Design Baltimore: Gateways
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Baltimore · Commercial Corridors
The Initiative

Design Baltimore: Gateways

An open design competition administered by the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), calling on architects, designers, artists, engineers, students, and community voices to reimagine three major vehicular gateway corridors into downtown Baltimore.
Baltimore Development Corporation
Administered by
Baltimore Development Corporation ↗
baltimoredevelopment.com
Aligned with Baltimore Together — see resources →
Submissions deadline
August 23, 2026 · 11:59 PM EST
Jury review deadline
September 17, 2026
Design awards
$450,000
Launch
June 29, 2026
Corridors
3 gateway corridors

How it works

Open Ideas Competition
Submit your concept by August 23, 2026

Open call for concepts addressing one or more of the three corridors. Submissions are due August 23, 2026 · 11:59 PM EST, followed by jury review running August 24 – September 17, 2026 (deadline September 17). Top 12 presentations on October 8, live-streamed winners announcement October 15, and public exhibition October 18 – November 30.

Six design priorities

All submissions are evaluated against these six priorities. Strong concepts will address several — not necessarily all — with conviction.

01
Iconic Identity
Create a bold, recognizable, and distinctly Baltimore gateway experience.
02
Pedestrian Safety & Connectivity
Improve crossings, accessibility, walkability, transit access, and bicycle safety.
03
Public Art & Placemaking
Integrate murals, sculpture, lighting, graphics, landscaping, and environmental storytelling.
04
Implementability
Provide practical solutions capable of being constructed and maintained.
05
Durability & Maintenance
Address long-term maintenance, weather resilience, and operational considerations.
06
Inclusivity & Community Connection
Reflect Baltimore's diverse neighborhoods, histories, cultures, and people.

What's in the brief

The downloadable Public Program Brief (v1.0, June 2026) is a 7-page public-facing document. It includes:

  • At-a-glance dates, awards & eligibility
  • The initiative & six design priorities
  • Summary of the three corridors
  • How to enter & evaluation process
  • Master timeline of key dates
  • Terms, IP rights & disclaimers
Apply nowExplore the gatewaysMaster timeline
Download

Project overview brief

The complete Design Baltimore: Gateways executive brief — initiative, legacy framework, three corridors (Southern, Western, Northern), and master timeline.

Download Program BriefDownload Official Rules (PDF)Read rules on this site
Design_Baltimore_Gateways_Brief.pdf · 7 pages · Official Rules · 5 pages