Baltimore Grows

Driving down I-95 yesterday, I noticed that demolition had begun on the old Westport Power Plant on the banks of the middle branch of the Patapsco River in Baltimore.  This might make the vision of having a “second inner harbor” as some people have called it, more of a reality.   Planned is a mixed-use development that will include high-rises, offices, condos, and retail.  Rumor also has it (unconfirmed) that Donald Trump has invested in the project in anticipation of legalized gambling in Baltimore.  The middle branch has been one of the locations proposed for a slots parlor if approved by Maryland voters.

 In other Middle branch news, the Tribune Company has bought up The Sun’s land in Port Covington (56 acres).  This land, along with the land occupied currently by Wal-Mart and Sams Club, have been targeted for mixed-use redevelopment.  The developer apparently envisions a “2-billion dollar, Harbor East-style community”.  If the Sun property and the Wal-Mart property are combined, this would apparently amount to about 140 acres available for redevelopment.  This is in addition to and separate from the redevelopment planned around the former power station.  However, having multiple developers investing in the same area will hopefully fuel the fire and encourage heavier investment.