...continued from the previous thread.

Here is a link to the old thread:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=352237

Originally Posted by cgunna
Registered User
I truly emjoy lurking on this forum. For some reason, the spirit moved me to post. I'll offer a few thoughts on some of the recent topics sround here.

1. Didn't get to attend the Fugtag event. In fact I had never heard of it before last week. Great to see it here in the city. (although jumping into the harbor water is a bit unsettling to me......)

2. I am really looking forward to the Urban Outfitters opening in the Light Street PAvillion. I'm interested in seeing how well it does in that location. Traditionally, its not been a place locals go to shop. Could be a great change for the area.

3. The Pf Chang's and Filene's announcements are fantastic news. I think that the actual location of the stores is not as big of a deal as some think. Frankly, our CBD is TINY. I like the idea that it helps elongate the 'Pratt street experience' the city is aiming for. It also creates a nice shopping hub there. However, I HATE the parking situation as it exists now. I can only see it getting worse. Shucks.

4. The berms along Pratt are disgusting. The rodent infestation is almost disgraceful. yuck.

5. How are the Station Arts North townhomes doing? Anyone know if sales are still strong? (and by sales I mean to folks who actually want to live there. not investors looking to flip)

6. I'm elated the transportation issue if finally being talked about. Whether or not we get the type of usuable mass transit we all covet, is up in the air. I just want it to be underground. If not heavy rail, maybe light rail. but some kind of rail.

7. The fountain at Pratt and Charles is a shame. FIX IT ALREADY. either that or scrap it.

8. Whats going on with the Redwood Trust? I heard a club was coming there but I haven't heard anything recently. The city needs more (nice)clubs. Espicially with the demise (again) of Hammerjacks.

9. The recently built park at the Harbor is a bit uninspiring. Maybe it will look nicer in the spring when the flowers bloom. I am a bit disappointed with the rather unimpressive look of the whole harbor walk over there. All the way to Rusty Scupper its, well, blah. With these Ritz residences, maybe the city will spruce things up a bit.

10. my rambling and disjointed thoughts are over. thanks for reading.


speaking of rusty scuppers (#9), i was on hord-coplan-macht's website and i saw this rendering of a future condo building that's going to be right next to the restaurant. they're saying that it's going to have 32 condos and 21 townhomes.
http://www.hcm2.com/images/Projects/1278979226489337502.jpg

http://www.hcm2.com/images/Projects/1278979226489337503.jpg

Good news about the Constellation deal falling through. I didn't want to see Baltimore lose another (in fact, it's most lucrative) company. Plus, I've dealt with FPL for the last five years, and I don't trust them to manage Baltimore's energy resources.

http://www.hcm2.com/images/Projects/1278979226489337502.jpg

This style of architecture is becoming all too common around the waterfront. I'm not a big fan of it in any manner, but it seems more fit for offices than for residences.

Is that even still on the table? Isnt that part of where the Ritz-Carlton is building as we speak?

Barnes & Noble opens its doors on St. Paul Street
Ron Cassie, The Examiner
Oct 25, 2006 5:00 AM (10 hrs ago)
Current rank: # 22 of 7,867 articles

BALTIMORE - The free coffee all weekend was terrific.


So were the sparkling hardcovers.

About the only complaint at the opening of Johns Hopkins’ Barnes & Noble in Charles Village by local residents was that there were not enough books. And unlike other stores in the chain, there was no music, either.

Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, a private sister company of publicly traded Barnes & Noble Inc., has operated the Hopkins’ bookstore in Gilman Hall’s basement since 1981. The store moved into its new — and more visible — digs on the ground floor of the residential Charles Commons building.

As part of a college town trend, Hopkins and Barnes & Noble partnered with developers to create an “academic superstore” on St. Paul Street, a block from campus. The result is somewhere between its traditional college bookstore and mega-retail model. The plan is simple: Retain students, faculty, alumni and parents as clients while enticing the community to become regular customers.

“But the store is just too small,” said Jerry Cooper, a Hopkins faculty member and Charles Village resident since 1968. “There is not enough square feet to do everything they want to do.”

The second floor is filled with textbooks — still the store’s first mission, manager Paul Lynch said. The first floor has the traditional coffee shop, but the space is dominated by a large section of Hopkins clothing, gift items and gear. The opening coincided with parents weekend.

“If it said ‘Hopkins’ on it, parents were buying it,” said Amy Peyrot, a sophomore working at the store. “There were some people asking about music,” she added. “I sent them down to Record and Tape Traders.”

There are roughly 850 Barnes & Noble retail stores in the United States, like the ones in Towson and the Inner Harbor, and 525 college stores. The hybrid “superstore” makes up a tiny percentage, but it’s growing. Lynch noted similar models at Yale and Harvard, and said Wilkes and Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., are getting into the act by sharing a new academic superstore.

The downside at the Hopkins store, however, is a Barnes & Noble’s with only 25 percent to 30 percent of the titles found at a full-size store.

“And we’re still trying to work out the mix of what we carry,” Lynch said.

“That will evolve. Eventually, I think we’ll lean back more towards the academic side,” rather than the clothing etc., he said. “I think Charles Village probably is looking for more titles, like our faculty.”

Is that even still on the table? Isnt that part of where the Ritz-Carlton is building as we speak?
no. if built, it would be exactly next door to the ritz. an underground parking garage is there currently. according to hord-coplan-macht, they're saying that it's still on the table. i agree with peter though. this building seems like it would be more fit for offices than residences.

For me, learning that that project is to be built next to the Ritz makes the issue a little more interesting for me. The pros are that it will add a little more life to that area. I'm not sure how much liveliness the Ritz will add, and aside from the AVAM, there isn't really much there.
The con is that the area is greatly lacking in even decent architecture, and while this project would certainly be above par for the area, we should be expecting more from buildings going up along the waterfront.
The Ritz, in my opinion, resembles a building that you might find in London along the Thames. I think it would be interesting if that area of the harbor would be developed with mid-rise (to please the nimbys in Federal Hill) projects of very high architectural merit. It would provide a great contrast to the downtown skyline. To go along with it, I would throw in a new building for AVAM. As interesting as that museum is, they picked the most boring building in Baltimore. It's a good museum, with some interesting exhibits. It should have a building that is representative of the art it houses. It would also create another interesting contrast with the Ritz across the street.

Yes, something must be done with the Light St.-Key Highway area, but please not that office building. We have a billion of those going up and ruining what could be great land for other projects in Harbor Point.

^I had never heard of this project, but I'm glad to find out about it.

The site is actually a two level parking deck squeezed between Rash Field and the Ritz site.

More surface parking bites the dust!! Good.

Nate

Edit: However, the fact that the rendering still shows the propeller site next door instead of the Ritz makes me think this project has fallen by the wayside.

^^
I remember looking at that project awhile ago. I think of it more as a conceptual idea for a valuable plot of land, much like the one for the University of Baltimore lot.

http://www.hcm2.com/images/Projects/1278979365762775002.jpg

^I had never heard of this project, but I'm glad to find out about it.

The site is actually a two level parking deck squeezed between Rash Field and the Ritz site.

More surface parking bites the dust!! Good.

The 2 level garage in question is owned by the City of Baltimore and not by private individuals. It was built by the city to lure the Rusty Scupper to the harbor back when they had to bribe developers to build anything downtown.

The city is currently studying what to do with Rash Field and the garage. Building on them is not an option, but builidng under them is. They are thinking about putting a multi level garage under the field. One option is to demolish the garage to incorporate that site into the footprint of the new under ground garage project.

Whatever is constructed, the city has committed to keeping it park land on top. Look for something like Center Plaza in Charles Center to emerge on the south shore when all is said and done.

I read the above information about a year ago in the Sun.

Altered plan for pier in Fells Pt.
Historic structure will be converted into a 130-room upscale hotel
By Jill Rosen
Sun reporter
Originally published October 26, 2006
The latest players in the long-suffering effort to redevelop Fells Point's landmark Recreation Pier intend to convert the historic structure into a chic hotel.

Developer J. Joseph Clarke, tossing aside his second partner in the project after only a couple of months, announced yesterday that he will be working with Baltimore's H&S Properties Inc., the company behind the thriving Harbor East complex.





The team has arranged to turn the property, nationally recognized since its use as a police station on NBC's Homicide: Life on the Street, into an Aloft hotel, a less expensive version of the W Hotel brand.

"It fits perfectly into the Fells Point area," said Michael S. Beatty, president of H&S. Clarke added: "It's very cutting-edge stuff in the lodging industry."

The hotel will have 130 rooms, typically renting for between $150 and $200 a night. All parking will be valet because no garage is planned for the site. And members of the public will be able to stroll the pier, which juts 500 feet into the harbor, for a water view as well as a glimpse of the docked tugboats.

The plan has changed substantially since the summer, when Clarke revealed plans to work with Baltimore's Focus Development on a 185-room, unnamed hotel with parking.

The city's effort to redevelop the pier dates back to 2002, and Fells Point residents - and Baltimore housing officials - have become impatient over the past four years with the lack of progress and Clarke's ever-changing cast of characters.

Originally the developer planned to work with New Orleans-based HRI Properties, but that firm bowed out after Hurricane Katrina.

Despite this latest change, city officials and community leaders praise the new partner and the new plan.

"We need a deal in hand by the end of the year that's feasible and practical," said city housing spokesman David Tillman. "But we don't think this current change is anything but good news."

Del. Peter A. Hammen, who presides over the Fells Point Task Force, said the hotel sounds great for the neighborhood and hopes the city takes steps to make sure work begins soon.

"There is a degree of frustration within the community because the project hasn't moved forward," Hammen said. "Yet once residents know the funding for the project is secure and that there's a definite time frame for construction, they'll feel much better."

Baltimore built the Recreation Pier in 1914 as a place for boats to store cargo. But it also became a community center, particularly the expansive second-floor ballroom. That space was adapted into a television studio for the Baltimore-based series, and it has been closed to the public ever since the show went off the air.

Four years ago, with the aging pier severely deteriorating and a lack of public funds available for repairs estimated at $3 million to $4 million, the city offered the site to developers.

Contenders for the job proposed a range of uses, including condos, offices and hotels. The city whittled the candidates down to two: Clarke, with his plan for a hotel with artist stalls underneath; and a team of H&S and Struever Bros Eccles & Rouse, which had an idea for an office building - and was open to other options, including reserving some of it for a public use, such as a museum.

The decision didn't come until 2004. Though the community was torn between the two developers, the city settled on Clarke, who won $3 million last year in state historic tax credits for the work.

