A Little New York
in
Baltimore:
Federal Hill
Dozens of people were out making use of the city in their own way during our visit to Federal Hill, all on their own independent business yet a part of the larger mass. The crowds in the commercial heart of the neighborhood at Cross and Light provided that sense of liveliness and excitement.
Since people are always moving in and out of Federal Hill, there is no real sense of community in Federal Hill and Federal Hill continues to change and evolve. One couple, who has lived in Federal Hill since 1989, commented on the evolution of Federal Hill’s community. The couple felt that the actual hill in Federal Hill is the main area in the community that brings together the community. Many people of the community walk their dogs in the dog park on the hill and bring their kids to the playground on the hill.
The couple also commented on the changes they have seen in the Cross Street Market. They mentioned that the Cross Street Market used to be another place where the community could gather. But, presently, Cross Street Market seems to be a place where all people gather. As a result, there is much diversity in the Market with regards to the types of businesses (the taco place, meat/fish sellers, bakery, florist, tavern, etc.), the people running the businesses (Caucasian, Asian, African-American, Middle Eastern, etc.), and the customers (policemen/women, an old man in a wheelchair, mailwoman, other students, locals, tourists, etc.).
Living in Federal Hill for over two decades, the couple mentioned that their favorite part of Federal Hill was that everything is in walking distance. They called Federal Hill a “little New York”.
Photos of Our Visit
Drawing by Ebi Causey
Photo by James De Vinne
“While exploring Baltimore, I ran into this corrupted bench. I instantly told my peers how I thought it represented the city perfectly and they all gazed at me with a perplexed countenance. The explosion of the bench represents the hardships and downfalls the city undergoes. Through these mishaps, Federal Hill stands tall in the shadows of darkness that appear in a typical, powerhouse city which is represented by the unharmed part of the bench.”
Photo and Description by Mia Mangione
Photo by James De Vinne
"Battery Ave: Federal Hill Park Neighborhood"
Drawing and Description by Maria Park
"From the top of Federal Hill, we could see the Inner Harbor’s ships, aquarium, and other attractions and buildings. We could also see the newly built townhouses. I was struck by how similar they all looked. Though they were very classy and modern, the new housing units lacked the uniqueness and diversity of the rowhouses and storefronts on Light St."
Photo by Augustina Gilmore; Description by Maria Park
"Signs of ethnic diversity outside a law firm on Light St."
Photo and Description by James De Vinne
"Front stoops provide a place to sit and interact with the street and a “soft edge” to the building."
Photo and Description by James De Vinne
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