The group gathered in the old warehouse’s lobby in the morning, while Station North residents waited outside at bus stops.
The crowd munched on donuts as leaders in the neighborhood’s resurgence as an arts district announced their intent to transform this warehouse, once known as Load of Fun, back into an art space called The Motor House.
“To get to the starting line takes a lot of work,” said Mac MacClure, managing director of Baltimore Arts Realty Corporation, or BARCO. He estimates in nine months, the structure, which was forced to close overnight in 2012 because of safety issues and code violations, will be back as a vibrant piece of the arts community.
Thursday morning brought another announcement – renowned Baltimore artist Joyce Scott will take the helm as the space’s senior artist in residence.
Scott stepped to the microphone while riffing on the popular song “Uptown Funk.”
“North Avenue funk gonna give it to ya,” she sang. “Don’t believe me just watch.”
It’s her homecoming, Scott told the group. She remembers shopping with her mom on North Avenue, as its businesses allowed black customers, and going to movies at the nearby theaters.
“This is my neighborhood, and I’m very happy to be re-ensconced,” she said.
A group of non-profit art groups will inhabit the third floor, including Station North Arts & Entertainment, Inc. The project will cost $6.5 million.
The 100-year-old building’s new name pays homage to its first use as the first Ford dealership in Maryland.