It has been a busy week for the Baltimore Development Corporation, the semi-public development arm of Baltimore City, issuing RFP’s (requests for proposal)? for the proposed new Baltimore Arena and an RFP for a group of vacant lots in Jonestown.
There were two RFP’s associated with the new Arena, one for a feasibility consultant and the other for a development team.? The Arena is described as an 18,500 seat facility with an “iconic design”.? Here’s an excerpt from the RFP:
“In July, BDC announced the decision to move forward with development of an 18,500-seat arena at the site of the current arena, bounded by Lombard Street, Howard Street, Baltimore Street, and Hopkins Place.
? Proposals are being requested from qualified and experienced teams for the design, development, construction and operation of the new arena in accordance with the following City objectives:? 1) The expedient delivery of a high quality mixed-use development with iconic design, to include an 18,500-seat arena and other uses (as recommended by the respondent). ? The architectural design of a new Baltimore arena should be of the highest standards, reflecting the caliber of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium, and embodying qualities of vitality, dignity and permanence; 2) To select a respondent able to achieve such a development funded with maximum private financial support; 3) To select an experienced and creative operator to attract and promote events on a regular basis; and 4) To achieve positive impacts, including: opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBE) and women business enterprises (WBE); jobs at a prevailing living wage for City residents; and contribution to the City’s long-term economic growth objectives.? “
The Jonestown RFP is associated with the vacant land at the intersection of Central and Lombard Ave. across from Lenny’s deli on Corned Beef Row.? Incidentally, the Baltimore Business Journal reported that Lenny’s deli was to be demolished in a separate deal to expand the Jewish Museum of Maryland.? Lenny’s is apparently? looking to move to a new location.? Here’s an excerpt from the RFP:
“The parcels total approximately 1.6 acres and are bounded by East Lombard Street to the north, Lloyd Street to the west, East Pratt Street to the south, and South Central Avenue to the east.
? Central Avenue is a heavily traveled north/south thoroughfare ranging from the Inner Harbor and Lancaster Street to the south, to Orleans Street to the north.? The Central Avenue Corridor connects Baltimore’s Inner Harbor East, Little Italy, and Jonestown neighborhoods with the Fells Point, Perkins Homes and Washington Hill neighborhoods.
? Several undeveloped lots exists in Jonestown that were originally part of the $90 million Albemarle Square HOPE VI project and the associated PUD (Planned Unit Development), including the development parcels offered in this RFP west of Central Avenue.? The Albemarle Square community, situated directly west of the site, consists of 343 townhouses and apartments that include both market-rate and affordable for-sale and rental housing.
? With the exception of the 130 S. Central Avenue (also known as the DPW site) all the development parcels are currently vacant and unimproved land.? The DPW site is comprised of historic properties.? Proposals for the redevelopment of the DPW building must include plans for the historic renovation and adaptive reuse of the existing structure.? The former Gerry’s Tire Service Building, also located at 130 S. Central Avenue, may be considered for demolition.
? The site offers a unique opportunity to serve as an eastern gateway to the Central Business District to the west, and as a northern gateway to the Little Italy, Inner Harbor, Fells Point and Harbor East neighborhoods to the south.? It is adjacent to Baltimore’s famed Corn Beef Row, the Jewish Museum of Maryland, and recent prominent development along the Central Avenue Corridor including: Harbor East, the Canal Street Malt House, the Holland Track Building and Baltimore International College.
? BDC is seeking proposals from qualified developers in accordance with the following city objectives:? 1) Redevelopment of the site as a market-driven mixed-use project that includes a combination of one or more of residential, office, commercial/retail and parking land uses; 2) A project that incorporates a comprehensive view of this section of Southeast Baltimore and the Central Avenue Corridor that complements existing and planned projects; 3) Redevelopment of the site in a manner that is fully integrated with surrounding land uses and neighborhoods – enhancing the Albemarle Square project and? respecting the historic nature of the Jonestown, Little Italy and Washington Hill communities; 4) A project that capitalizes on the site’s location and creates a gateway to the nearby city neighborhoods, the Central Business District and the Central Avenue Corridor; and 5) A project that creates employment opportunities, generates new taxes and provides new housing options for the City of Baltimore.”
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Visit the Baltimore Development Corporation website for more details http://www.baltimoredevelopment.com/
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jeffcantonite@yahoo.com
An ambitious redevelopment of an abandoned landmark. In East Baltimore. During a recession. Sound like a good idea to you? But against all odds, things seem to be working in favor of Columbia-based non-profit Humanim’s redevelopment of the American Brewery Building—the once-abandoned structure should be open for business by this summer, and Humanim will use it as their Baltimore headquarters, providing workforce development to people with barriers to employment.
