Third Spaces in Baltimore

According to the Maryland Public Library Statistics Report for FY 2024, visits to libraries have continued to rise since the pandemic, with an 8% increase recorded in 2024. Patterson Park also serves as a viable third space, offering facilities such as one of the city’s two ice rinks. Meanwhile, the number of parishes has declined alongside the city’s overall population. Between 2014 and 2024, the share of Baltimore residents who identify as religiously unaffiliated increased by 11%. Since churches have traditionally served as important third spaces, this shift is particularly noteworthy.

Lexington Market is another major third space that has evolved significantly over time. In 2022, a $45 million redevelopment project revitalized the market, introducing more diverse vendors and expanding its community appeal. The key to third-place revitalization may lie in embracing diversity and adapting to change.

Although there are no continuous data on local events in Baltimore, particularly from companies like Eventbrite, available statistics show that on major holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Baltimore hosts more events than larger cities like Chicago, Austin, or Denver. However, the majority of these events and third spaces are concentrated in the “White L” rather than the “Black Butterfly,” local terms that describe the city’s racial and economic divides. This concentration of investment and opportunity in wealthier areas mirrors the lack of green spaces in the Black Butterfly. Generally, neighborhoods with more green space tend to host more events and foster greater community engagement.