Truitt Street Community Center
Salisbury, MD
The closing of Calloway Street Gym placed the status of several Salisbury based community programs in question. In their search for a solution to this problem, the City of Salisbury engaged Gillis Gilkerson’s development team.
“Mayor Day was looking for a building to renovate so the kids and programs wouldn’t be displaced,” said Kevin Lindsay, Neighborhood Relations Manager for the City of Salisbury.
Gillis Gilkerson developers identified 319 Truitt Street, a vacant +/- 5,000 square foot warehouse, as a potential location for a new community center. After purchasing and completing extensive renovations, the developer leased the building to the City of Salisbury. Truitt Street Community Center features new gym flooring, two basketball hoops, soccer goals and open space suitable for table activities and meetings.
Over 100 children ranging in age from 10 to 18 frequent the center regularly to attend after-school tutoring programs and life skill seminars. The center also hosts local basketball leagues and offers a complete dance studio. Truitt Street Community Center is the first of four community centers planned for under-served neighborhoods in Salisbury. The portion building is shared with Chesapeake Health Care.
“When the City reached out, we knew we could help in a way that would prevent them from having to secure a bond to relocate the community center,” said Joey Gilkerson, Principal of Gillis Gilkerson. “It’s pretty cool to see the building hosting so many different community events. From women’s conferences to hip-hop dance classes… the opportunities provided by this space are endless.”
“Working with Joey has been great. When the heater died, he was on it. He is always on top of things and he understands the importance of what we are doing here.” -Kevin Lindsay, Neighborhood Relations Manager
