Alpha Genesis Community Development Corporation

NSV Phase 2 The purpose of this project is to renovate, beautify, and maximize the viewing area surrounding the nationally acclaimed Harriet Tubman "Take My Hand" mural created by artist Michael Rosato. This mural has brought thousands of visitors to our historic downtown however, the mural is located in a back parking lot with garbage cans, broken asphalt, and limited accessibility. Phase 2 of the North Star Village project creates a partnership with the City of Cambridge and the state of Maryland to create a multipurpose outdoor pavilion encompassing the mural, a 10,000 sq. ft. parking area. The pavilion is called the Harriet Tubman Pavilion, which sits adjacent to Cannery Way, an open space owned by the City of Cambridge. This area will host outdoor concerts, a public art gallery as well as outdoor festivals. During the pandemic, the outdoor appeal of this venue has made it extremely attractive for visitors seeking safe outdoor spaces. Once renovated, this area, which also shares the rear lot with the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center (stop #3 on the Underground Railroad Byway), will consist of several components. First, a solar panel called the Harriet Tubman Pavilion, that will provide shade and covering for the mural viewing area; the North Star Station a small building which will provide public accommodation for the hundreds of tourists who travel great distances to view the mural; and a community garden which pays tribute to Harriet Tubman and her travels on the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman's extensive knowledge of natural plants and herbs exemplified her resourcefulness and adaptability, qualities that were essential for survival during her perilous missions on the Underground Railroad. Honoring Harriet Tubman through this grassroots initiative provides a place of remembrance and reflection that speaks to the resilience of our community. This gives the Cambridge community the ability to implement a narrative of growth, healing, and progression, not only for residents but for the nation at large. The Harriet Tubman Pavilion and surrounding improvements exemplify a commitment to equitable spaces where Tubman's legacy and the community's identity can thrive in a setting worthy of their importance. This pavilion will continue building connections for the local community and for the thousands of visitors who come to Maryland to experience the most powerful Underground Railroad storytelling destination in the world.

NSV Phase 3 The purpose of the North Star Village is to renovate, beautify the viewing area and the buildings surrounding the nationally acclaimed Harriet Tubman Mural -Take My Hand mural, created by artist Michael Rosato. This mural has had a positive economic impact by bringing thousands of new visitors to our downtown. Unfortunately, the mural is located in our back parking lot with garbage cans, broken asphalt, and limited accessibility. The third phase of the North Star Village is the renovation of the Historic Woolworth building located at 420 to 422 Race St., Cambridge, MD. Given its size and proximity to the Harriet Tubman mural, this 18,000 sq. ft building is a key property in desperate need of rehabilitation. The rear of this property anchors all the adjacent buildings at the Harriet Tubman Mural. Alpha Genesis CDC was awarded over 9 million in State Historic Tax Credits(SHTC) to rehabilitate this property. The adaptive reuse will include 3 new retail stores on the first floor, and an expanded Art Bar venue in the rear. The second floor will have 17 residential units and a rooftop garden. Currently, Alpha Genesis utilizes the rear of the building for an Art Gallery and event space, called the Art Bar 2.0. The Art Bar is a cultural hub for programs, events, and community gatherings.