CAMBRIDGE, MD - In a bid to breathe life into the rich history of downtown Cambridge, two iconic buildings dating back to 1898 and 1910 are poised for a transformative revival.
The Harrington and Bayly building, along with the Johnson building, affectionately known as Jimmy and Sooks, have stood silent witnesses to the passage of time, having served as restaurants and retail shops in their heyday. (The Harrington and Bayly building located at 444-448 Race St. and The Johnson Building located at 527 Poplar St.)
Years of abandonment have left these structures vacant, casting a shadow on the once-thriving downtown area. Images capturing the bustling life in front of the old Harrington and Bayly building offer a poignant reminder of the vibrant past that these edifices once housed.
Inside the Johnson building, a relic of days gone by sits askew — an old menu frozen in time. Now, thanks to a $1.5 million injection of tax credits from the Maryland Department of Planning, the future of these architectural gems seems brighter than ever.
For Dennis Napolitan, owner of Malina Custom Leather, this revitalization effort hits close to home. "We used to have an antique shop, William G. Willakers, and that burned with another space down there about, I guess, 15 years ago. So the fact that it was saved, that facade was saved and they're building it up again, it's a good thing," remarks Napolitan.
The Harrington and Bayly building is set to receive $1 million for commercial space and apartments, while Jimmy and Sooks will benefit from a $418 thousand dollar investment. The ground floor of the structure will house commercial and restaurant spaces, with the upper floor earmarked for apartment housing.
Local artist Bill Pavin expresses optimism about the impending changes. "Well, Jimmy and Sooks right now, I think, is an eyesore just because, you know, the awning is so big and the windows are dark and empty. So, by revitalizing that, making the facade look nicer and making it look more approachable to rent, I think is going to be great," says Pavin.
Cambridge Mayor Steve Rideout envisions a thriving downtown with the potential influx of residents. "All that's happening here, not only those two buildings but the Hearn building, what we'll be seeing is more and more people coming to live downtown, which will mean more activity," notes Mayor Rideout.
While the anticipation builds for the revitalization of downtown Cambridge, the city emphasizes that plans still await approval before the wheels of progress start turning within these historic buildings. The impending changes promise to not only preserve the architectural heritage of the past but also inject renewed vitality into the heart of the city.