Both Clarke and Beatty agree that the major challenge facing the project is repairing the pier.

Along the 500-foot pier, the half closest to shore is in good shape, but the other half is structurally unsound. Waves and currents over the past 90-some years have worn the concrete pilings thin.

Clarke estimates it will cost between $8 million and $9 million to stabilize the pier - a job he once thought would be expensive at $3 million.

"We're going to start as soon as we can. Winter's not a good time to start putting people into the water for repairs," he said.

Clarke hopes the hotel can open in 2008 - the target date for the first Aloft hotels to be opening around the country.

The hotel's design attempts to buck industry stereotypes, starting with its square rooms and extra-large bathrooms.

"It's all about more space, more light, taller ceilings and modern furnishings," Beatty said. "It's hip, cool style. I think without question you're going to get that younger Gen-X customer."


http://www.fellspoint.us/slideshows/water/04.jpg

http://www.baltimoredevelopment.com/files/pdf/rfp/upload/rec_pier.jpg

H&S isnt known to sit on projects.....correct? I guess what im asking is, will H&S bring anything to the table?????

^^ They seem to have been sitting on the Four Seasons now for 2 years. And nothing has been built at Harbor Pont (Allied Signal) yet after many announcements. I hope they haven't come down with Clarkitice.:doh:

Rite Aid to duel Giant pharmacy at Rotunda

10/25/06
By Adam Bednar

The Rotunda's Rite Aid will be rebuilt as an expanded, prototype drugstore as part of Hekemian & Co.'s $130 million redevelopment of the struggling shopping mall. Hekemian point man Chris Bell announced the plans at a presentation for seniors at Roland Park Place, a retirement community across 40th Street from the Rotunda.

Rite Aid officials did not return phone calls seeking comment. Redevelopment plans already call for the mall's other anchor, a Giant supermarket, to be relocated to a new, freestanding complex on the Rotunda property as a larger store with a pharmacy -- something the current Giant, one of the smallest in the chain, does not have. The new Giant would be 72,000 square feet, compared with 58,000 now.

Rite-Aid would not be relocated, but its current space would be gutted and expanded as part of a plan to reposition all existing retail stores so that their front entrances would face out, Bell said. Rite Aid would increase in size from 8,700 to 10,000 square feet, Bell told the crowd of about 50 seniors. A different-looking store is planned, based on a prototype model, said Bell, Hekemian's senior vice president for acquisition and development.

"Rite Aid will stay where they are. They're just getting bigger," Bell said.

Previously reported plans include roughly 400 units of luxury housing -- including town houses and two apartment towers, one 22 stories and the other 10 stories. Also planned are 1,600 parking spaces, many of them underground, and at least four restaurants ranging from upscale to inexpensive. One would be in a coveted former power plant on the site, Bell said.

"We're trying to pick the right (restaurants)," Bell said. "One or two may be chains, but we're looking for some of the best restaurateurs in Baltimore." He said a bookstore, a health club, a home goods and furnishings store and an ice cream parlor are planned, too. Bell said he also is talking to Senator Theatre owner Tom Kiefaber about expanding the two-screen Rotunda theater, which Kiefaber also operates, to three or four screens.

Although the Hampden community has chafed at the size and density of the project, it is allowed as a matter of right under the site's zoning.

The news about Rite Aid is significant because it would create competition between the longtime Rotunda drugstore and the planned Giant pharmacy. A clause in the Rite Aid lease dating to the 1960s gives the drugstore exclusive rights to be the shopping center's only pharmacy -- unless the Rotunda is expanded by 115,000 square feet of new retail space. Hekemian, a New Jersey-based redeveloper, plans 160,000 square feet of new retail, counting the new Giant. That is more than enough to void the exclusivity agreement with Rite Aid, Bell said. However, there is no friction between Giant and Rite Aid, and the drugstore chain is eager to be part of the redeveloped Rotunda, Bell said.

Barnes & Noble or Borders?

Competition also might be brewing between two major bookstore chains that want to be the Rotunda's third anchor, Bell said. Discussions are under way with Borders Books and Barnes & Noble, Bell said. Barnes & Noble opened its newest area store Oct. 21 in Charles Village, not far from the Rotunda.

The plans received mixed reviews from seniors and administrators at Roland Park Place, which faces the Rotunda. Gasps greeted the announcement of a 22-story residence tower, and Roland Park Place marketing director Betsy Willett urged Bell to be mindful that "some of us are going to be looking at the rooftops" of the two towers. "Are we going to be looking at a lot of air handlers, or is it going to be a beautiful, green roof?"

She called the project "very exciting" and said, "I don't mean to be nitpicky, but people live here. Rooftops are really important to us." Resident Lauretta Maisel feared that with retail stores facing outward, the Rotunda would no longer be an indoor mall, and residents wouldn't be protected from the elements as they walked from one store to another. "That's not going to be very convenient for us," she said.

Bell said the building would be located in a way that would not obstruct residents' views. He also said equipment such as air-handler units would probably be located in rooms rather than on rooftops. As for why one tower is so high, Bell said it was based on input from the community, including Jay Brodie, president of the Baltimore Development Corp., who lives in north Baltimore.

Building up, not out

Bell said that during a March discussion of the project by the Baltimore City Urban Design & Architectural Review Panel, Brodie, an ex-officio member of the panel, encouraged him to build higher rather than spread out the project because it would be a more efficient use of space. Brodie was out of town and could not be reached for comment.

Robert Quilter, coordinator of the panel for the city planning department, said that the group took no formal position on the project at the time, but that some panelists suggested it be built so as to be less visible to residents on the east. "I think they were concerned about the height of the building from the community side," Quilter said. Minutes of the March 30 meeting show that a representative of the Hampden Community Council told the panel the project "appears too big for the neighborhood."

Council President Genny Dill said she still feels that way. When asked if she would rather see higher towers or a more spread-out project, she said, "I'd rather see larger setbacks, lower density and a smaller-scale project. But that's not what I'm going to get."

Altered plan for pier in Fells Pt.
Historic structure will be converted into a 130-room upscale hotel
By Jill Rosen
Sun reporter
Originally published October 26, 2006
The latest players in the long-suffering effort to redevelop Fells Point's landmark Recreation Pier intend to convert the historic structure into a chic hotel.

Developer J. Joseph Clarke, tossing aside his second partner in the project after only a couple of months, announced yesterday that he will be working with Baltimore's H&S Properties Inc., the company behind the thriving Harbor East complex.

So...this is where the Aloft is going. At least now we know its not 10IH, which wouldve been a major disappoinment. I sure hope this deal goes through as the Aloft flag does fit in well with the Fells Point neighborhood. Although, IIRC wast Aloft planning locations in the suburbs of large cities?

^^ They seem to have been sitting on the Four Seasons now for 2 years. And nothing has been built at Harbor Pont (Allied Signal) yet after many announcements. I hope they haven't come down with Clarkitice.
yeah, clarkitice (or clark-titis) is rather contagious nowadays.....hehe. catching it would be a shame. :puke:

Pratt site for sale
Interest in 12-story office tower called 'very, very good'
By Lorraine Mirabella
sun reporter
Originally published October 26, 2006
One of downtown Baltimore's trophy office buildings, 500 E. Pratt St., is on the market and generating strong interest from potential buyers, an owner's representative said yesterday.

The owner of the 12-story tower, one of the newest at the Inner Harbor, will be considering offers over the next couple of weeks and expects to select a buyer before Thanksgiving, said Bruce Strasburg, a principal and senior vice president with Trammell Crow Co.'s Washington office. Trammell Crow is representing the building's owner, Multi-Employer Property Trust, a pool of public and private pension funds.

With a prime Pratt Street location across from the harbor, "this is a great property to own and we've seen very, very good interest," Strasburg said.

Strasburg said he could not discuss the owner's reason for selling the building.

Area brokers said Baltimore's investment sales market for Class A office buildings, which are newer and include more amenities, has been strong, attracting the interest of national and international investors.

The 279,000-square-foot tower at Pratt and Gay streets was developed by Trammell Crow in 2004 and completed last year, with an attached 900-car garage and a first-floor restaurant, The Capital Grille steakhouse.

The land is owned by Baltimore City Community College, which offered it for development in 1998. The owner pays the college ground rent, said Herbert C. Sledge, interim vice president for institutional advancement.

The tower is nearly 93 percent leased, with accounting firm Reznick Group, insurance company Aon Corp. and law firm Saul Ewing LLP among its larger tenants, according to CoStar Group Inc., which tracks commercial real estate information.

Rents asked are among the highest downtown, ranging from $34 to $36 a square foot, according to CoStar.

"We continue to see a lot of interest on the part of national investors attracted to Baltimore, based on the underlying office market and on more and more residents moving into downtown Baltimore," said Bo Cashman, a senior vice president at CB Richard Ellis specializing in investment properties.


Highest price
Baltimore, though considered a second-tier city among office investors, is viewed as affordable on a price-per-square-foot basis when compared with cities such as Washington, Philadelphia and New York, Cashman said. Class A office buyers are typically institutional investors who are snapping up properties around the country and worldwide.

In Baltimore, Class A office buildings downtown have sold for $200 to $300 a square foot, he said. This year, 100 E. Pratt St. sold for $207.5 million, or $312 a square foot, the highest price ever paid for a Baltimore office property.

The 500 E. Pratt building could fetch a similarly high price because of its premier address, brokers said.

"What's most attractive is the location, the unobstructed harbor views, the Pratt Street address, the amenities in the building and in the immediate vicinity," Cashman said. "When the market is going in a favorable direction, it can push rental rates higher and yield higher returns."

Several sales of office properties are pending, including the state Department of Transportation's 30-story World Trade Center, the slim, pentagonal office tower that has helped define the harbor's skyline for three decades. State officials have narrowed a field of potential buyers but have not announced a buyer.

Vacancies in the Class A office properties in the city's central business district have dropped slightly, on average.

The vacancy rate fell to 12.08 percent in the third quarter, compared with a little more than 14 percent in the third quarter of 2005, said Kevin Wille, a first vice president with CB Richard Ellis in Baltimore.


Rents are steady
"It's a function of the strength of the overall economy, and you're continuing to see business growth in the city," Wille said.

Rents, meanwhile, have remained steady, averaging $25.51 per square foot in the central business district in the third quarter, Wille said. Some high-profile buildings have increased rents, but others continue to have blocks of vacant space, such as the 750 E. Pratt St. building.

lorraine.mirabella@baltsun.com

Well, they did it again! :rant:
My post count is knocked way down again! What's going on with that?! :?

