Baltimore Grows

A study by Next Generation Consulting ranked Baltimore the 7th best city for young professionals in cities with over 500,000 in population.  The study was based on rankings in several categories including cost of living, earning potential, vitality, nightlife, educational opportunities, walkability/commute times, and social capital.

Follow the link below to read the full report:

http://nextgenerationconsulting.com/assets/documents/NextCities_2009-2010_US.pdf

jeffcantonite@yahoo.com

Despite the economy, there still seems to be a flurry of development news concerning the Station North area of Baltimore.  The Station North Area was designated an “Arts and Entertainment” district by the city and the neighborhood is roughly bounded by 20th St on the North, Howard on the West, Greenmount on the East, and Penn Station/train tracks on the south.

Here’s a bit of recent news:

1. The Baltimore Development Corporation recently issued a Request for Proposals for the former Parkway Theatre and adjacent properties that sit at the crucial corner of Charles Street and North Ave.  The Parkway Theatre is currently vacant (anyone looking for a fixer upper?) and the adjacent property is occupied by “New York Fried Chicken”.  The chicken joint can go “bye bye”, but as part of the proposal, the theatre must remain and be used as some kind of live performance venue. 

Click Here to view the RFP

2. Amtrak recently inked a deal with a Bethesda based developer to develop the top three floors of Baltimore’s Penn Station into a boutique hotel.  Work is expected to start by the end of the year for completion in 2010.  Click Here to read the article.  Ultimately, the plan is for Amtrak to expand the concourse north across the tracks to the parking lot along Lanvale Street.  Amtrak has retained consulting firm WRT to make recommendations for the 1.5 acre site by this fall.  Early plans have called for this area to be an open concourse with a mixed hotel/retail components.  Follow the link to the Station North Master Plan at the bottom of this post for more info.

3. Also in the works is a planned $15million development of artist housing on a vacant parcel of land at the corner of Greenmount Ave and Oliver St.  The development will be a mix of affordable apartments and townhomes.  Click Here to Read the Article.

Click Here to View the Full Station North Master Plan

jeffcantonite@yahoo.com

Baltimore’s Urban Design and Architectural Review Board has approved the plans for Baltimore’s City Center project, a mixed use project that will include and Summerfield Suites, Hyatt Place, and a residential component. 

Demolition will begin this summer with construction to begin next spring.  The project will be complete by Fall of 2011.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/real-estate/bal-city-center-0618,0,1421366.story

jeffcantonite@yahoo.com

As someone who lives a block away from the future McHenry Row development, I have a natural interest in the project’s progress.  Here’s a synopsis of what’s happened at the construction site since last October: NOTHING.  Or at least not much more than nothing.  I snapped the photos here back in October of 2008 - almost 9 months ago.  If you drive by today, you’ll see not much has changed.  Developer Mark Sapperstein ran out of financing back in the fall (BBJ article), and apparently is still working on the new funding.

I say the project’s a tease because the amount of buzz and excitement it has stirred up with area residents.  Federal Hill and Locust Point desperately need a decent grocery store.  Unless you have a special taste for moldy produce, the Shoppers at Southside Shopping Center comes no where close to “decent.”  McHenry row promises to bring relief in the form of a sparkling new Harris Teeter.

Additionally, many of us are excited about other tenant names being thrown around like Panera, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and Greene Turtle.  The latter two are both shown on the McHenry Row Website, so there’s likely already a deal in place with those two.  But given the delays, those deals could fall through perhaps.  Green Turtle is particularly exciting.  Having a nice restaurant/bar with outdoor seating and parking in South Baltimore will be a unique luxury.

Hampden will be getting it’s first wine bar, called 13.5% Wine Bar, on the Avenue at 1117 36th Street.  It’s about two storefronts down from Hampden mainstay Golden West. 

The owner, who is currently finishing up renovations, was giving previews to passerbys at this year’s Honfest.  The bar is slated to open within the next couple of weeks (with no official date as of yet).  There will be a trendy looking bar, lounge area, and a store to purchase your favorite bottle.  They will also be serving tapas style food. 

