After three years of continuous discussions, a residential center for homeless teenagers and young adults - believed to be the first of its kind in Maryland - is closer than ever to being built on Baltimore's west side.

A dream of committed leaders from private and public agencies, the project is designed to provide a place for young people who have little support from their families to receive adult supervision and help while they pursue an education or job training.

The project is called Restoration Gardens, and it is on track to open in 2009 at 3701 Cottage Ave. in the Park Heights community, just west of Television Hill.

The expected $5 million cost includes the demolition of an old schoolhouse donated by Delta Sigma Theta, the service-oriented sorority of college-educated black women, and the construction of 40 efficiency apartments, according to Julia Pierson, a consultant hired in June to bring the project to the development stage.   more >>