^^
I remember looking at that project awhile ago. I think of it more as a conceptual idea for a valuable plot of land, much like the one for the University of Baltimore lot.

http://www.hcm2.com/images/Projects/1278979365762775002.jpg

Where is that site supposed to be????

Nate

yeah, clarkitice (or clark-titis) is rather contagious nowadays.....hehe. catching it would be a shame. :puke:

Nahh..........

They are only going to build so much so fast. I'd really rather them wait on Harbor Point anyway. It's much better to solidify the health of the core of downtown than to flood the market with too much office space anyway. Besides, Inner Harbor East has moved QUITE quickly by modern Baltimore standards, so it stands to reason developments will incrementally as they have been the past few years.

The only REAL problem spots seem to be One Light Street, the Weinbergs (generally speaking, but particularly the Superblock), and St. James Place/Mayfair at Howard and Franklin. The Broadway Pier has gotten bad, but it's not like a historic building that was demolished and then the project fell through like One Light.

I consider demolition of historic properties for new construction that falls through the biggest problem, followed by historic properties that are supposed to be renovated by then don't and may succumb to demolition by neglect--like the Johnston Building on S. Howard, where it was supposed to be incoporated into Market Center West Apts; and now possibly the Mayfair.

Vacant lots that don't get developed are annoying but not upsetting, like what happened to the Tower Building and the Southern Hotel. 300 E. Pratt will happen before too long.

Of course demolition for purely parking is still the ultimate sin......(followed by prayer gardens at Charles and Franklin)

Nate

Well, they did it again! :rant:
My post count is knocked way down again! What's going on with that?! :?

Hey me too!!!!!!!!!

Nate

Few points.

One, Wada guy, how many floors till your new home tops out?

Why are there so many streets downtown that allow parking on the street and limit them to two lanes? Get rid of his parking to ease traffic congestion and please fix the timing of the lights.

Also, there looks like a building is going up eventually near The Sun kinda by 83 where Pleasant and the street east of Calvert intersect. Anyone know about this?

I think thats one of Mercy's parking garages. Could be wrong.

I'm suprised that there are not any new pics taken of the Vue, lately. :)
Isn't the skin going up now?

I would imagine that the Vue is starting finish off its exterior. What began construction first, the Vue or 414 Water St?

My mother works in the aforementioned 500 E. Pratt building for the Reznick Group and, according to her, they may be expanding...

What may be expanding, BalWash? The company or the building? Any details?

I would prefer not eliminating the parking on the street, we need on-street parking for short-term visitors and to make retail development more attractive.

It also serves as a buffer between traffic and pedestrians.

Also, Mercy demolished their own garage to build a bigger garage, or something.....don't know why they didn't just add floors to the one they had....

Nate

Not new news, but perhaps there is more to this story here. This merger is an odd one. Baltimore's most clutch developer in recent years, and Baltimore's biggest choke artist for the last two decades. I wonder whose influence will win out. Perhaps if this project turns out well, H&S will be willing to help out at One Light Street.

H&S joins Clarke in Recreation Pier deal
# H&S Properties Development Corp. will partner with developer J. Joseph Clarke to restore Baltimore’s dilapidated Recreation Pier, The Daily Record learned yesterday.

- JEN DeGREGORIO

With more than enough condos and hotels lined up for the future, I figure there is really no sense in building One Light Street any time soon, sadly. The article posted earlier listed the Class A vacancy rate in Baltimore at about 12%. We're going to need to get the vacancy rate down below 10% to trigger new office construction, either that or a committment from a company for a large amount of space. Because if we want One Light to be a tall, great building, it will have to be filled with something.......

Nate

Rite Aid to duel Giant pharmacy at Rotunda


Building up, not out

Bell said that during a March discussion of the project by the Baltimore City Urban Design & Architectural Review Panel, Brodie, an ex-officio member of the panel, encouraged him to build higher rather than spread out the project because it would be a more efficient use of space.

This concept is such an obvious one, and yet ignored by so many developers and, more importantly, city planners. It's encouraging when this comes from the head of Baltimore Development, Corp. For skyscraper fans, I don't think there are many people that are better for the job than Brodie. He does a lot to fight the nimbys, I think.

That 22 story tower at the Rotunda should provide one of the best views of the city. Anybody have any idea what the elevation is around that area?

Baltimore group seeks to buy Sun
Venetoulis, Embry, Sondheim join bid
By Jamie Smith Hopkins and Andrea Walker
Sun Reporters
Originally published October 26, 2006, 9:40 PM EDT
A group of prominent Baltimore business and civic leaders has launched an effort to buy The Baltimore Sun Co., sending a letter Thursday indicating its interest to the company's Chicago parent.

Theodore G. Venetoulis, a former Baltimore County executive who lost a Democratic primary bid for governor in 1978, said he wrote Tribune Co. Thursday afternoon on behalf of the newly formed Baltimore Media Group. His letter expresses "strong interest" in acquiring The Sun and other assets held by The Baltimore Sun Co.

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Venetoulis chairs the group, which includes Abell Foundation President Robert C. Embry Jr. and longtime civic leader Walter Sondheim. He declined to name the other participants but said that 15 to 20 "very successful" Baltimoreans have expressed interest, depending on the price, and "there will be more before it's over."

The Baltimore residents are the latest in a string of wealthy business people around the country who want to buy their local metro daily newspapers from embattled corporate parents.

Locals led by Jack Welch, the former head of General Electric Co., said this week that they were interested in buying The Boston Globe. A group led by public relations and advertising executive Brian Tierney recently paid $515 million for The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News.

In Los Angeles, three billionaires, including music executive David Geffen, have said they want to buy the Los Angeles Times, which also is owned by Tribune. Yusef Jackson, the son of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, said he wants to buy the troubled Chicago Sun-Times.

"Communities are really getting very concerned about corporate cutbacks," said Thomas Kunkel, dean of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

Even for all their struggles with declining circulation and flat advertising, many metro daily news papers still have profit margins of 15 percent or more -- one reason why a number of major private- equity firms reportedly are interested in all of Tribune.

Tribune, which owns The Sun, 10 other daily English-language newspapers, two dozen television stations and the Chicago Cubs baseball team, said last month that it might sell all or some of its assets. A company spokesman, declining to comment Thursday, would not say whether Tribune had received the Baltimore group's letter.

Venetoulis, who said he has spoken to investment bankers hired by Tribune, said he believes the group has the wherewithal to make a serious bid. It has received interest from several large banks about financing, he said.

Participants see the potential acquisition as a social as well as a business investment, Venetoulis said.

"The group we've put together understand two things," said Venetoulis, who has worked in the publishing business for 25 years and once owned the Towson Times. "One, that this will not be an investment that will provide the usual yield and return that some investors will be used to. Secondly, they've agreed that they would not in any way attempt to jeopardize the paper's independence or attempt to give it a certain ideological bent."

Edwin F. Hale Sr., chief executive of Baltimore-based First Mariner Bank, said in an interview this month -- when rumors were swirling about Venetoulis' effort -- that he told organizers that he'd gladly listen when a proposal was on the table.

"I think they've talked to most of the corporate people around town," Hale said. "They're very serious."

Venetoulis said he wanted to get the letter in before Friday, which he had heard was the deadline for investors interested in buying the Tribune Co. as a whole. If Tribune decides to sell the entire company, Venetoulis said the group would try to negotiate with that buyer instead.

Embry and Sondheim approached Venetoulis nearly four months ago to mount the effort, as it became clear that Tribune -- battered by intensifying media competition, stagnant revenue and the demands of its largest investors -- might be open to offers. Around the same time, Embry told The Sun that the Abell Foundation was interested in joining with others for such an effort.

The founders of the Abell Foundation long owned The Baltimore Sun Co., selling it to Times Mirror Co. in 1986. Times Mirror sold itself to Tribune in 2000.

"If The Sun is going to be sold, I think that it would be great if it was owned by people who want to maintain and restore its quality," Embry said Thursday. "And I think that the media in the United States should not be centralized in large, publicly traded companies but should be decentralized, and different voices. Baltimore ought to have its own voice."

But private ownership isn't necessarily a panacea. The Philadelphia papers' new owners are looking at more layoffs and merging the publications to make up for sluggish sales and advertising.

Venetoulis said his group sees that as a warning against buying at any cost. He thinks Tierney might have overpaid.

John Morton, a newspaper industry analyst in Silver Spring, wouldn't be surprised if Tribune ends up selling some pieces of the company, but he doubts a major metro daily such as The Sun would be among them. "If they got an offer they couldn't refuse, they might be willing," he added.

This concept is such an obvious one, and yet ignored by so many developers and, more importantly, city planners. It's encouraging when this comes from the head of Baltimore Development, Corp. For skyscraper fans, I don't think there are many people that are better for the job than Brodie. He does a lot to fight the nimbys, I think.

The problem with the BDC is that they are becoming a rogue agency, much like Robert Moses Bridge and Tunnel Authority in NYC. The "quasi-public" crap has got to go--they were created to help cut through red tape. Now that they've outlived there initial usefulness, they move about the city using our tax dollars to hammer out deals with tax breaks in meeting that aren't open to the public. They have way too much power. City planning understands tall, the neighborhoods don't, although "tall" is relative. I don't think high-rises in the 12+ story range are appropriate for more than a few neighborhoods. One can get a lot of density from 4-10 story buidings--and that's the key to urban vitality--density. Rowhouses no longer offer sufficient density given American's proclivity toward smaller families and personal space. Multi-family and flats are the way of the future if there is enough of an economy in a few years to build anything with the energy crisis looming. :(

Nate

As time goes on, people will begin to realize that dense makes sense.
And the developers and construction companies will follow suit.
It's only a matter of time. People's lust for suburban living will wane eventially. When energy costs there vs. dense urban living costs become much more telling. Plus, I'm sure government will chime in with "smarter" growth standards, helping those decisions.

Few points.
One, Wada guy, how many floors till your new home tops out?

This photo was taken last Saturday. In it they are pouring the floor for the 29th level. The next 3 floors will have 10 foot ceilings so they will be taller than what you currently see. Then there will be a small pyramid above the elevator shaft. Every floor up to now, except the "mezzanine", has 8 foot ceilings.

It's interesting to note, that when counting floors in this structure, the large area between the top of the garage and the floor below the white band of fabric (you can see the brick), is considered to be the mezzanine. Where the brick is (look closely), that is "floor 11". The white fabric is floor 12. Then you just count up.

