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A Groundbreaking Moment for Baltimore at Reservoir Square 🚧🌟

Groundreaking

On June 27, 2025, history began taking shape at Reservoir Square, where the city of Baltimore celebrated the groundbreaking of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED). This event wasn’t just about moving dirt—it symbolized a bold step forward for Baltimore’s economy, vision, and workforce.

Held at the site of the future MOED headquarters on 850 W. North Ave., this invite-only gathering brought together city leaders, key stakeholders, and community partners to mark this milestone with hope and excitement. From engaging speeches by distinguished guests to immersive experiences that showcased what’s to come, the morning exuded a spirit of progress and unity.

Here’s a closer look at how the MOED Groundbreaking event set the stage for a brighter Baltimore.

Immersing in the Vision with VR 🎧🏙️

One of the most captivating features of the event was the virtual reality (VR) station, which offered attendees a glimpse into the future of the MOED building. Imagine putting on a headset and stepping into a fully realized space—before it’s even built!
This state-of-the-art experience added a layer of excitement and imagination, giving guests an opportunity to connect with the project in a deeply personal way. Attendees marveled at the innovative design, truly understanding the scale and impact this building will bring to Baltimore.
It was a powerful nod to the city’s commitment to innovation and its potential to lead Maryland into a progressive, economically thriving future.
VR
VR

Inspiring Words from Visionary Leaders 🗨️💡

Against the backdrop of soft beats from a live DJ, the program kicked into high gear at 9:33 AM with a lineup of trailblazing speakers who brought the significance of this initiative to life.


  • MacKenzie Garvin, Esq., Director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, delivered a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for the day by emphasizing the project’s focus on workforce empowerment and community impact.

  • P. David Bramble, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of MCB Real Estate, enthused the crowd with insights into the project’s significance, tracing its milestones and painting a vision of what lies ahead for Reservoir Square.

  • Assistant Secretary Carol Gilbert from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development took the stage to reaffirm the state’s support for economic development, galvanizing enthusiasm for public-private collaboration.

  • Bill Henry, Baltimore City Comptroller, shared details about the deal’s careful planning and execution, ensuring confidence in the project’s integrity.

  • J. Tom Sadowski, Executive Director of MEDCO, extended his gratitude to the key funding partners who helped make the project a reality.

These voices culminated in remarks from Senator Antonio Hayes and Councilman James Torrence, who stirred the crowd with heartfelt anecdotes on the positive ripple effects this project will have on jobs, opportunity, and community revitalization.

Perhaps the most touching moment came when a graduate of the Mayor's Office of Employment Development program shared their personal story. Their words offered a deeply human connection, underscoring how this initiative changes lives by creating opportunities and fostering hope.

The speeches concluded with MacKenzie Garvin returning to reflect on the mission of MOED and the bright future it promises for Baltimore.

A Symbolic Shovel Ceremony ⚒️🎉

No groundbreaking event is complete without a ceremonial shovel moment, and this one delivered in spades—literally! Leaders gathered with shovels in hand to turn the soil and officially kick off the construction of the new MOED headquarters.
This act wasn’t just symbolic—it was a tangible promise of progress and growth. The atmosphere was charged with optimism as cameras clicked and attendees applauded, each person connected by the shared excitement for what this development will mean for Baltimore.

A Thoughtful Setting and Ambience 🌺🎶

The event decor added an extra layer of charm and creativity. Floral centerpieces, masterfully arranged with sand, miniature cinder blocks, and tiny shovels, served as a standout feature that had guests talking.
These thoughtful details reflected the event’s building-centric theme while adding a touch of elegance.
The beverage station was another highlight, offering guests chilled drinks on a cloudy morning with temperatures hovering at 69 degrees.

As the event ran seamlessly, attendees enjoyed the soothing tunes from a live DJ, which added just the right vibe for networking and conversations.


Even as light drizzles began toward the end of the program, spirits remained high, with attendees savoring moments of connection, ambition, and celebration.

A Day of Optimism and Connection 🤝✨

The groundbreaking ceremony at Reservoir Square wasn’t just about infrastructure. It was an ode to Baltimore’s commitment to progress, symbolizing a bridge between where the city is and where it wants to go.

In line with this theme, the event also featured several interactive activities aimed at fostering positive connections between community members and city officials. From a photo booth featuring creative props representing different aspects of Baltimore culture, to a food station serving locally-sourced delicacies, every element of the event was designed to engage and uplift attendees.

The result? A lively atmosphere that perfectly reflected the optimism and sense of unity that are driving Baltimore forward.


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