Bel Air Downtown Alliance Awarded $150K Grant

BEL AIR, MD — The Bel Air Downtown Alliance is getting new digs, and the state is pitching in. The nonprofit will be moving into 5 North Main Street in 2020.

A three-story building is being renovated there for a new business called WorkMode. Plans call for a multipurpose space where people can conduct their business and get coffee.

Among those moving in will be the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, a nonprofit focused on community development in the town of Bel Air. Currently, it's at 37 North Main Street.

According to WorkMode, its building used to be a movie theater in Bel Air.

The Community Legacy Program provided $150,000 for the Bel Air Downtown Alliance to move to WorkMode and develop the co-working space.

WorkMode was one of 58 projects in Maryland receiving awards through this program. Others included rehabilitation of historic buildings in Frederick County and Smith Island Community Park Overlook in Somerset County.

Related:

• WorkMode To Bring Co-Working Space And Coffee Shop To Bel Air

Also receiving funds were the Historical Society of Harford County, awarded $100,000 to restore the historic Otho Scott House, also known as Scott's Old Fields. The money will cover an assessment of the building, lead paint mitigation and stabilization of the structure, officials said.

Habitat for Humanity received $60,000 to build new homes that are modest and energy-efficient, for ownership by low-income families.

The city of Aberdeen was awarded $55,000 for its facade and interior improvement program that will promote revitalization, attract new businesses, and strengthen the community, according to a statement from the governor's office.

"These awards are about creating economic growth, new jobs and improving communities for all Marylanders," Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement. "Our administration is proud to support such a diverse slate of important projects that will truly change Maryland for the better."