Maryland Stadium Authority
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Project Overview
The 21st Century School Buildings Program is a partnership between the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools), the City of Baltimore and the Interagency Commission on Public School Construction (IAC). Developed and managed by MSA, the program’s mission was to complete a projected 23 to 28 replacement and/or renovated schools in very congested, urban areas throughout Baltimore’s city limits. The goals of the program were to transform learning and educational experiences and to reimagine learning environments, increase community usage and engagement, and increase local investment through employment and small/minority business opportunities.
Community Impact
The 21st Century School Buildings Program benefits the community not only through new, modern learning environments but also by driving workforce development and local hiring. In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, the program created a comprehensive hiring plan that connects Baltimore residents with training and employment opportunities through local organizations and career centers. As a result, construction projects have generated significant job growth: to date, 1,619 Baltimore City residents have been hired, far exceeding commitments, with some projects creating five times more jobs than promised. These positions provide not just short-term construction work but pathways to long-term employment, helping residents build skills, retain jobs, and support their families. By combining education, workforce training, and community investment, the program strengthens Baltimore’s economy while ensuring residents directly benefit from school revitalization efforts.
The Challenges
The 21st Century School Buildings Program faced significant challenges, including replacing aging infrastructure and securing complex funding agreements between the state, city and school system. Coordinating among multiple partners required careful collaboration, while school closures and consolidations raised community concerns that demanded strong engagement and trust-building. Construction logistics, such as relocating students during rebuilds, added complexity, and ensuring equity across neighborhoods was essential to address historic disparities.
The Technology
The new schools built through the 21st Century School Buildings Program were designed with a strong focus on modern technology and sustainability, making them very different from the outdated facilities they replaced. These advanced technologies make them safer, healthier, and more adaptable for modern learning. They include energy-efficient HVAC systems, solar-ready rooftops, and smart building controls to lower costs and improve comfort. Classrooms are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, interactive displays, and flexible layouts to support digital and collaborative learning, while STEM labs and media centers provide cutting-edge resources.
The Timeline
The 21st Century School Buildings Program, jointly led by the Maryland Stadium Authority and Baltimore City Public Schools, is set to deliver a total of 29 new or renovated school buildings by the end of 2026. Originally targeting 23–28 schools by 2020, the program expanded due to efficient project management and financial strategies. Substantial completion was reached in 2021, with additional buildings completed in 2022 and 2023. The final two buildings are scheduled for completion in 2026, delayed due to swing space needs and the inclusion of the Frederick Douglass Building. Notably, five of the buildings are designed to house multiple school programs, allowing the total capacity to reach 34 schools.
Want to Learn More About Maryland stadium Authority?
he Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) was established by the General Assembly in 1986. The original mission was to build, manage and maintain quality facilities to retain major league baseball, and return NFL football to Maryland. MSA is committed to enhancing the Maryland experience for those who live, work and visit here. In addition, MSA currently oversees projects such as 21st Century School Buildings Program and Project C.O.R.E./Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative, which orchestrates the demolition of blighted structures throughout Baltimore City. The sports commission for the state of Maryland, known as Maryland Sports, is a division of MSA and has been since its existence in 2008.
