The long-awaited facelift of the park facing Mercy Medical Center is set to begin this spring and wrap in 18 months.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore says the city is expected to soon select a Baltimore contractor for the $6M renovation that will add more green space and outdoor seating. The work involves building a supporting foundation for the aging wall and stairs and create an upper level park space with landscaping and sidewalks. Downtown Partnership president Kirby Fowler says enhancing parks will make downtown a better place for the increasing number of renters.

Downtown’s residential population grew 9% between 2007 and 2014. “It could be a central public space for this growing residential area,” Kirby says. Expect a “nice area to stroll and enjoy coffee.” He’s pictured, middle, at our recent Future of Downtown Baltimore event.

To bring more visitors to Preston Gardens, Downtown Partnership hopes to add more events like yoga and poetry in the park and food and drink kiosks. Funding for the renovations comes from the city, state and federal governments, Downtown Partnership and Mercy Medical Center.