Mercy Recognized with Downtown Baltimore Award for Role in Renovation of Historic Preston Gardens

Mercy Medical Center was recognized for the hospital’s role in the renovations of historic Preston Gardens, on Thursday, Oct. 18th at the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s annual meeting.

The meeting included networking among the region’s key business, government and community leaders, updates on the Partnership’s major initiatives, and presentation of the Downtown Baltimore Awards. Mercy Medical Center was honored as Sister Helen Amos, RSM, Executive Chair, Mercy Health Services Board of Trustees, and Thomas R. Mullen, Mercy President and CEO, accepted the award on behalf of the 143-year-old hospital.

Preston Gardens was identified for restoration as part of Downtown Partnership’s Open Space Master Plan. The $7 million public/private project was funded jointly by the Maryland State Department of Transportation, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, Mercy Medical Center, and Downtown Partnership.

Renovations began in August 2016 and included shoring up the western retaining wall that separated the upper-level of St. Paul Place from lower St. Paul Street, converting a traffic lane into green space, restoring the Preston Gardens water fountains, and improving the park’s lighting, landscaping and drainage.

“Mercy has a long tradition of supporting Preston Gardens. For more than 20 years now, the gardens have been the site of Mercy’s holiday displays during Christmas and Chanukah. Mercy volunteers have given countless hours in cleanup efforts, and Mercy staff has long enjoyed Preston Gardens as the site of our annual employee picnic. It was therefore very gratifying to have been able to play a role in the restoration of this historic park,” said Sister Helen Amos, RSM, who is pictured accepting the award.

“As a leading employer and contributor to the downtown business district, Mercy supports the Downtown Partnership in its efforts to stimulate economic development and transform public spaces, like Preston Gardens. To receive this recognition is further evidence of Mercy’s commitment to downtown Baltimore as a great place to live and work,” Mr. Mullen said.

Originally built in the 1920s, Preston Gardens is a prominent part of the Charles Street National Scenic Byway in the heart of downtown Baltimore. For Mercy Medical Center and the thousands of people who live, work, or visit nearby, Preston Gardens is a front yard and gathering spot for reading, lunch, and outdoor events programmed by Downtown Partnership such as yoga classes, bocce tournaments, and happy hour concerts.