Residents Express Ongoing Concerns Amidst Morris H. Blum Renovation
As a $60 million renovation project nears completion at the Morris H. Blum Senior Apartments on Glenwood Street in Annapolis, some residents continue to report ongoing building concerns. The Community Builders (TCB), a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that develops, owns, and operates affordable and mixed-income housing, manages the property and is leading this project to "revitalize and enhance the living experience" at the 154-unit senior housing community.According to a TCB statement from August 31, 2023, the rehabilitation includes "new windows, upgraded cabinets, modern countertops, improved toilets, state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, an updated roof, refreshed landscaping, modernized elevators, energy-efficient lighting, gas water heaters, and a new multi-purpose room." The renovation is expected to be completed by October 29, 2025.
Several residents have shared ongoing concerns with Report Annapolis News about conditions inside the building, even as the renovation nears completion. Issues mentioned include mold, air quality, elevator reliability, and lighting challenges for those with visual impairments. One resident described their experience living through the renovation: “Some days it’s hard just to see well enough to move around my apartment. I’ve told the building management many times that I need a grab bar in the bathroom, and I’m still waiting for the lights to be fixed after several months,” the resident said. “I can't tell what they have actually fixed in two years."
"With the mold like it is in the building, we all probably should be wearing masks," another resident stated. "We have to even go outside the building for our resident meetings, and the elevator has been broke for months. I don't see how all of this will get done by the end of October."
In a statement to Report Annapolis News dated October 3, 2025, The Community Builders expressed its commitment to residents, stating, "Our highest priority is the comfort and safety of the people who call our communities home." TCB noted that "Morris Blum is a residential community serving over 154 Annapolis seniors and adults with disabilities. The property is currently undergoing an occupied renovation that will be completed by Oct. 29, 2025."
The statement further detailed that the project "will provide all building residents with new windows, upgraded cabinets, modern countertops, improved toilets, state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, an updated roof, refreshed landscaping, modernized elevators, innovative LED lighting and a new multi-purpose room to foster social connections and host resident programming."
TCB added that "all work is inspected and certified according to City of Annapolis, State of Maryland and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements," and that TCB "takes resident concerns seriously and respond to all repair and maintenance requests in accordance with standard operating procedures."
For residents with special needs, TCB stated that they "receive reasonable accommodation for their apartments, which can include specialty lighting, walk-in showers, soaking bathtubs, shower and toilet grab bars, and more," with support from professional maintenance and resident services staff. The statement concluded, "On-site property management staff are available to address resident questions and concerns. We look forward to celebrating the Morris Blum grand re-opening with residents and the neighborhood soon."
Residents have indicated that they are looking forward to the completion of the renovations and the improvements outlined in the project.
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