A new partnership forged between General Growth Properties Inc. and the city of Baltimore has spawned a $50,000 donation to Frederick Douglass High School.

General Growth, which for the past five years has managed Mondawin Mall on Gwynn Falls Parkway in Northwest Baltimore, is one of the largest owners and operators of shopping centers in the Baltimore area.

A check was presented Wednesday during a news conference at Douglass, across the street from the mall. The money will help restore a swimming program at the school and purchase new band equipment. According to the school’s principal, the band has not replaced its musical instruments for at least 20 years. The swimming program had long fizzled out, as well.

Among city officials and others who participated in the presentation were Mayor Sheila Dixon, city schools Chief Executive Officer Charlene Boston and Mondawin Mall Manager Charlotte Waters.

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In addressing the crowd gathered at the school, Dixon said that when the city was in discussions with General Growth for developing the partnership, she reminded the firm that several schools in the area could benefit from its presence.

She said General Growth officials were quick to respond with its commitment to both the community and the school.

“I suggested that General Growth provide upliftment in the community with the creation of a good partnership [with at least one of the] schools in the area,” which include Coppin State University, Dixon said. “It wanted to help with the community’s growth.”

Dixon noted Douglass has been in existence since 1886 and that the mall, which currently houses about 100 retail shops and eateries, has been an integral part of the community for the past 50 years.

Boston was accompanied at the event by several teachers and principals. While she praised General Growth’s commitment, she acknowledged corporate support of city schools in general.

“It’s nice that there are corporate people who support the schools,” Boston said. “They understand we can’t do this alone.”

Waters added that the donation would go a long way in school improvement and enhancing its community.

She said a revitalized pool would be ideal, serving not only Douglass’ students but the entire Mondawin community.

“We believe a great benefit is having a youth program that is well-rounded [as well] as a newly energized mall,” Waters said.

General Growth’s other local malls

» The Mall in Columbia

» Owings Mills Mall

» Towson Town Center

» Village of Cross Keys (Baltimore)

drowley@baltimoreexaminer.com