You're spot on about the visitor's center. I was surprised how little information there is inside despite the space. My thought was that there should be a fairly substantial permanent exhibition on the history of Baltimore and the harbor (Fort McHenry, great fire etc etc) and a big map with specific details about some of the neighborhoods, beyond the Inner Harbor, that tourists might not know about, like Mt. Vernon and Fell's Point.

At the moment it's a wasted opportunity, and a waste of money.

The structure should be removed and the pier left bare. To much clutter in that area and the structure impedes the view of the ship. After all, the ship is the attraction why not give it more prominence? They should sell tickets and have a supplemental exhibit at the vistor's center. In fact, they should take some of the money raised for a new structure and add a second story to the visitor's center as was originally planned.

The visitor's center should sell tickets to various other attractions as well and be utilized for more exhibits. The center has greater potential then just a place for brochures. I know it gets a lot of visitors, but it can do much more to promote the city and inform visitors about the city's rich history. It can be a centralized location to sell tickets for various attractions, museums, theaters, tours, sporting events and transit.


I agree! More space in there would be nice. Unfortunatly, they didnt leave an option for expansion really. A second level would of been perfect....sell tickets for the Harbor Cruise/Ducks/Constellation/Water Taxi

I've got a question: For several months there has been scaffolding up around the Centerpoint tower (corner of Howard and Fayette) even though it's been finished for a while and has people living in it. It looks to me like something went wrong during construction (could it be subsiding?, or just a problem with the facade?), but I haven't read any media reports about it. It would be pretty embarrassing if the contractors messed up a high-profile project like that.

Anyone know anything about this or provide any suggestions as to what's wrong?

I've been wondering the same thing! I hope somebody knows.

BTW, I was driving down Alicianna Street yesterday and was completely blown away by all that has been built thus far. I can remember ten years ago riding my bike over to Chat Street (skater clothes store no longer open) and Soundgarden and it was completely empty over there. I wish I could see into the future to have a glimpse of the entire skyline ten years from now!

Wow looks like its about time for Baltimore Development News #14.

yeah, that nashville tower's going to be a BEAST!!!!!! i tip my hats off to them.

HOWEVER, just like you said sdeclue, we can get much more if nashville can get a 1047 footer. call me crazy, but i'm looking for baltimore to be getting a 1080-1100 footer (wishful thinking....lol).
From the Nashville thread:
"Developer Tony Giarratana has added 10 floors of hotel space to his plan for Signature Tower, a move that will make the project taller than New York City's Chrysler Building.

The move raises Signature's height to 1,047 feet and its price tag by more than a third to $275 million. The hotel will have a separate entrance from the residential component and its amenities, which will include a spa, will take up the first three floors of the tower.
Giarratana says he does not yet have an agreement with a hotel operator, but expects to ink one this summer. He says it will be a high-end facility that will draw its share of celebrities."

Hey, I have an idea. Why don't you guys e-mail Mr. Wheeler at ARCWheeler and tell him/them that if "Nashville" can get a 1,000 footer than Baltimore certainly can. Suggest they raise 10 Inner Harbor's Height to, say, 1,100 ft. :D LOL!
Here's the e-mail address: hwheeler@arcwheeler.com

Let's see.... Nashville's Signature Tower will cost $275 Million and it will have 65 stories and a beautiful crown that gives the tower a total height of 1,047 ft.
Baltimore has it's 10 Inner Harbor Tower at 59 stories and 716.5 ft. tall at a price tag of over $400 Million! I don't know why, but 10 Inner Harbor MUST have more quality materials and/or ammeneties to it than Signature Tower. I'm not going to knock the Signature Tower, though. I'm truly happy for the people of Nashville. It's a growing place in the city and metro. It's a HUGE entertainment capital, (not only country music), and a big college place, too. Their health care system is a good one, too. I know I sure wouldn't want anyone begrudge us if we get a 1,000 footer. I'm sure if we get one before other larger cities, that some will complain about "us" not deserving it before them. All in all we are high-rise development buffs and should be happy that such a great project like Signature Tower will be built in the good 'ol U.S. of A. :) It's a MAJOR compliment to our Country as it is to the city of Nashville. :) I know that's how I feel and hope others would feel the same way.

I might just shoot him an email and tell him that.

^^ go for it. :D