On Friday, April 3rd, The Community Builders (TCB) and the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA), joined by Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-3), Annapolis Mayor Joseph Littmann, representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), along with state and local officials and partners, celebrated the ribbon cutting of the revitalized Morris H. Blum Apartments—an affordable senior housing community in the heart of Maryland’s capital city.
“The one thing I hear at every town hall, community meeting, and even at the grocery store is that the cost of living is too high. Housing remains the highest cost for Maryland families each month, which is why I was thrilled to gather with the state and local leaders who have led the way to make sure seniors can continue to afford to call Annapolis home, said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03). “Today’s ribbon cutting marks an important milestone at the Morris H. Blum Senior Apartments in Team Maryland’s work to alleviate costs and ensure our seniors can continue to live with dignity,”
An anchor of affordable housing in Annapolis, the Morris H. Blum Apartments are an eight-story, 154-home community serving seniors and near-elderly residents with disabilities. Originally built in 1976 and previously renovated in 1995, the revitalization preserves a vital community asset and ensures long-term affordability for residents.
“I want Annapolis to be a city that works for people at every stage of life,” said Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann. “Morris Blum is a strong example of that commitment because this project preserves long-term affordability and helps seniors remain in the community they know and love. It allows our residents to age in place with dignity, stability, and support.”
The revitalization of Morris H. Blum is a critical step in sustaining opportunities for very low-income seniors to remain in the community they call home. The development is designed to promote healthy aging through enriched services that support residents’ social, physical, and wellness needs.
“This is about making sure the seniors who built this community can continue to live here with dignity and stability,” said Melissa Maddox-Evans, Executive Director and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis. “Morris H. Blum has been part of Annapolis for decades, and this work allows us to preserve that legacy while creating a healthier, more supportive environment for residents. We are proud to do this in partnership with the City, HUD, and The Community Builders, because it takes that kind of alignment to get this right.”
The extensive renovation introduces modern comfort and convenience throughout the property, including upgraded apartment interiors, new windows, energy-efficient lighting, updated appliances, a new roof, and refreshed landscaping. A newly designed multi-purpose room provides space for community gatherings and social engagement.
Residents also benefit from a range of on-site amenities that foster independence and well-being, including a 1,000-square-foot medical clinic, a Congregate Care program, and a commercial kitchen.
“The revitalization of Morris H. Blum reflects our deep commitment to preserving affordable housing that allows seniors to age with dignity in the communities they love,” said Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders. “Through this partnership with HACA, the City of Annapolis, and our public-sector partners, we are not only extending the life of a critical housing resource, but also creating a healthier, more supportive environment where residents can thrive for decades to come.”
Formerly known as the Glenwood Apartments, the property was previously owned and operated by HACA as a traditional public housing high-rise. Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 18 Demo Disposition/Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, HACA partnered with TCB to reposition and revitalize the community.
As part of the redevelopment, 100 percent of the apartments have been converted to project-based Section 8 assistance, replacing the former public housing subsidy with long-term housing contracts that ensure ongoing affordability for very low-income residents.
“Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Scott Turner, HUD is focused on streamlining programs, cutting unnecessary red tape, and empowering communities to drive solutions that meet their local needs,” said Lacia Sommars, Field Office Director for HUD. “I want to thank our partners at Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis and The Community Builders for their leadership and commitment to expanding access to safe, stable, and high-quality housing for the seniors of Annapolis”
In addition to physical improvements, TCB’s Community Life resident services model will provide residents with access to programs and services that support housing stability, health, and overall quality of life.
The comprehensive rehabilitation includes upgrades to cabinets and countertops, modernized bathrooms, state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, elevator improvements, gas water heaters, and other building system enhancements—ensuring the property remains a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community for years to come.
For additional images and media information contact jesse.migneault@tcbinc.org at The Community Builders, 857-221-8661,