The former VFW building located at 8123 Harford Road in Parkville is set to undergo a significant transformation into the EPICENTER Community Center and the Parkville campus of Mountain Christian Church. A public groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 25, 2024, marking the beginning of a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting various community services, including hunger relief, youth programming, and assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Details of the New Community Center
As detailed by Baltimore Fishbowl, the EPICENTER Community Center will feature several key facilities. Among them will be a community café, a choice-style food pantry, hot showers for those in need, youth classrooms, and green space for community activities. This groundbreaking event signifies the launch of the public phase of a $1.1 million initiative that is part of a larger $9 million transformation project being funded by Mountain Christian Church.
Darrell McDavid, executive director of EPICENTER, emphasized the significance of this moment, stating in a press release that it represents “far more than the start of construction.” He highlighted the community’s role in shaping the center’s offerings and impact.
Funding and Project Timeline
According to a fact sheet from the State of Maryland’s bond initiative for the “Epicenter at Parkville,” the project will involve leasing the building from Mountain Christian Church under a ten-year agreement with renewal options. The existing structure encompasses approximately 12,000 square feet, with plans for expansions. The anticipated completion date for the construction is December 31, 2024. The funding strategy includes a $100,000 legislative bond request, alongside a mix of private pledges, grants, and county funds.
The Harford Road building has a rich history, originally opening as the Colony Theatre in the 1940s before becoming home to VFW Parkville Post 9083. The post was sold in 2022 due to declining membership, as reported by the Baltimore Business Journal and WBALTV.
Organizers from both EPICENTER and Mountain Christian Church are committed to engaging the local community as they move forward with this project. They are actively seeking community input and will provide updates and volunteer opportunities on their respective platforms. The EPICENTER maintains a dedicated page for Parkville that includes a survey, while Mountain Christian Church features a “Parkville Promise” giving initiative on its website. Community members interested in learning more or sharing their priorities are encouraged to visit the EPICENTER and Mountain Christian Church websites for further information.
