Former Police Station Turned Into Apartment Building

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- An abandoned city police station has a new look. It's now an apartment building for Baltimore residents. It's part of the city's plan to get rid of a slew of vacant buildings.

Gigi Barnett gives us a look inside the new Fells Point Station.

Back in the 1920s, this building--located in the city's oldest waterfront neighborhood--was a police station. Now the crime and grime are both gone.

The historic Fells Point building is now home to dozens of city residents in a four-story apartment complex.

This week, the city marked the grand opening of the new Fells Point Station. Inside, there's a full gym and spacious units--and it's in the heart of Fells Point.

"I love the building because it's easy access to everything. I can jump on the highway from here, either going north or south," said Colleen Perkins-Bailey. "Everything's in that zone."

But the recycling of the old Baltimore building has a deeper meaning for city leaders. They have a two-fold plan to get rid of a multitude of abandoned buildings while providing new, affordable places for future residents to live--at least 10,000 in the next seven years.

"To grow a city, you have to both attract new residents and give those new residents who are already here a reason to stay," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Citywide, Baltimore Housing has demolished more than 800 vacant properties and more than 1,200 abandoned buildings are being renovated.

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