So the answer your question is THREE! The building will top at at 31 floors and the balconies on the top floor will not be covered which is why I purchased on the 30th floor. The elevation plans say that the floor to my unit will be 293 feet above the street. So if I stand on a chair, I'll hit the 300 foot mark. To the top of the pyramid it will be 341 feet.

The last time I lived downtown, I had a 40 foot terrace on the 14th floor of a building and it was wonderful to use it during a storm and watch the lightening strike the skyscrapers.

By the way, St. James Place, which is now named Renaissance Place, is under way on the West side.

God, I hope the Sun get sold to a local group. Perhaps we will get an Architecture critic again. Ya think?

Also, Gampy's on Charles Street and the ugly green building on Read Street (next to the wine store on the corner) are being gutted for 25 apartments and a new eatery!

http://www.baltimoreguy.com/photogallery/01%20My%20New%20Home%20414%20Water%20Street!/03%20From%20%20Lockwood%20Garage/414%20Lockwood%2041.jpg

once the Vue is 80% to 90% complete than they will start on the Four Seasons. Paterakis/Struever like to finish one project before they start on another. Remember the Vue is 1.2 million sq ft.

yeah, clarkitice (or clark-titis) is rather contagious nowadays.....hehe. catching it would be a shame. :puke:

Hey all, it's been a while since I've posted due to the SSC server issues, but I'm glad to see we're back and the forum is getting active again.

Some bullet points and questions if anyone can address them.

- anyone remember the plan to turn the Medical Arts building on Cathedral St. into rental apartments? I believe it was presented about a year ago but I've heard no updates since then and this grand old building sits and waits...

- the Baltimore School for the Arts rennovation seems to be taking longer than expected, although they do have the connection between the original building and brownstone they bought next door finished. I'm hoping they spruce up the exterior and the signature marquee to give the school the great look it deserves.

- a nice old building (can't remember the #) about 5-6 stories on Chase St, in between N. Charles and Maryland Ave has a banner up on it now advertising condos coming into it. This is great news, even though we're facing a condo glut, b/c this building looks to have some historical significance. sorry I can't offer more info on it, but I'll walk down one day and check it out.

- how are some of the existing projects on the West Side faring? Bedrock Billiards? the Starbucks? Maggie Moores? Centerpoint? I had friends who lived in Centerpoint till last year and it seemed pretty filled to capacity, and Maggie Moore's was always busy. I hope the Bedrock takes off, b/c that's a good space for them.

- the 1209 N. Charles condos are speeding right along. last time i check, they seemed to have the first couple floors laid down, as well as stripping off the beaten down exterior of the older buildings they'll be rennovating next to it.

- the new Our Daily Bread is going up quickly as well.

- the Vue and Water Tower look great as you drive into the city on 395.

- anyone have any pics or renderings of the St. James Place project that Wada Guy was mentioning?

- i just lost out on a house in Canton i was trying to rent on Luzerne St. so i'm pretty bummed. was really looking forward to moving into the city and this place was a great price and great location. back to searching Craigslist everyday I guess... *sigh*

Hey all, it's been a while since I've posted due to the SSC server issues, but I'm glad to see we're back and the forum is getting active again.

Some bullet points and questions if anyone can address them.

- anyone have any pics or renderings of the St. James Place project that Wada Guy was mentioning?
here's the best rendering of st. james place i could find.
http://mail.dpob.org/Development/images/0562008.jpg

once the Vue is 80% to 90% complete than they will start on the Four Seasons. Paterakis/Struever like to finish one project before they start on another. Remember the Vue is 1.2 million sq ft.

I had forgotten that the Vue was so massive. 1.2 million sq.ft. is the equivalent of what 10IH is projected to be.

My guess is that, if Paterakis was stalling the Four Seasons because the market wasn't right for hotel projects, he probably wouldn't have jumped on board with Clark for the Recreation Pier Hotel project. In reality, the hotel market would probably have to be pretty strong for anyone to jump on board with Clark for a project.

In reality, the hotel market would probably have to be pretty strong for anyone to jump on board with Clark for a project.yeah, no kiddin'........LOL!!!!!!!:hilarious

Hey all, it's been a while since I've posted due to the SSC server issues, but I'm glad to see we're back and the forum is getting active again.

Some bullet points and questions if anyone can address them.

- anyone remember the plan to turn the Medical Arts building on Cathedral St. into rental apartments? I believe it was presented about a year ago but I've heard no updates since then and this grand old building sits and waits...

- the Baltimore School for the Arts rennovation seems to be taking longer than expected, although they do have the connection between the original building and brownstone they bought next door finished. I'm hoping they spruce up the exterior and the signature marquee to give the school the great look it deserves.

- a nice old building (can't remember the #) about 5-6 stories on Chase St, in between N. Charles and Maryland Ave has a banner up on it now advertising condos coming into it. This is great news, even though we're facing a condo glut, b/c this building looks to have some historical significance. sorry I can't offer more info on it, but I'll walk down one day and check it out.

- how are some of the existing projects on the West Side faring? Bedrock Billiards? the Starbucks? Maggie Moores? Centerpoint? I had friends who lived in Centerpoint till last year and it seemed pretty filled to capacity, and Maggie Moore's was always busy. I hope the Bedrock takes off, b/c that's a good space for them.

- the 1209 N. Charles condos are speeding right along. last time i check, they seemed to have the first couple floors laid down, as well as stripping off the beaten down exterior of the older buildings they'll be rennovating next to it.

- the new Our Daily Bread is going up quickly as well.

- the Vue and Water Tower look great as you drive into the city on 395.

- anyone have any pics or renderings of the St. James Place project that Wada Guy was mentioning?

- i just lost out on a house in Canton i was trying to rent on Luzerne St. so i'm pretty bummed. was really looking forward to moving into the city and this place was a great price and great location. back to searching Craigslist everyday I guess... *sigh*

I attended the Mount Vernon-Belvedere meeting this month....I think the Medical Arts building is still on, just delayed a few months.

I think the property on W. Chase just got sold (or for sale) so that project's gone now.

Nate

This concept is such an obvious one, and yet ignored by so many developers and, more importantly, city planners. It's encouraging when this comes from the head of Baltimore Development, Corp. For skyscraper fans, I don't think there are many people that are better for the job than Brodie. He does a lot to fight the nimbys, I think.

I don't have the feeling that there is too much opposition to this. The Rotunda has become such a dead zone that new life will be welcome. There is a hospice/assisted living place to its north and I don't think their objections will be too vigorous. To the west, there already is a highrise apt building and to the east there are rowhouses but they will be somewhat visually blocked from sight of the new buildings by the large 4 storey insurance company buildings and the slope of the property. To the south is Hampden but if the buildings are to the north of the property, it won't loom over tham too much. This can work and should be a huge boost to an already great neighborhood.

That 22 story tower at the Rotunda should provide one of the best views of the city. Anybody have any idea what the elevation is around that area?

Yes it will. The view from the parking lot in winter when leaves are gone is pretty good; from a few storeys up it will be quite enviable. The ought to put a restaurant on the top floor. According to Google Earth, the 40th St side of the Rotunda property is about 300 feet above the harbor.

Baltimore group seeks to buy Sun
Venetoulis, Embry, Sondheim join bid
By Jamie Smith Hopkins and Andrea Walker
Sun Reporters
Originally published October 26, 2006, 9:40 PM EDT
A group of prominent Baltimore business and civic leaders has launched an effort to buy The Baltimore Sun Co., sending a letter Thursday indicating its interest to the company's Chicago parent.

Please, please, make this happen. Our once fine newpaper has been whittled down to where they must be publishing the Examiner mainly to make the Sun look good by comparison. I'd love to see the Sun in the hands of locals who actually care about a newspaper rather than the accountants in the corporate HQ.

^Yeah, but given the declining nature of the newspaper business. The local team might not be able to keep it together financially. It they could it would be great.

The Examiner is better than the Sun, they have more real news stories.

Nate

^^ If they'd make a profit they'd have to charge an online fee, (PLEASE NO), as well as go up on their regular paper price.

I'd pay a dollar for good daily paper.

Nate

Its a really good day to take pictures in the city. Lots of sun poking through the clouds.


I took a hike through patterson park and canton this morning. I'm kicking myself for not bringing along the camera. I'll try to get back out and get a shot of the Vue this afternoon.

OH and on the way home i drove through the area north of hopkins hospital. Around the american brewery and through the baltimore city cemetary. Again, kicking myself for not bringing along the camera.

^^ Man! I look forward to any and all Vue pix! :D :yes: :)

The Sun will not charge an online fee. It just won't happen because it wouldn't work. All the money comes from ads, not by people reading it.

Yeah, if anything, the Sun will just become thicker and heavier with more ads. But I still wouldn't put it past businessmen to attempt an online charge. If it does happen though, I wouldn't expect it right away.

For those of you waiting for Vue pics, here is one stolen from hksyline's Baltimore photo tour. It was probably taken week or two ago.

http://www.globalphotos.org/baltimore/IMG_1945.jpg

^^ Looking at that pic, that view will be unrecognizable once the Four Seasons, Harbor Point, and Canton Crossing are complete.

Speaking of the Vue, are they concentrating on completing the residences first, or will the retail, specifically the cinema, be in full operation shortly as well?

That 22 story tower at the Rotunda should provide one of the best views of the city. Anybody have any idea what the elevation is around that area?
i don't know what they elevation is in that area, but i can't wait to see a rendering of this tower.

Unfortunately, all of those projects are moving so slow that change won't come anytime soon. However, I'm kinda happy Harbor Point is moving so slow because the design for that area is terrible. Hopefully they will rethink things.

Speaking of the Vue, are they concentrating on completing the residences first, or will the retail, specifically the cinema, be in full operation shortly as well?

The Landmark Theatres website claims the theatre will be open in May 2007...

Landmark Theatres is committed to expanding its nationwide footprint in this growing segment of the film industry. Opening in May, 2007 is Landmark Harbor East, a brand new 7-screen theatre in Baltimore, located directly on the water in the heart of the city.

I'd be ecstatic if they are actually open by then, but after seeing what Lebanese Taverna says on their site, I don't take those quotes too seriously. (Their site claims they'll be open in the Fall of 2005). But unlike lebanese taverna, progress has been pretty consistent with the Vue obviously, so maybe we'll get lucky.

