Honoring 10 Visionary Businesses Driving Downtown’s Progress — A 40 for 40 Story
Downtown Baltimore is a hub for living, working and investing which is thanks in part to the businesses that are dedicated to propelling the city forward.
Whether providing top-tier health care to the region, offering vital legal and commercial real estate services or providing innovative technology solutions with the intent to boost connectivity, our partnerships are rooted in a shared vision for a thriving Downtown Baltimore. We take immense pride in collaborating with organizations that share our commitment to community enhancement.
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s 40 for 40 campaign highlights the impact of 40 partners who help the organization build a more inclusive and vibrant downtown community. We are proud to highlight ten 40 for 40’s businesses and partners whose dedication to Downtown Baltimore reflects our core values.
1. WPM Real Estate Management
Founded in Baltimore, WPM Real Estate Management is the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier property management company focusing on residential properties. This includes multifamily, condominium, senior housing, student housing and homeowner association communities.
WPM offers an unmatched commitment to its belief that management matters, serving nearly 26,000 homes and over 50,000 people in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia. A full suite of property management services includes multifamily real estate management, association real estate management, commercial real estate management as well as maintenance and construction services.
Dedicated to excellence, WPM’s communities and associates have been recognized with industry awards year after year. WPM has been recognized as “Management Company of the Year” by the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) and the Pennsylvania Apartment Association (PAA).
Much of WPM’s success is attributed to its talented staff with consistent investments in associate training, continuing education and certification opportunities. This commitment to associate development is one of the many reasons it’s been voted a Top Workplace for twelve consecutive years.
2. TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment and growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. A number of TEDCO portfolio companies are based in Baltimore, and the work that Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is doing for the community is creating a positive environment for the continued growth of these companies.
A longtime supporter of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, TEDCO recognizes that Downtown thrives on diversity, collaboration and connections. These elements are vital for nurturing the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. TEDCO has witnessed first-hand the significant impact of these communities and looks forward to ongoing collaborations with DPOB to further enhance the growth of startups both in the city and beyond.
TEDCO will also be hosting its Entrepreneur Expo right in the heart of Downtown Baltimore. The decision to host the event in Baltimore is due to the DPOB’s impact on creating a diverse and impactful community that can help events like the Expo thrive. The event will host entrepreneurs, investors, economic development professionals, federal and academic leaders, and many more on December 4th.
3. CareFirst
One of the largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations in the country, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is proud to be a longstanding Baltimore anchor institution supporting Downtown Baltimore’s vibrant culture and history.
The health of our communities is not solely based on clinical settings. Health happens in our homes, local restaurants and businesses, and experiences. Partnering with local organizations like the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore helps to advance accessible, affordable, quality healthcare throughout the region. By leveraging their mutual missions and collective resources, the two organizations can meaningfully impact the economic health of their communities—more so than either could do on its own.
Downtown Baltimore continues to serve as one of the highlights of Charm City—where community and opportunity come together for a brighter future.
4. Visit Baltimore
Visit Baltimore is the engine behind driving the tourism boom in Baltimore, enabling travelers of all backgrounds to fall in love with Baltimore. Visit Baltimore is writing a new chapter in history, spotlighting Baltimore’s cultural tastemakers and creative entrepreneurs to all who set foot in the City. The organization believes that the Baltimore experience is about more than exploring neighborhoods and cultural sites. To know the City, visitors have to meet our artists, provocateurs, and visionaries who call Charm City home. A longtime supporter of DPOB and its programming, from seasonal Restaurant Weeks to CIAA placemaking efforts and much, much more, Visit Baltimore is driving real, tangible change — carrying the good word of Baltimore City and Downtown Baltimore around the globe, as proven by the New York Times naming Baltimore one of 52 Places to Go in 2024.
5. Gallagher Evelius & Jones
Gallagher Evelius & Jones is a Baltimore law firm with 50 years of experience, providing outstanding service in diverse areas of practice. Ranging from health care, employment and education to corporate and real estate transactions and commercial lending, several of the firm’s client relationships go back more than 40 years.
Committed to Downtown Baltimore since the firm opened more than 60 years ago, Gallaher’s office has been located at One Charles Center and currently resides at 218 N. Charles Street. It is important for the firm to be present in the City and to continue working to make it better. Mark Keener, a partner at the firm, has served on the Board of Directors of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore since 2009.
Some of Gallagher’s favorite Downtown Partnership events include the Pratt Street Market, holiday events and lunch-and-learns with guest speakers. Downtown Partnership is regularly seen sweeping and cleaning near the Gallagher Evelius & Jones office and their work is greatly appreciated, never going unnoticed.
