Baltimore Officials Delayed Howard Row Apartment Purchase
The Board of Estimates postponed a vote on the $8.57 million acquisition of 52 downtown apartment units.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Apartments
Live Poll
Should the city spend $8.5 million to repurchase properties it previously sold for $175,000?
Baltimore city officials have deferred a proposed $8.57 million purchase of the Howard Row Apartments. The city intends to convert the 52 market-rate units into bridge housing for families, but the Board of Estimates requested more time to review the deal.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to expand the city's available bridge housing stock to help families transition into long-term subsidized homes. Officials opted to delay the final approval to ensure all specifics of the acquisition are thoroughly examined.
The city originally acquired the North Howard Street properties for a total of $684,900 between 1998 and 2003. Since 2014, the properties have been privately owned and operated as market-rate apartments.
The players
Board of Estimates
This body is responsible for managing the financial affairs of the Baltimore city government.
Poverni Sheikh Group
This is a real estate development firm that previously purchased and renovated the North Howard Street properties.
Mayor's Office of Homeless Services
This municipal agency oversees the city's efforts to provide shelter and housing stability to residents.
The details
The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services plans to occupy the units as current market-rate tenants move out of the building. The properties, located between 407 and 417 North Howard Street, were previously sold by the city in 2014 for $175,000 to the Poverni Sheikh Group, which later renovated the units.
Timeline
The city acquired the properties for $684,900 between 1998 and 2003.
The city sold the properties to Poverni Sheikh Group for $175,000 in 2014.
Baltimore purchased two hotels for $18.4 million in February 2024.
The Board of Estimates is expected to consider the purchase on October 21, 2026.
Roadmap
This deal follows the city's strategy of converting hotel and apartment assets into housing to address shelter shortages. The move aligns with recent municipal efforts to secure direct ownership of residential properties for public use.
The proposed purchase could eventually increase the supply of bridge housing available to local families, though it remains contingent on the upcoming board vote. Residents should monitor the October 21 meeting to see if the city proceeds with the acquisition.
The takeaway
The city's attempt to repurchase these units highlights the high cost of re-acquiring properties once held in the public domain. Residents should note that the transition to bridge housing will occur incrementally as existing lease terms for current tenants expire.
What happens next
The Board of Estimates is scheduled to reconsider the $8.57 million purchase agreement on October 21, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local market in Baltimore Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baltimore Banner.
Live Poll
Should the city spend $8.5 million to repurchase properties it previously sold for $175,000?
