The tenant mix at Harborplace is expanding with the addition of a “teen and youth center” that will offer “a safe space for STEM education and dirt bike mechanics.”
B-360 is the Baltimore-based organization that will operate the center as part of its mission to create “new paths to careers and opportunities one wheelie at a time.”
Founded in 2017 by CEO Brittany Young, B-360 uses dirt bike culture to “end the cycle of poverty, disrupt the prison pipeline and build bridges in communities,” according to its website. It offers classes, workshops, teaching opportunities and job placement to students interested in pursuing careers in fields in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“B-360 exists at the unlikely intersection of three lanes: unrecognized potential, dirt bike culture and STEM education,” the website says. “Through STEM education, community engagement, career preparation and events, we equip youth and young adults with the skills to secure educational and career opportunities, while changing the negative perception of dirt bike riders. We repair and build relationships in the community, uncover new and unique career opportunities, provide and enhance career skills, bridge the STEM gap and create events that unite communities in a safe and fun way.”
Dirt bike riding is illegal on public streets in Baltimore, and that’s largely why B-360 was founded — to encourage dirt bike enthusiasts to ride away from traffic and teach them not only how to maintain their bikes but to turn those skills into good jobs and careers.
“We love the thrill of doing stunts and popping wheelies, but we also stress safety,” its website says. “To shift riders out of traffic, we curate events in safe spaces for riders of all ages to display their talents and riding style safely.”
The organization announced on social media that it will launch its teen and youth center in Harborplace’s Light Street Pavilion at 301 Light Street with a ribbon-cutting and Giving Hour Celebration on March 25.
“We’re preparing for our 8 year anniversary and opening a space just for youth!” it announced on Instagram, @b360baltimore. “This will be our first ever brick and mortar location and we cannot wait to celebrate with you!”
A separate notice promised “a safe space for STEM education and dirt bike mechanics.”
MCB Real Estate, the owner of Harborplace, unveiled plans in 2023 to tear down the two Harborplace pavilions at Pratt and Light streets to make way for a $500 million mixed-use development containing apartments, offices, shops, restaurants and park space.
While the company finalizes its plans for the replacement project, it has been leasing space in the existing pavilions to short-term tenants who would be willing to move out when MCB is ready to begin construction. This is the first time MCB or any of its predecessors have provided space at Harborplace for a teen and youth center.
According to Alexandra Hughes, a spokesperson for MCB, B-360’s space in the Light Street pavilion will serve as its corporate office and student center. She said dirt bikes are not allowed at Harborplace and no dirt bike activities, including mechanical work, will be taking place at B-360’s teen and youth center.
Hughes said MCB heard during a series of community engagement sessions with the public that there is a need for more activities for young people at the Inner Harbor, and this lease is a response to that.
“B-360 is an incredible nonprofit organization that has a proven track record of working with young people in Baltimore City, providing a sense of community and teaching important skills applicable to future professional work,” she said in an email message.
“We heard clearly during community engagement that young people want a safe space at the Harbor and want to feel like they belong there. There was no better way to demonstrate that commitment than to partner with a trusted community organization like B-360 to provide that sense of place and community.”
Young, the founder, is a retired engineer, educator and Baltimore native. After the incarceration of her minor brother, the website says, “she became empowered to create solutions to funnel talent which resulted in B-360.”
“I saw two problems in my community: the need for better and more relevant ways to teach STEM, and the need for programmatic ways to reduce nonviolent crimes, specifically dirt bikes,” she said. “With B-360’s approach, we’ve created a solution for both issues.”
The organization’s work “shifts street riders out of traffic into programming, safe spaces and opportunities around their love of dirt bikes and skills. We work with all stakeholders, including students, riders, communities, policy makers/government officials and law enforcement to create equitable solutions and voices that work for all.”
B-360’s goals are to: increase public safety and health; increase jobs and careers available to youths and young adults; increase career readiness and skills, increase safe spaces, increase safety, increase community relations and tourism; decrease arrests of youths and young adults; decrease dirt bike riders in traffic and decrease stress.
Its list of 2022 partners included: the NBA Foundation; the Abell Foundation; the Annie E. Casey Foundation; BGE; Constellation; Greenger Powersports; Blaustein Philanthropic Group; Brown Advisory; the Bunting Family Foundation; the Goldseker Foundation; Fusion Partnerships; the Johns Hopkins University Social Innovation Lab; the Enoch Pratt Free Library; the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks; the Baltimore City Public Schools and many others.
The first requirement SHOULD BE requiring proof of ownership and returning stolen bikes to their respective owners.