6. Gensler
Gensler is a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research and innovation to solve complex problems that challenge conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Its talented team of professionals doesn’t just design buildings, they reimagine cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives.
Gensler and Downtown Partnership of Baltimore share a vision for an enriched, thriving downtown. Many of the firm’s projects are downtown and they, along with the clients involved, benefit greatly from a continually improving public realm. Additionally, members of the Gensler team live downtown and commute by either walking or biking. Downtown Partnership of Baltimore has been a great supporter of making their journey safer, more engaging and beautiful.
Some of Baltimore’s best attractions are events held by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. They attract new residents and businesses by creating a greater sense of community in Downtown neighborhoods. As designers and believers in urban places, Gensler is grateful for the events and festivals, but more than anything, it is the consistency and commitment to safety and beauty that make the biggest impact.
7. AFRO
The Baltimore Afro-American, commonly known as The Afro or Afro News, is a weekly African American newspaper published in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the flagship newspaper of the AFRO-American chain and the longest-running African American family-owned newspaper in the United States, established in 1892.
AFRO and Downtown Partnership of Baltimore share a similar mission to promote, advance and stimulate the vitality of their communities. This shared vision and passion for Baltimore’s continued success has been greatly bolstered by their collaboration for more than 20 years.
NNPA is a trade association of more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers from around the United States and partnered with AFRO to hold the The Black Press of America annual summer convention in Baltimore this past June. The 2024 convention began with the unveiling of the “Marylanders Cry Freedom, Civil Rights at Home and Abroad” exhibit at Baltimore City Hall, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of Maryland’s divestment from South Africa’s apartheid regime in 1984.
8. Miles & Stockbridge P.C.
Miles & Stockbridge has been a cornerstone of the Baltimore community since 1932, proudly serving clients and contributing to local initiatives while establishing itself as a vital part of downtown Baltimore.
Founded by Baltimore lawyers, Clarence Miles and Seymour O’Brien opened the law firm’s first office at 10 Light Street. They later merged with a firm founded by Enos Stockbridge, creating the modern-day Miles & Stockbridge. The firm has played a significant role in shaping businesses and communities along the East Coast.
Bringing heavyweight resources to bear on legal matters of any size or complexity—without sacrificing the flexibility needed to cost-effectively handle smaller needs—Miles & Stockbridge has positioned itself as an Am Law 200 firm that dominates our region, with a national and global scope and reach.
9. Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Stewart Title Guaranty Company is one of the largest global title insurance companies and underwriters in the industry, offering underwriting expertise, financial strength and a customer-focused approach to commercial real estate transactions in the Mid-Atlantic. Stewart Title wholeheartedly believes that “for Maryland to be successful, we need to have a thriving and prosperous Downtown Baltimore.”
The Baltimore office is committed to serving its residents as a single point of contact to provide customized title information along with underwriting and settlement solutions, all with magnificent customer service in mind. Stewart Title understands that navigating commercial real estate can be daunting and bring on rapid changes. The dedicated team in the Baltimore office has the underwriting expertise, market knowledge and financial strength to keep transactions moving, all through a single point of contact for commercial title and escrow services.
Over the years, Downtown Partnership’s efforts have supported Stewart Title Guaranty Company by creating an environment where countless other businesses can thrive. DPOB’s work in job creation, commercial leasing, development and fostering a healthy commercial real estate market has made Downtown a place where business can succeed and grow.
10. Orange Barrel Media
Since 2004, Orange Barrel Media has been creating value for advertisers, municipal clients and the cities they serve by designing and operating iconic out-of-home media that adds to the character of urban places.
One of Orange Barrel Media’s latest projects? A spectacular digital billboard featuring business owners with big dreams on one of the busiest intersections in Baltimore, between Light and Lombard streets, just north of the Inner Harbor. It captures crowds heading to endless activities on the bustling waterfront and area attractions including M&T Bank Stadium (NFL), Oriole Park at Camden Yards (MLB) and the Baltimore Convention Center.
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is given 10-20% of time on each digital sign in the Area of Special Sign Control to display community content and promote small businesses. The sign supports Baltimore placemaking, provides enhanced lighting and promotes public safety.
As we celebrate 40 years of commitment to the growth and prosperity of Downtown Baltimore, we are honored to highlight the remarkable contributions of our partners.
These ten organizations—each with their unique strengths and deep ties to our city—play a pivotal role in shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient Baltimore.
From advancing healthcare and education to fostering economic development and sustainability, their unwavering dedication helps drive positive change across our community. Their support not only fuels immediate impact but also lays the foundation for long-term success and growth.
Together, we look forward to continuing this journey, building on the strong partnerships that have been instrumental in our shared vision for Baltimore’s future. Join us in celebrating these exceptional partners and the transformative impact they have on our beloved city.
