A couple of weeks ago, The University of Baltimore's Real Estate and Economic Development (REED) program made history with its first-ever REED Industry Immersion and Development Tour—a full day of exploring Baltimore's evolving real estate and economic development landscape alongside students and industry professionals. And what a day it was.
A dozen students brought incredible energy and curiosity as they visited projects and initiatives at every stage of development. From community-driven redevelopment efforts in Greenmount West to the innovation-focused, mixed-use development at 4MLK, from waterfront transformation initiatives at the Middle Branch to forward-thinking conversations about the future of Harborplace and downtown Baltimore—the tour showcased the breadth and complexity of real estate development in action.
One of the best parts of the experience? The conversations didn't stop between sites. Traveling together throughout the day created natural space for thoughtful questions, networking, and meaningful discussion about development, community impact, market dynamics, and career pathways in the industry. Students weren't just observing — they were engaging, connecting, and thinking critically about what it takes to shape a city's future.
None of this would have been possible without our incredible industry hosts and partners. A huge thank you to ReBUILD Metro, Wexford Science & Technology, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, MCB Real Estate, and Cushman & Wakefield for welcoming our group and sharing their time, insights, and passion for Baltimore's growth.
We're also grateful to REED Advisory Board Members Charlie Fenwick, Lacey Johansson, and Terri Harrington, who joined us for the final stop of the day and contributed to a dynamic industry roundtable discussion that left students inspired and informed.
The feedback from students says it all. As one participant shared afterward:
"I genuinely enjoyed the day with the REED cohort and thought the tour was one of those energizing, eye-opening experiences. I might even say it was one of my favorite days as an MBA student at UBalt."
This experience felt like a strong first step toward what we hope becomes a signature REED tradition — connecting students directly with the people, places, and projects shaping Baltimore's future. Because real estate isn't just about buildings. It's about community, opportunity, and vision. And there's no better classroom than the city itself.
Want to learn more about UBalt's specialization in real estate and economic development and how we're preparing the next generation of leaders? Visit the B.S. in Business Administration's page focused on the specialization or reach out to connect with Julia Rodricks, REED program coordinator.
