The Spy Nights series returns to the Avalon Theatre on March 3 at 6:00 PM with two nationally recognized leaders in creative placemaking: Rebecca Hoffberger, founder of Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum, and Peter Katz, a pioneering voice in the New Urbanism movement.
Rebecca Hoffberger
The “high concept” conversation centers on the future use of Easton’s downtown hospital site at 219 S. Washington Street — a 14-acre parcel in the heart of the city that will become available when the University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Center relocates to a new 200-acre campus on Longwoods Road in 2028. The relocation of the replacement hospital, currently under construction with completion expected in fall 2027, presents Easton with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reimagine a significant downtown footprint.
Hoffberger transformed an unconventional idea into an international cultural landmark, building the award-winning American Visionary Art Museum from the ground up. Known for seeing possibilities where others see limits, she has become a leading creative voice in efforts to reimagine Baltimore’s Harborplace.
Peter Katz
Katz played a catalytic role in launching the New Urbanism movement, writing the seminal book The New Urbanism: Toward an Architecture of Community and serving as founding executive director of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). There, he helped establish the organization’s charter, secure early funding, and build partnerships with agencies including HUD. He now works as a strategic consultant advancing walkable, sustainable, community-focused design nationwide.
In this conversation, moderated by Spy publisher Dave Wheelan, Hoffberger and Katz will examine the hospital site opportunity from a broader perspective.
Proceeds from tickets will benefit the Talbot Spy and Avalon Foundation partnership to support public affairs programming.
WHAT: Spy Nights: Reimagining Easton’s Hospital Site
WHO: Rebecca Hoffberger and Peter Katz, moderated by Dave Wheelan
WHEN: Monday, March 3, 2026, 6:00 PM
WHERE: Avalon Theatre, Easton, MD
TICKETS: Purchase online here
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