The bar is a far cry from the Hampden of 10 years ago, but looks like it will add nicely to the diverse array of storefronts along ”The Avenue”

Click Here to read an article in the Baltimore Messenger 

jeffcantonite@yahoo.com

Canton residents no longer have to drive to Dundalk to get their car washed these days.  Not only that, but they can do so with minimal harm to the environment and while sipping on their favorite caffeinated beverage.  This is thanks to the the newly opened “Canton Car Wash” http://www.cantoncarwash.com/  which comes complete with a coffee bar and barista.

A group of Canton entrepreneurs took a run down industrial lot on the east side of Canton (at O’Donnell and Ponca Streets) and turned it into a gleaming, environmentally friendly carwash that uses recycled water and biodegradable soaps.  Although, the thing that impressed me the most about the place were the amenities, the friendly staff, and attention to customer service.  Washes start at 12 bucks and go up from there depending on how much detailing, coatings, wax, etc that you get.

jeffcantonite@yahoo.com

With the economy the way it is, urban “container gardening” has really taken off, especially for those that want to save a few bucks by growing their own herbs, peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, etc.

Fortunately, with the opening of a couple of new shops, those of us near downtown Baltimore won’t have go very far to get the necessary tools. 

“Baltimore Contained” (2400 Fleet Street) at the corner of Montford and Fleet Street in Canton recently opened in the former Dangerously Delicious Pie Shop (Dangerously Delicious has since moved to Federal Hill).  Instead of pies, the racks are now filled with flowers, herbs, pots, and other gardening tools. Visit http://baltimorecontained.com/

Also recently opened is the second location of “The Dutch Connection”  http://www.thedutchconnection.us  in the Bagby Building in Harbor East (1008 Fleet St).  Their original location is in Belvedere Square.  While the Dutch Connection focuses more on cut flower arrangements, they also have a significant amount of plants and small shrubs perfect for an urban garden.

jeffcantonite@yahoo.com

The HGTV show Bang For Your Buck is looking to locate Baltimore homeowners who may be interested in having their recently remodeled great room featured on the show.

Home & Garden Television’s (HGTV) BANG FOR YOUR BUCK is coming back for a second season and we’re looking for fun and enthusiastic homeowners in the greater Baltimore area RIGHT NOW!

Renovations must have taken place recently (no more than 3 years ago).

Each episode will tour three similar remodels at similar price points in the same city. We’ll bring in our design expert and real estate expert to determine how the renovation impacts each home’s value. We’ll also provide viewers with expert advice, answers on remodeling values, and inspiring ideas for design.

Taping will begin shortly, so if you’re interested, please apply immediately!

Please send photos of your great room and request an application at:
BSchledewitz@highnoonentertainment.com
Or Brooke Schledewitz at (303) 712-3168

The planned 1.4 billion dollar State Center Development is at a crossroads this week and is in jeopardy of being killed by the Maryland State Senate.  The original plan includes a transit oriented, mixed used development at the State Office Complex in Baltimore City, scheduled to break ground in 2010. 

The project is critical to the healthy growth of Baltimore City and the State of Maryland, especially with regards to “smart growth” strategies.  The land is currently mostly parking lots and vacant building, adjacent to under-utilized subway and light rail stations.  Should the project continue, it will be a model for transit oriented urban planning and will generate countless jobs, tax revenue, and vitalization to that area of the city. 

Please click on the link below to read the article in the Baltimore Sun, and then click on the ACTION ALERT to learn more and to e-mail your state senator.

Please tell your state senator not to be short-sighted.  The long term benefits of the State Center redevelopment far outweigh current temporary budget constraints.

Baltimore Sun Article

ACTION ALERT - Email your State Senators

jeffcantonite@yahoo.com

Baltimore seems to be getting more and more good press every day.  Baltimore was recently featured in National Geographic Traveler, and in Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine (conveniently located in your seat pocket).  Viewed by thousands of tourists each day.  Click below to read excerpts from each article.

http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/on-foot/baltimore/on-foot-baltimore.pdf

http://www.spiritmag.com/city_profiles/article/meet_baltimore/

jeffcantonite@yahoo.com