HQ History

A New Home for the Junior League of Baltimore and a Benefit to the Community

For the past 99 years, the membership of the Junior League has been dedicated to serving and improving the Baltimore community. And, after nine decades of continuously providing service while moving in and out of 15 different headquarters, the Junior League has now created a permanent facility for its administrative and member headquarters and community use. In June 2007, the Junior League of Baltimore broke ground on its new headquarters and Wise Penny Thrift Store located at 5902 York Road, next to the Senator Theatre. In doing so, the Junior League of Baltimore has increased its organizational capacity to provide services that support our low-income neighbors in need.

This capital project served a twofold purpose. First it has allowed the Junior League to renovate the Wise Penny Thrift Store, located near the newly revitalized Belvedere Square. The Wise Penny has provided a stabilizing economic presence and support for the Govans community for the last 36 years. Critical improvements to the Wise Penny are necessary to allow for continued operations, increase visibility, strengthen its customer base, and increase revenues to fund our community projects. The Wise Penny is also the Junior League of Baltimore's major fundraiser, having generated over $2.3 million in net revenue in its 36 year history. Secondly, the project has created a new Junior League headquarters and community center, establishing a permanent presence for the Junior League in the community and dedicating large space for community outreach, education and training programs.

We thank the many people, companies and partners who have made this huge effort possible, including Constantine Commercial Construction, Fran Anderson at RECMP, Thornhill Design Studio, and Penza Bailey Architects.