Following the Death of Freddie Gray and the subsequent 2015 Baltimore protests, government leaders decided to launch the innovation district as a way to attract redevelopment and revitalization to the areas hardest hit by the protests.

The district includes the neighborhoods of Mondawmin, Coppin Heights, Penn-North, Reservoir Hill and Bolton Hill.

[3] Efforts to form the district originated from the community organization known as the Mount Royal Community Development Corporation (MRCDC).

[4] Similar innovation districts have been formed in neighborhoods like University City in Philadelphia and the South Boston Seaport District.

[5] The West Baltimore Innovation District neighbors the nearby Station North Arts and Entertainment District and includes access to numerous forms of transportation including the Baltimore Metro Subway and Baltimore Light Rail.