Unfortunately, all of those projects are moving so slow that change won't come anytime soon. However, I'm kinda happy Harbor Point is moving so slow because the design for that area is terrible. Hopefully they will rethink things.

the developers who are putting these buildings up on harbor point said that they were NEVER going to build too high on this peninsula anyway, sdeclue. i don't know if you remember way back about a year and a half ago, but the developers and the city said there was an issue with some kind of "toxic waste" below harbor point. as a result, here's what we have (mid-rise buildings). and besides, i think it looks nice. i, like you, wish the entire development was alot higher, but let's be thankful that they've decided to "anything" on this strip of land.

http://63.240.68.122/FirmFiles/8/images/43024-Aerial-Rendering-larg.jpg

http://63.240.68.122/FirmFiles/8/images/43024-Wills-l3.jpg

It's crazy how much taller The Vue looks than 414 water st.

i don't know what they elevation is in that area, but i can't wait to see a rendering of this tower.

40th St is around 300 feet above sealevel. The view to the south should be great and would be a great spot for a restaurant. In recent visits to the movies there, I have seen that there is a new art gallery and cafe moving into one of the empty spaces in the mall. I guess the owner is trying to keep some life in the place while they get the new buildings started. Since I live nearby and pass by this area a couple times a week, I am really hoping this happens. A new supermarket, a couple restaurants and some other retail seem to be in the offing, in addition to the high rise residential. Also apparently there is the possibility of adding 2 screens to the movies.

It's crazy how much taller The Vue looks than 414 water st.

This appears to be an illusion of proportion. The Vue is thinner and sits on a dense street near the Marriot. Water st is pretty much alone in its height and is somewhat wider in proportion to its height. The Vue reminds me of a lot of buildings in NY, which sit on tiny plots of land and are skinny and tall. The proportion exaggerates the appearence of height.

.... i don't know if you remember way back about a year and a half ago, but the developers and the city said there was an issue with some kind of "toxic waste" below harbor point. as a result, here's what we have (mid-rise buildings). and besides, i think it looks nice. i, like you, wish the entire development was alot higher, but let's be thankful that they've decided to "anything" on this strip of land.

I recall that when this idea was first floated there some pretty strict limits on what could be built there, like no basements of any kind and no residential buildings. Height limits were inherited due to the plans around Fells Point. All this meant slightly elevated but squat buildings that were offices. The toxic waste isn't "so-called". Hexavalent Chomium Oxides are in the ground and in the harbor after 150 years of chomium refining and thats one of the ugliest pollutants you can find. Think about bleeding ulcers, cancer, perforations and other sci-fi symptoms and you've got the idea. Personally, nothing could make me live there since even if the site were sealed and safe, every time I didn't feel good, I'd think the worst and the first time an under-40 person gets cancer the sharky lawyers will begin to swarm.

It's crazy how much taller The Vue looks than 414 water st.

Well, considering that the Water Tower still has about 50 ft. to go to rise AND the Vue is not as wide going all the way up, I'd say it's more a perception thing combined with the Water Tower's still incompleted height. :D :yes:

Unfortunately, all of those projects are moving so slow that change won't come anytime soon. However, I'm kinda happy Harbor Point is moving so slow because the design for that area is terrible. Hopefully they will rethink things.

If you're talking about the overall architectural merit of the project, I agree. I think the designs could be made a little more interesting, and certainly a little less cookie-cutter. Low-rise and mid-rise buildings demand quality architecture perhaps even more than high-rise buildings do. But if you're talking about height, perhaps delaying the project might work in the favor of taller buildings. As stated before, the property is unsuitable for residences, and since we are/were in a hot residential boom, it kind of forced Harbor Point to build low. But if a office boom takes off in the near future, I could see Harbor Point rising a little higher, probably not by much though. Without residential, how effectively can Harbor Point contribute to the goal of a 24-hour downtown? I suppose if it has a number of restaurants and a hotel or two, it will be fine, but if it is exclusively shops and office, it'll most certainly be dead after 7pm.

I recall that when this idea was first floated there some pretty strict limits on what could be built there, like no basements of any kind and no residential buildings. Height limits were inherited due to the plans around Fells Point. All this meant slightly elevated but squat buildings that were offices. The toxic waste isn't "so-called". Hexavalent Chomium Oxides are in the ground and in the harbor after 150 years of chomium refining and thats one of the ugliest pollutants you can find. Think about bleeding ulcers, cancer, perforations and other sci-fi symptoms and you've got the idea. Personally, nothing could make me live there since even if the site were sealed and safe, every time I didn't feel good, I'd think the worst and the first time an under-40 person gets cancer the sharky lawyers will begin to swarm.


what scando said is dead on accurate. allied chemical owned a plant on that site for a billion years or so. i can remember being a kid on my fathers boat and seeing green water just being dumped right into the harbor. this site was part of the fed's superfund cleanup. it has been dug out to a level of 35 feet below surface, capped with a membrane, backfilled with a few feet of clay (for its density) and then refilled with clean dirt. even with those safguards in place, the site wasn't even supposed to built on for commercial let alone residential. i have renderings of that area dating back to 1990. the entire area was slated to be one big park. honestly, i think that may be the best use for it. as much as i love development and the social aspect of cities, you can't forget about the people who live here. a giant waterfront park on that site would be fantastic! a nice oasis for everyone living in harbor east and a great draw to the established communities to the east (fells/canton/upper fells).

a giant waterfront park on that site would be fantastic! a nice oasis for everyone living in harbor east and a great draw to the established communities to the east (fells/canton/upper fells).

I believe there are plans for a nice-sized park as part of the project. The renderings make it look very nice. I am hesitant to say that using the entire site for a waterfront part would be a good idea, however. I am all for parks in Baltimore, and I think our park system could definitely use an upgrade, but I fear that a park of that size would go relatively unused, and would create a harmful break in the development along the waterfront. I think the ultimate goal is to have seamless development all the way around the harbor, and Harbor Point is at a critical spot, as it connects, more or less, the new harbor (Inner Harbor and Harbor East) with the old harbor (Fells Point, Canton, etc.) A park might be perfect for achieving this goal or a disaster. Given that, I think a smaller park and smaller-scale development is ideal because it will assuredly attract people, at least for one of its uses, hopefully both.

the developers who are putting these buildings up on harbor point said that they were NEVER going to build too high on this peninsula anyway, sdeclue. i don't know if you remember way back about a year and a half ago, but the developers and the city said there was an issue with some kind of "toxic waste" below harbor point. as a result, here's what we have (mid-rise buildings). and besides, i think it looks nice. i, like you, wish the entire development was alot higher, but let's be thankful that they've decided to "anything" on this strip of land.

http://63.240.68.122/FirmFiles/8/images/43024-Aerial-Rendering-larg.jpg

http://63.240.68.122/FirmFiles/8/images/43024-Wills-l3.jpg


Hey guys,

Looking at that first rendering, there seems to be a shorter tower to the right of the Four Seasons towers. Does anyone know what tower that is? I just noticed that.

The Eden Apartments

I took a somewhat abreviated walk yesterday afternoon due to the exceptionally high winds starting from Calvert and Baltimore Sts., then down by Harbor Place and as far east as Central Ave. Since the Vue has gone up that area is hardly recognizable even from a short time ago. Anyway, I happened to notice a sign on that new construction west of 1400 Lancaster St. which nobody seems to talk about much on this forum even though it is fairy large and prominent in that part of Harbor East. I found out that it is called "The Eden", presumably becasue it is on Eden St. and will be a rental apartment building.

Here is a link to their web site, which at the moment doesn't have many details about the project there but does have a nice rendering of what it will look like when completed. I also almost gasped when I noticed walking back on Lombard St. that the Zenith is very prominent now in that part of the skyline! I also am glad that it is not going to be clad in brick like most of the other new highrise residential buildings going up seem to be, but will be sleek looking in glass and metal.

http://www.edenapts.com/

I just got word from a likely credible source that the Oldsted Building for Charles Village across from Charles Commons where the new B&N bookstore and on the other side across from the new Village Lofts 5 story condo building has been CANCELLED or at least on indefinite hold. They may be looking to give the land back to the City somehow for re-bid. Apparently, (don't have documented data here), the Village Lofts are only 20% sold and Struever's Woodberry project is undersold according to estimates.

This is really horrible news, if true, because they demolished many attractive houses and apartment buildings for this new project and now have an empty lot. This would set back CV prior to the construction of ALL the new projects in my opinion.

More fact-finding needs to be done here, folks. :(

Nate

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c11/mturner125/DSC03177.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c11/mturner125/DSC03178.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c11/mturner125/DSC03179.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c11/mturner125/DSC03180.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c11/mturner125/DSC03181.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c11/mturner125/DSC03182.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c11/mturner125/DSC03183.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c11/mturner125/DSC03184.jpg

^^ That would be horrible news if it is true, but hadn't they started construction on the Olmsted a long time ago? I could have sworn I remember seeing construction on that property when I was last in Baltimore over two months ago.

As recently as September we had this news, about how the city would help finance the garage portion, which really seems to be the majority of the physical property.....

TIF Will Fund Public Parking In $83M Baltimore Mixed-Use Development
September 11, 2006
By Michael Fickes, Mid-Atlantic Correspondent


The Baltimore Development Corp. and the Parking Authority of Baltimore City have received approvals to use tax increment financing (TIF) bonds to fund a public garage unit and streetscape improvements in the $83 million Olmstead mixed-use development on the west side of St. Paul Street in Charles Village.

Olmstead will feature 15,000 square feet of ground-level retail, 107 for-sale residential condominium units on 12 floors, and a parking structure with 613 spaces. "The city will purchase spaces in the garage and use them as public parking," said a spokesperson for the Baltimore Development Corp. "The city parking authority will operate the facility, which will be called a public parking unit."

The Baltimore Board of Estimates has approved the sale of $9.9 million in TIF bonds to pay for the city's share of the garage and streetscape improvements.

Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse and Canyon Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P. are developing the Olmstead project as well the Village Lofts, a $27.6 million mixed use project directly across St. Paul Street from the Olmstead project. The Village Lofts will include 13,000 square feet of ground-level retail, all private parking, and 68 loft style for-sale residential condominiums on four floors.

----

Nate

^^ That would be horrible news if it is true, but hadn't they started construction on the Olmsted a long time ago? I could have sworn I remember seeing construction on that property when I was last in Baltimore over two months ago.


I've seen site work, but I'm not sure if any foundation laying has occurred...

Maybe nearby resident skwilson can add input.

Nate

^^^Great photos above.

