By AFRO Staff
Morgan State University is continuing to spread its wings. The East Baltimore HBCU recently agreed to purchase the former Lake Clifton High School property, which it plans to develop into a satellite campus, according to an April 1 press release.
“It’s fitting that we convey this vital community asset to one of our City’s most important anchor institutions,” Baltimore City Comptroller Bill Henry said in a statement. “Morgan State is the perfect partner to lead the revitalization of the former Lake Clifton High School building.”
According to the new Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) with the Baltimore Department of Real Estate, Morgan will purchase the 74-acre parcel, including the historic Valve House, and redevelop the property over a 15-20-year period. Supporters say the planned development is a strong step toward revitalizing a historically underinvested community.
The LDA will be presented to the Baltimore City Board of Estimates for a vote of approval at its April 6 meeting.
As part of the LDA, Morgan State has agreed to:
-Demolish the former school building;
-Stabilize the Valve House:
-Complete a Master Plan approved by the Baltimore City Planning Commission:
-Construct a Convocation Center;
-Restore and conserve five public artworks now installed on Lake Clifton’s campus; and
-Help relocate a basketball court to a more accessible location.
If the LDA is approved, the project will have to be reviewed and greenlighted by the Morgan State University Board of Regents and the Maryland Board of Public Works before it can proceed.
University President David Wilson is hopeful, however, saying the development would be an important part of Morgan’s legacy.
“Although this isn’t the final step in the process, this agreement is truly an important step in what will be a monumental advancement in Morgan’s history,” said Wilson in a statement. “Through the acquisition of this important property, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future of opportunity. With support from the local community and the City of Baltimore, we will be able to not only expand our footprint and our access to the communities we serve but also acquire a new site that will play a vital role in the education of our students while also driving local investment.”
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