Mission Helpers Sale
Our former neighbors:
Before sharing an update on the property, it is helpful to understand the role the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart have played in Baltimore and here in Towson. Founded in Baltimore in 1890, the Mission Helpers are a Catholic religious community of women whose early work focused on education and support for underserved communities, and later expanded to broader social and pastoral services. They established their Towson campus in the early 20th century, where the site served for decades as their motherhouse as well as a place for community-oriented activities and neighborhood events. This included Medium Organized Events and housing. In recent years, as the size of the congregation declined and their needs evolved, the Mission Helpers made the decision to sell the property, marking the close of a long chapter at this location while their mission continues elsewhere.
What we know about the new neighbors:
The Mission Helpers property on West Joppa Road was sold on December 30, 2025 to new owners. The 4.17-acre site abuts Blakehurst Retirement home and was sold to a Delaware-based LLC. At this time, the ownership group has not publicly identified itself, and there are still several open questions about future plans for the property. We know this is an important site for the neighborhood, and we will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. There is a tie into the Owings Mills Synagogue though the exact relationship is not yet clear.
Our Approach as an Organization:
Based on publicly shared information, there is concern that this property may be leased for use as an event space. However, no formal plans have been presented to the community, and details around operations, traffic, parking, and site use have not yet been fully addressed. The property itself has some inherent constraints, including limited parking and a single point of access, which will be important considerations in any future use. There are also longstanding agreements and covenants tied to the property that help guide what is possible on the site. Further, we are in close contact with a group of neighbors immediately surrounding the property and remain committed to providing ongoing updates that impact the quality of life and nature of the neighborhood.
As a neighborhood, our approach is to stay informed, remain constructive, be ready to engage; but most of all represent the desires of the entire neighborhood. We will attempt to work with the new owners and future occupants to ensure the property is used in a way that is compatible with the surrounding community. As more information becomes available, we will continue to share updates and create opportunities for neighbors to stay involved in the conversation.
Your opportunity to provide input:
It is important to understand how our neighbors would like the space to be used. Below is a brief questionnaire to share your take on appropriate use of the space:
