportation and Mercy Medical Center.
Preston Gardens was identified for restoration as part of Downtown Partnership's Open Space Master Plan.
The park is part of the Charles Street National Scenic Byway. The space has hosted yoga classes, bocce tournaments and happy hour concerts in addition to causal everyday activities.
The kick-off event starts at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at the lower level of the park, located at 345 St. Paul Place across from Mercy Hospital.
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