Jun 29 2007
Plans for Former Balloon Site Scaled Back
Today’s Baltimore Sun reports that development plans for the former balloon ride site have been scaled back.? The vacant site sites adjacent to Power Plant Live and President Street at the base of I83.? Developer David Cordish is now presenting alternate plans.
Cordish had promised Baltimore Development Corp. that at the foot of a 250-unit high-rise of condominiums and apartments, he would build a Lucky Strike Lanes, an upscale bowling “lounge” - part of a network with 16 locations nationwide including Washington.
But yesterday BDC officials were trying to decide which of two much smaller alternative proposals they preferred. One includes 100 apartments and retail space a fraction the size of the bowling alley. Another maintains the same retail space and substitutes a 100-room hotel. Both options include parking garages for about 100 cars.
They cited market conditions as the reason for the change of plans.? To me, this isn’t a great location anyway.? Stuck between the obnoxious bars & clubs of Power Plant and President Street.? There is a subway stop there, but unless your heading to one of the few places it visits, it won’t be of much use.? But I can see how this location would appeal to many young downtown workers.? Unfortunately this will kill the possibility of adding another high-rise to Baltimore’s skyline.
2 Comments to “Plans for Former Balloon Site Scaled Back”
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The property sits across the street from one of the larget gatherings of homeless people in the city. Good or bad - it is what it is. I would have liked to see something big go up there though. This spot sits on the Eastern most end of downtown - so there isn’t much more room to go up around there.
Perhaps apartments will work better there anyway. Seems to be enough condominium projects at this point. Apartments seem like a good sell in that location, close walk to downtown buildings, inner harbor, little italy, harbor east, and nightlife at your doorstep. I would live there. As long as the rents weren’t too high.