OUR HISTORY

Yard 56 History Aerial

Built in 1911, Pemco International Corporation manufactured an array of porcelain and ceramics products at their 20-acre plant in East Baltimore.

 

Yard 56 History Pemco Barrels

The Pemco plant had a long history of environmental violations including the dumping of lead and arsenic that seeped into the soil and groundwater. The site was abandoned by Pemco International in 2006 to move south towards the company’s industrial customer base. Warehouses on site were nearly full of ceramic mixing and manufacturing products left behind. The site was prone to vandalism, vagrants and arson fires.

Yard 56 History Groundbreaking

In March 2018, MCB Real Estate started the demolition of the former Pemco International campus to make way for Yard 56 a mixed-use development project. On May 16, 2018, as demolition continued, MCB Real Estate along with community leaders, elected officials and citizens broke ground on what was to become 100,000 sf of retail, 85,000 sf office, as well as residential and hospitality uses.

Yard 56 History

Artifacts from the original manufacturing plant were reproposed to pay homage to the origination of the site. Pictured is an 8’ tall gear box used to help produce porcelain and glass products.

Yard 56 History Street View

Construction was completed in May of 2020, followed by the opening of Yard 56’s first tenants – Chipotle, Panda Express, Fulton Bank, LA Fitness, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Total Athlete Nutrition, Nekter Juice Bar, Starbucks, & Eyes on Eastern.