the Neighborhood Design Center

Architectural and Interior Design

Arts Planning and Cultural Programming

Flower Ave Shopping Center

What makes a neighborhood shopping center more than just a place to run errands? When a place is thoughtfully designed with the people who use it every day, it shows.

Our design concepts for the Flower Ave Shopping Center, created in collaboration with Montgomery Housing Partnership and informed by direct feedback from small business owners, reflect a shared vision of a welcoming, vibrant space that invites people to gather and connect.


We gave businesses a facade survey to gather feedback.

Slide 1 of 5

Our proposed recommendations include:

    • Fresh, lively paint inspired by neighborhood murals

    • New signage and address markers for easier wayfinding

    • Window displays and lighting to improve visibility and safety

    • Culturally relevant design motifs (including Amharic signage and Ethiopian tilet patterns)

    • Space for public art and community murals

Ever wonder, how can I improve my business storefront? Here are our Facade Design Concepts for Flower Ave Shopping Center.

These facade improvements aim to transform a traditional shopping plaza into a true third space that’s about interaction, identity, and pride in place.

These early-stage concepts are not yet implemented, but we’re excited to share what’s possible when community voices lead the design process.

Services Provided

Architectural and Interior Design

In collaboration with you and a team of stakeholders, we identify a vision for your space, produce design options that reflect what we’ve heard, and deliver design documents that you can use to fundraise, apply for grants, or further develop designs with a licensed design professional.

    • Code Analysis

    • Site Planning

    • Conceptual Building and Space Plans (Existing Buildings and New Construction)

    • Arts Space Technical Assistance Program

    • Interior Design and Furniture Plans 

    • Facade Improvement Programs (Design and Management)

    • Visualizations

    • Project Management

See Examples

Arts Planning and Cultural Programming

Our placemaking team listens to the unique history of each neighborhood and proposes design and art solutions that anchor and amplify those stories in place. We can support you in identifying public art opportunities, artist selection, designing placemaking elements and events, or securing a historic designation for your building or neighborhood. 

    • Public Art and Administration (Includes Artist Residency Programs, Management of Artist RFQs and RFPs)

    • Public Art Implementation 

    • Placekeeping and Placemaking

    • Historic Preservation

    • Place-based Identity  

    • Public Space Design

    • Cultural and Public Artplans

See Examples

Last updated April 2025

Similar Projects

Rendering of Johnston Square Digital Equity Hub at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Computer Lab, Baltimore. Design by the Neighborhood Design Center.

Architectural and Interior DesignArts Planning and Cultural Programming

Johnston Square Digital Equity Hub

How might we create a space with free internet access and helpful programming for residents who need it? NDC created designs and recommendations for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Our Time Kitchen present company rendering

Architectural and Interior Design

Our Time Kitchen

Supporting the development of small food enterprises in Baltimore through our Arts Space Technical Assistance program.

Arts Planning and Cultural ProgrammingCommunity PlanningEngagement and Facilitation

Goodwin Park Cultural Hub

Goodwin Park is the largest recreational park in Seat Pleasant, Maryland. The Neighborhood Design Center partnered with the City to re-imagine this space into a cultural landmark.

Work with us
Case Studies