I've got some excellent shots of the 414 Water and the Zenith on 35mm. Now if I could just get a scanner.....(I refuse to go digital--I'm a purist!)

Nate

I believe there are plans for a nice-sized park as part of the project. The renderings make it look very nice. I am hesitant to say that using the entire site for a waterfront part would be a good idea, however. I am all for parks in Baltimore, and I think our park system could definitely use an upgrade, but I fear that a park of that size would go relatively unused, and would create a harmful break in the development along the waterfront. I think the ultimate goal is to have seamless development all the way around the harbor, and Harbor Point is at a critical spot, as it connects, more or less, the new harbor (Inner Harbor and Harbor East) with the old harbor (Fells Point, Canton, etc.) A park might be perfect for achieving this goal or a disaster. Given that, I think a smaller park and smaller-scale development is ideal because it will assuredly attract people, at least for one of its uses, hopefully both.

yes there is a good size chunk of land set aside for a park in the current design. unfortunately access is difficult as it is framed by water on the west and commercial on the east. imo, major parks should be directly accesible from residential areas; they are, afterall (and in theory) created for the enjoyment of a cities citizens. my point though, was that originally, the entire peninsula was slated to be a park because of the highly toixic nature of the site. (i'll see if i can get that rendering from 1990 posted) i still think that is a good plan. if it stood, the residential neighborhood of fells point and harbor east would have direct access to it, and the commercial development would still follow its path along aliceanna and fleet street to connect to fells point and canton. perhaps even spuring taller buildings along that corridor in order to achieve views of the water and a park. this kind of setback could eventually push further development northward and connect with jhmi.

as for the olmstead... i'm sorry to hear the possible stalemate up there. its not my neck of the woods and i don't follow the area quite as strongly as i do downtown...does anyone think that this is a good thing that it may go back out to bid? wouldn't we rather see some kind of progress instead of a surface lot or even worse, an empty lot? thoughts?

Well, I really hope it goes up. It is one of a nicer looking buildings that has been proposed lately, and I think it is exactly what Charles Village needs more of.

http://www.charlesvillageprojects.com/images/Olmsted/33rd_StPaul_scheme02.jpg

When you think about it, how the heck can 107 condo units and a 526 space garage with 15,000 square feet of retail add up to $83 million??!! That just seems out of line with the costs we've seen of other projects in recent years.

Look at Centerpoint, that had about 400 residents, 400 parking spaces, more retail and LOTS of historic renovation for about a similar cost. If the high-end market has slowed too much, just cut the interior amenities to save money and keep the qualtiy of the exterior architecture. Americans preference for every damn thing under the roof is part of what makes housing prices so high today. Make the place more middle-of-the road affordable and cut out the fancy nicities. Somebody explain how the Olmsted can cost that much??

Nate

edit: What was the Zenith? $45 million?

^^ I've never fully understood construction costs, to be honest. How we can get 414 Water St. for $50 million and the Convention Hotel for $300 million is simply baffling.

^Well the Convention Center has a much larger footprint. Has underground parking, is MUCH larger period, like 700 rooms? And all sorts of convention and overnight amenities and conference rooms and such. It has to block off more streets and other mitigation. I believe the cost without stopping to question it, although City taxpayers should stop to think and question it--both projects. The BDC uses your money for these projects.

Nate

I live about two blocks from where the Olmsted is supposed to go, and it would be pretty embarrassing for the neighborhood if that's cancelled - we'd be left with an empty block in the middle of what ought to be a busy commercial center. I'll try to check on the Village Lofts's sales % (they have a sales office, which worrisomely is still open). One or two weeks ago I remember seeing some bleachers at the Olmsted site akin to those used for the Village Lofts's groundbreaking; they may still be there.

!st of all I would like to say, "thanks" to southbalto for those great pix. :yes: :D

Second, I sure do hope that this Charles Village development proceeds. I agree, it looks very very nice, indeed. :yes: :)

Hey, what do you guys think that Mark Sapperstein will end doing with his CityScape property? :? Do you think that the project will shrink? Get bigger/taller? Mixed-use?

about Citiscape. I'm not very confident it will ever get off the ground. I think out chances are better with Cordish, Wheeler and Urban AMERICA.

Hey, what do you guys think that Mark Sapperstein will end doing with his CityScape property? :? Do you think that the project will shrink? Get bigger/taller? Mixed-use?

Hey, what do you guys think that Mark Sapperstein will end doing with his CityScape property? :? Do you think that the project will shrink? Get bigger/taller? Mixed-use?

I think it will continue to be a 'on hold' project for a few years. I would not be surprised to see it turn into a modest (<15 floors) office building.

^^ Yeah, another 500 East Pratt office (tower). ;)

with Cityscape is financing or cash. Developer is very unproven like our friend Clark on 1 Light St.

^^ Yeah, another 500 East Pratt office (tower). ;)

Hey guys! The FBI has just issued their top 20 dangerous and safest cities. Of course what caught my eye was Baltimore. Just last year we were ranked #2 most dangerous city. This year, we didn't even make the top 10. Talk about improvement-just in time for election day.

MOST DANGEROUS 20

1. St. Louis

2. Detroit

3. Flint, Mich.

4. Compton, Calif.

5. Camden, N.J.

6. Birmingham, Ala.

7. Cleveland

8. Oakland, Calif.

9. Youngstown, Ohio

10. Gary, Ind.

11. Richmond, Calif.

12. Baltimore

13. Memphis, Tenn.

14. Trenton, N.J.

15. Richmond, Va.

16. Kansas City, Mo.

17. Atlanta

18. Cincinnati

19. Washington

20. North Charleston, S.C.

Upscale retailer opens in The Gallery

The opening of another big retailer in downtown Baltimore, bluemercury, gives a boost to the local shopping scene with its assortment of spa-related items.

BALTIMORE - The retail industry in downtown Baltimore City got yet another shot in the arm with the opening of bluemercury, an upscale apothecary and spa, at The Gallery, 200 E. Pratt St.


“We have always loved Baltimore, and we have a lot of clients in Baltimore who come into our Georgetown [Washington, D.C.] location to shop,” bluemercury Founder and Chief Executive Marla Malcolm said. “The property owner, General Growth Properties, came to us, and we think they are doing a great job with their vision.”

The company has 15 locations nationwide, with the Baltimore site its first in Maryland. Another location is planned for Bethesda, Malcolm said.

She declined to disclose how much money bluemercury invested in the hardwood floors, oriental rugs and white marble decor for its Baltimore store.

Malcolm said that after the Baltimore location is open for a while, the company may expand into the surrounding suburbs.

“We listen to our customers,” Malcolm said. “And then we expand.”

The apothecary and spa, which offers more than 50 brands of cosmetic and skin care products as well as spa treatments, is the latest move in several made recently at The Gallery and Harborplace, general manager Christopher Schardt Sr. said.

“With the opening of bluemercury and the renovations and relocations of some of our existing merchants, Harborplace and The Gallery are thrilled to offer quality retail excellence, variety and convenience to the public — especially while we gear up for the holiday season,” Schardt said in an announcement.

Bath & Body Works reopened recently in its larger space on the third floor in The Gallery, while the Discovery Channel Store opened on the first floor of the Light Street Pavilion in Harborplace.

Men’s clothing retailer Johnston & Murphy moved to the first floor of The Gallery, and Banana Republic opened on the second floor of the downtown shopping plaza. Eatery New York Deli moved into larger digs in the Light Street Food Court of Harborplace.

kcarson@baltimoreexaminer.com

Cost to build Ritz-Carlton condo project jumps $100M
Baltimore Business Journal - October 27, 2006by Daniel J. SernovtizStaff


The cost of the waterfront Ritz-Carlton condominium project in downtown Baltimore has climbed by nearly $100 million since construction began last November, according to project developer Midtown Baltimore LLC.

Jack Cayre, a principal with Midtown, said the project was initially estimated to cost about $155 million, but some additions and changes have driven costs up to $250 million.




Not including the Vue and Water tower, i'm most excited about The Ritz and Silo Point projects.

Upscale retailer opens in The Gallery

The opening of another big retailer in downtown Baltimore, bluemercury, gives a boost to the local shopping scene with its assortment of spa-related items.

BALTIMORE - The retail industry in downtown Baltimore City got yet another shot in the arm with the opening of bluemercury, an upscale apothecary and spa, at The Gallery, 200 E. Pratt St.


“We have always loved Baltimore, and we have a lot of clients in Baltimore who come into our Georgetown [Washington, D.C.] location to shop,” bluemercury Founder and Chief Executive Marla Malcolm said. “The property owner, General Growth Properties, came to us, and we think they are doing a great job with their vision.”

The company has 15 locations nationwide, with the Baltimore site its first in Maryland. Another location is planned for Bethesda, Malcolm said.

She declined to disclose how much money bluemercury invested in the hardwood floors, oriental rugs and white marble decor for its Baltimore store.

Malcolm said that after the Baltimore location is open for a while, the company may expand into the surrounding suburbs.

“We listen to our customers,” Malcolm said. “And then we expand.”

The apothecary and spa, which offers more than 50 brands of cosmetic and skin care products as well as spa treatments, is the latest move in several made recently at The Gallery and Harborplace, general manager Christopher Schardt Sr. said.

“With the opening of bluemercury and the renovations and relocations of some of our existing merchants, Harborplace and The Gallery are thrilled to offer quality retail excellence, variety and convenience to the public — especially while we gear up for the holiday season,” Schardt said in an announcement.

Bath & Body Works reopened recently in its larger space on the third floor in The Gallery, while the Discovery Channel Store opened on the first floor of the Light Street Pavilion in Harborplace.

Men’s clothing retailer Johnston & Murphy moved to the first floor of The Gallery, and Banana Republic opened on the second floor of the downtown shopping plaza. Eatery New York Deli moved into larger digs in the Light Street Food Court of Harborplace.

kcarson@baltimoreexaminer.com

An article like this is also relevant to other places in Maryland besides Baltimore (specifically Bethesda). I think there should be one thread for all of Baltimore, Washington and their suburbs. As it is, I read the Maryland, Washington, Silver Spring, and Baltimore development threads. I assume many of you are also interested in the projects just beyond Baltimore as well.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1f/Bmore-Skyline1.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1f/Bmore-Skyline1.jpg

I take it that no one made it to the Walters' Art Gallery on the 24th to hear Robert A.M. Stearn talk about 10 IH. I totally forgot about it.

Actually I believe we were number 6 overall last year in crime and number 2 in major cities, so the improvement isn't quite as much, but any amount of improvement is a positive. This year we are 12 overall and 3 or 4 among major cities.

I just wish the one light street proposal from a few years back came back. That rendering was amazing.

As for Harbor Point, of course I'd love height there, but my problem is really with how dull the buildings are. If they could create cool looking architecture then hey, I'll take one and two story buildings. Of course, I'd still love to see another skyline there. Hopefully they can clean that area up so its not dangerous and towers can rise.

about Citiscape. I'm not very confident it will ever get off the ground. I think out chances are better with Cordish, Wheeler and Urban AMERICA.
my vibe about citiscape is just as bad as yours. i heard that the rent for citiscape was going to be a WHOPPING $3,000/month. that's a little too steep for me.......lol. even if i was financially set, i still could never bring myself to paying $3,000/month. am i the only one who thinks $3,000/month is a tad bit high? what you guys think?

my vibe about citiscape is just as bad as yours. i heard that the rent for citiscape was going to be a WHOPPING $3,000/month. that's a little too steep for me.......lol. even if i was financially set, i still could never bring myself to paying $3,000/month. am i the only one who thinks $3,000/month is a tad bit high? what you guys think?


Principal and interest on 400K is about 2600 a month right now. Are these apartments worth that much?

I've only been on skyscraper city for a short time but i've never had a good feeling about cityscape. There just hasnt been any positive news regarding this building recently.

$3,000 a week for how big an apartment are we talking? 1,200 sq. ft.? More? Less? Perhaps if the tower was taller, that would be able to look over 100 east pratt tower, then I would need a view of the harbor. Then, yeah, I'd say $3,000 is fair.
If I'm staring at another building and am pretty close to the street, I'd say, no.
But what do I know? :? :D ;)

As for Harbor Point, of course I'd love height there, but my problem is really with how dull the buildings are. If they could create cool looking architecture then hey, I'll take one and two story buildings. Of course, I'd still love to see another skyline there. Hopefully they can clean that area up so its not dangerous and towers can rise.

i wonder if the lack of height there is due to engineering considerations. towers have much more intricate foundations. and because of the cleanup that s been done there already, you can't dig down to bedrock for footings. you can't even drill down pilings because they would puncture the membrane 30 feet below the ground surface. i'm certainly not an engineer, but these things could be the reason that there is no height there. of course, i'm in line with everyone else here regarding the arcitecture thats been proposed. kinda looks like a couple of giant shoeboxes all lined up!

Actually I believe we were number 6 overall last year in crime and number 2 in major cities, so the improvement isn't quite as much, but any amount of improvement is a positive. This year we are 12 overall and 3 or 4 among major cities.

You are absolutley right on this. However, is it fair to only compare Baltimore to major cities when cities slightly smaller have a larger crime rate? It would be the equilvalent of saying that New York is #1 in crime with cities over 720,000 people, when we know it is among the safest big cities in America. I guess it is something to ponder.

As for your take on Harborview I agree again. Nice architecture is always demanded in a cultural city like Baltimore, so are towers. I see a bright future for both.

Also, beautiful pic southbalto. It would make a great SSC banner.

It's just so frustrating to see cities like Charlotte with huge, beautiful towers and our city only has a 40 story tower and lower, and not even many of them. I think if our skyline was much more significant, Baltimore would get so much more publicity and really be highly looked upon as one of the top cities in the country.

Unfortunately, I just don't see it happening when we are having doubts over a single 59 story tower and another 50 story building, among other projects.

An article like this is also relevant to other places in Maryland besides Baltimore (specifically Bethesda). I think there should be one thread for all of Baltimore, Washington and their suburbs. As it is, I read the Maryland, Washington, Silver Spring, and Baltimore development threads. I assume many of you are also interested in the projects just beyond Baltimore as well.


anyone know when urban outfitters is coming?

It's just so frustrating to see cities like Charlotte with huge, beautiful towers and our city only has a 40 story tower and lower, and not even many of them. I think if our skyline was much more significant, Baltimore would get so much more publicity and really be highly looked upon as one of the top cities in the country.

Unfortunately, I just don't see it happening when we are having doubts over a single 59 story tower and another 50 story building, among other projects.

I know exactly what you mean. This past spring break I drove down to Atlanta to visit family and my trip took me through Charlotte. I was simply amazed at the height and beauty of their towers. Mind you it was about 2 in the morning so I had the priviledge of seeing the lighted crowns on several of these towers. It baffles me that we have the best geographic location in the U.S. (waterfronts and all) and recieve so less.

I know exactly what you mean. This past spring break I drove down to Atlanta to visit family and my trip took me through Charlotte. I was simply amazed at the height and beauty of their towers. Mind you it was about 2 in the morning so I had the priviledge of seeing the lighted crowns on several of these towers. It baffles me that we have the best geographic location in the U.S. (waterfronts and all) and recieve so less.

Well, the fact that Charlotte is HQ for 2 of the largest financial institutions in the world has a lot to do with that. Unfortunately, because it's doubtful Baltimore will ever be a corporate town again, I don't think there's anyone or anything to finance something like the BofA tower.

Although I'd like to see some 40-60 story towers in the core of downtown, (less on the waterfront or Westport), I care much more about urban design, quality architecture and the street level design and street life than height.

Skyscraper height doesn't make Boston the city it is.

Nate

I know exactly what you mean. This past spring break I drove down to Atlanta to visit family and my trip took me through Charlotte. I was simply amazed at the height and beauty of their towers. Mind you it was about 2 in the morning so I had the priviledge of seeing the lighted crowns on several of these towers. It baffles me that we have the best geographic location in the U.S. (waterfronts and all) and recieve so less.
On the flip side, Charlotte can only dream of having an aquarium and waterfront like Baltimore's, the benefit of one of the wealthiest state's government, a university like Hopkins and proximity to the tourist mecca and power center that is Washington. Any random city can build towers, Baltimore has god given talent :cheers1: .

Although I'd like to see some 40-60 story towers in the core of downtown, (less on the waterfront or Westport), I care much more about urban design, quality architecture and the street level design and street life than height.

Skyscraper height doesn't make Boston the city it is.
This is an excellent point.

Any thoughts on my previous comment of combining threads for Maryland, Washington Metro Area, Silver Spring and Baltimore?

anyone know when urban outfitters is coming?

I don't know a date, but workers are coming and going every day. It doesn't look very close though. My bet is that they do not open before Christmas. I don't understand why a retailer would ever want to miss a Christmas season.

An article like this is also relevant to other places in Maryland besides Baltimore (specifically Bethesda). I think there should be one thread for all of Baltimore, Washington and their suburbs. As it is, I read the Maryland, Washington, Silver Spring, and Baltimore development threads. I assume many of you are also interested in the projects just beyond Baltimore as well.

I really don't agree. Talk of a single metro area of Bowash or Washingmore may appeal to some mapmakers but Baltimore is very different place from DC. It has its unique identity and culture and many of us (speaking for Balamorons) don't really want to be part of DC culture, especially a junior partner, as would be inevitable. Keep the threads separate.

On the flip side, Charlotte can only dream of having an aquarium and waterfront like Baltimore's, the benefit of one of the wealthiest state's government, a university like Hopkins and proximity to the tourist mecca and power center that is Washington. Any random city can build towers, Baltimore has god given talent :cheers1:

I'll illegally drink to that :cheers: :jk:

Certainly our city has its great things about it and I'm very proud to live here. I just hope it can reach that next level and I think having a skyline that people know is Baltimore's immediately and that can compete with places like Philly would be awesome.

I hope there is a day when a huge tower with UA at the top is gracing the skyline for Under Armour.

I really don't agree. Talk of a single metro area of Bowash or Washingmore may appeal to some mapmakers but Baltimore is very different place from DC. It has its unique identity and culture and many of us (speaking for Balamorons) don't really want to be part of DC culture, especially a junior partner, as would be inevitable. Keep the threads separate.
If there was greater cooperation between Baltimore and Washington, Baltimore would benefit from Washington's greater financial wealth and economic strength. I don't see why having a different culture precludes them from having a single thread about urban development. Both cities are similar in that they have vast walkable downtown districts and place a high emphasis on smart growth. What more is important on a forum about urban development? Additionally, you say Baltimore would be the lesser partner, but Baltimore has a higher population and will always have a taller skyline.

I've seen a bit of Washington bashing on the Baltimore thread. I don't see why the two cities can't embrace eachother. Washington brings economic might to the table while Baltimore brings a strong character (CHARM CITY), a gigantic port and a great (and improving) skyline. Besides, what is the census going to do in a few years when Howard and Anne Arundel Counties have well over a million residents, half of which work in Baltimore while the other half works in Washington. As it is, my mother (and my father at one point) commuted to Baltimore from Bethesda in Montgomery County. The two cities are inexorably linked by proximity.

It's just so frustrating to see cities like Charlotte with huge, beautiful towers and our city only has a 40 story tower and lower, and not even many of them. I think if our skyline was much more significant, Baltimore would get so much more publicity and really be highly looked upon as one of the top cities in the country.

Unfortunately, I just don't see it happening when we are having doubts over a single 59 story tower and another 50 story building, among other projects.

Unfortunately, it's all about the Benjamins. Until the demand for the space is there, we probably won't see many tall towers. The tallest and most magnificent are usually office towers, and Baltimore just doesn't have the demand for space. That's why we see such projects as Lockwood and the Constellation Energy Building going up (250,000-350,000 sq ft or so) and not the 1,000,000+ sq. foot projects we see in a lot of other cities. It would take years to fill just 1 building of that size, and that would probably be at the expense of other properties, which would see vacancies go up. Just my 2 cents....

I really don't agree. Talk of a single metro area of Bowash or Washingmore may appeal to some mapmakers but Baltimore is very different place from DC. It has its unique identity and culture and many of us (speaking for Balamorons) don't really want to be part of DC culture, especially a junior partner, as would be inevitable. Keep the threads separate.
i agree with you 100%, scando. baltimore is "baltimore" and washington, d.c. is "washington, d.c."

....and frankly BalWash, i look at it as a flat-out insult when baltimore is referred to as a "bedroom community to the nation's capital", so definitely keep it seperate. we have our own well-respected identity.

I stopped by the Village Lofts sales center yesterday, and they seemed to think The Olmsted is still due to be finished in two and one half years.

It's just so frustrating to see cities like Charlotte with huge, beautiful towers and our city only has a 40 story tower and lower, and not even many of them. I think if our skyline was much more significant, Baltimore would get so much more publicity and really be highly looked upon as one of the top cities in the country.

Unfortunately, I just don't see it happening when we are having doubts over a single 59 story tower and another 50 story building, among other projects.

That is because we have provincial and backward thinking corporate AND government leaders in this state. In other states, Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations are housed in nice tall downtown towers. NOT in Maryland.

In other states, Black And Decker would be in a big downtown tower. NOT in Maryland.

In other states, if the Mayor was a personal friend of the President of the United States; like Schmoke was to Clinton, he would have gotten on the phone and gotten the Health Care Financing Administration's HQ constructed downtown by having public transit as one of the site selection weighting factors. Not in Maryland.

One thing I have noticed when traveling to the big booming sunbelt cities like Dallas, Atlanta, and Charlotte, (ALL OF WHICH HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS AS BALTIMORE), is that they all have newspapers that are much more positive than the Sun.

They always write upbeat articles about GOOD NEWS and development. That is because the editors are committed to presenting their cities in a positive light to others. They don't write front page articles about a dead junkie found in an alley. Unless you are related to the person, who cares about that? I sure don't.

Today, the Sun uses it's FRONT PAGE to tell us that KFC is switching the oil they fry chicken in. And they wonder why they are loosing circulation? :nuts:

Since it is to early in the morning to rant for a long time, there was a blub burried on page 20 something in the Sun a few weeks ago. The General Services Administration is on the prowl for almost half a million square feet of office space in Baltimore City for the Social Security Administration.

Come to find out, the Social Security Administration is currently using only 1/3rd of the Metro West building at Franklin Street and MLK Boulevard. Technology has eliminated a significant number of jobs there. What will go into that monster 1.5 Million square foot complex when it is vacated is anyone's guess.

All this could be good news or bad news for the city. If it leads to a new tower, then I suppose it is good news. If they stay in the CBD, then it is good news. If they go to a place like Montgomery Park, well, it's not as good of news. What ultimately happens to the Metro West complex will be interesting to follow in the coming years. It's not that far from the State Office Complex site. Perhaps they will auction the building like they did the Middle River site. :ohno:

i agree with you 100%, scando. baltimore is "baltimore" and washington, d.c. is "washington, d.c."

....and frankly BalWash, i look at it as a flat-out insult when baltimore is referred to as a "bedroom community to the nation's capital", so definitely keep it seperate. we have our own well-respected identity.

^^ DITTO!

I don't think computer threads of Baltimore and Washington need to be merged simply because there is enough material to between both areas that it makes it simpler and more logical to have seperate threads. While many here are interested in urbanism is general, they are in particular interested in one city above others and segregating the threads as they are now is more appropriate.

We can always just click on the DC Development News if we want to check it out. Internet forums are totally different than real-world partnerships and combinations. Here, it's more fun for most to have them seperate!

Nate

I don't think computer threads of Baltimore and Washington need to be merged simply because there is enough material to between both areas that it makes it simpler and more logical to have seperate threads. While many here are interested in urbanism is general, they are in particular interested in one city above others and segregating the threads as they are now is more appropriate.

We can always just click on the DC Development News if we want to check it out. Internet forums are totally different than real-world partnerships and combinations. Here, it's more fun for most to have them seperate!

Nate

Perhaps we can merge the threads after the MTA and WMATA merge their non-MARC rail services?

Who cares about DC. Those status concious transients don't give a crap about Baltimore other than Camden Yards and crabs. The only thing we have in common with DC is that we are both 40 miles apart from each other. I can't stand the fact that we have to share our airport name with them especially since they have 2 of their own.

And why would anyone in Baltimore care about Silver Spring? Let's talk about Towson before Silver Spring. I wish the DC Area was part of VA. Who needs them! We certainly would have a better political climate in MD if we annexed the DC area.

Wada Guy is right. Baltimore is too provincial and never thought we were good enough for tall towers. It's this regional group thought that gives us (some of us) this inferior complex. Sort of like - let's maintain the statu-quo and that will be ok.

Evidently, this mindset seems to be changing with the addition of the new tall tower plans. However, it's taken outside investment to spur this change. Our local guys like Hale and Patterakis and even Angelos have never planned a super tall. They are the leaders and they failed to lead us out of our parochialism.

I agree. Who cares about DC?

What building is Constellation Energy building? The lockwood building is so ugly and such a waste. So is 500 E Pratt. We really need to attract more businesses to the city and encourage them to build distinctive buildings in our skyline.

Certainly our city has its great things about it and I'm very proud to live here. I just hope it can reach that next level and I think having a skyline that people know is Baltimore's immediately and that can compete with places like Philly would be awesome.

Although I appreciate a nice skyline as much as anybody, I don't really think the image of a skyline really has much impact on the success of a city. When I think of cities I like to visit or wouldn't mind living in, I think of SF, philly, NYC, boston, chicago.... and the skyline has absolutely no impact on what draws me to those cities.
The fact is, the functionality that accompanies the skylines is what makes the cities great. Higher density leading to more vibrant downtowns with more great retail, restaurants, activities, etc is what draws me to a city.
Obviously asthetics plays a role and we should always stress good design but a great skyline is more of a positive side effect of development rather than the goal in my opinion.

That is because we have provincial and backward thinking corporate AND government leaders in this state. In other states, Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations are housed in nice tall downtown towers. NOT in Maryland.

In other states, Black And Decker would be in a big downtown tower. NOT in Maryland.

In other states, if the Mayor was a personal friend of the President of the United States; like Schmoke was to Clinton, he would have gotten on the phone and gotten the Health Care Financing Administration's HQ constructed downtown by having public transit as one of the site selection weighting factors. Not in Maryland.

One thing I have noticed when traveling to the big booming sunbelt cities like Dallas, Atlanta, and Charlotte, (ALL OF WHICH HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS AS BALTIMORE), is that they all have newspapers that are much more positive than the Sun.

They always write upbeat articles about GOOD NEWS and development. That is because the editors are committed to presenting their cities in a positive light to others. They don't write front page articles about a dead junkie found in an alley. Unless you are related to the person, who cares about that? I sure don't.

Today, the Sun uses it's FRONT PAGE to tell us that KFC is switching the oil they fry chicken in. And they wonder why they are loosing circulation? :nuts:

Since it is to early in the morning to rant for a long time, there was a blub burried on page 20 something in the Sun a few weeks ago. The General Services Administration is on the prowl for almost half a million square feet of office space in Baltimore City for the Social Security Administration.

Come to find out, the Social Security Administration is currently using only 1/3rd of the Metro West building at Franklin Street and MLK Boulevard. Technology has eliminated a significant number of jobs there. What will go into that monster 1.5 Million square foot complex when it is vacated is anyone's guess.

All this could be good news or bad news for the city. If it leads to a new tower, then I suppose it is good news. If they stay in the CBD, then it is good news. If they go to a place like Montgomery Park, well, it's not as good of news. What ultimately happens to the Metro West complex will be interesting to follow in the coming years. It's not that far from the State Office Complex site. Perhaps they will auction the building like they did the Middle River site. :ohno:

:applause:

Whether good or bad the City of Baltimore has an impact on the ENTIRE State of Maryland, when people hear Maryland they think Baltimore. People believe anything they hear too. There is a very negative view of the state out there based on false pretenses, if not that common outsiders don't care and think we have nothing going on when we would definitely outdo their own state.

I say Baltimore is not an island onto itself but part of the greater whole, you can deny it if you wish but that will not stop reality from seeping in. I often see a greater unrealized potenial in Baltimore over cities like Boston or San Francisco. If everybody got their act together I'm sure Baltimore could outdo those two cities. A great skyline is an intangible that can only help.

I really wish Marylanders (officials and residents) had more pride and positive outlook for the state instead of being concerned about their own corner, it would only bring great rewards. There is a very Non-chalant, "no can do", "it can't be done", "it's not economically feasible", "settle for less", over cautious, conservative attitude in Maryland. Just when you think Maryland is going to reach that next level they fall back again. If I have seen it done elsewhere, why not here? You won't know what you have till it's gone!

Hahaha I'm sorry but the thought that this state is conservative and believes things aren't economically feasible is like the complete opposite of what I think is the case. This state is very liberal as seen by the candidates who have been elected in recent years (if Kennedy Townsend was a complete idiot the democrats would have won the last election) and all Dems want to do is spend money without any fiscal responsibility, as seen by the huge budget crisis Glendening put us in.

CB Richard Ellis to buy Trammell Crow for $2.2B
Baltimore Business Journal - 12:40 PM EST Tuesdayby Daniel J. Sernovitz and Neil AdlerStaff and Contributor
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Two of the Baltimore-area's largest commercial brokerages and property managers announced a $2.2 billion acquisition Tuesday.

Los Angeles-based CB Richard Ellis Group plans to buy Dallas-based Trammell Crow Co. for $49.51 a share, or $2.2 billion, including the assumption of Trammell Crow's debt as well as transaction and integration costs.


Both companies have offices in Baltimore.

"Trammell Crow Co. is one of the premier services companies in our industry," CB Richard Ellis President and CEO Brett White said in a statement.

In the Baltimore Business Journal's 2006 Book of Lists, CB Richard Ellis and Trammell Crow each placed in the top five among commercial brokerage firms. Trammell Crow was No. 2, with a Maryland portfolio of 22.6 million square feet and 21 locallly-based real estate agents. CB Richard Ellis was No. 3, with 20.4 million square feet of portfolio and 27 local agents. KLNB, also in Baltimore, ranked first with 25.8 million square feet and 40 local agents.

"To continue delivering uncompromising excellence, we are linking our people and platform with a company that has a larger global footprint and a range of complementary services," Trammell Crow Chairman and CEO Bob Sulentic said in a message posted on the company's Web site. "CB Richard Ellis is the perfect fit."

The transaction, expected to close by year's end or early in 2007, is contingent on approvals from federal regulators and Trammell Crow's shareholders.

Upon completion of the deal, the development and investment business of Trammell Crow (NYSE: TCC) will be run as an independent subsidiary. Sulentic will join CB Richard Ellis (NYSE: CBG) as group president with responsibility for the development and investment business as well as other company operations.

Joseph Callanan, northeast regional director for Trammell Crow, said he expects the deal will enable both companies to enhance their presence within the Baltimore region.

"I think, at the end of the day, if you look at the combined resources of the two companies, it's pretty exciting," Callanan said. I think all of the industries and folks in Baltimore will benefit from that."

CB Richard Ellis says it plans to sell Trammell Crow's 20 percent ownership in Savills, a real estate services provider in the United Kingdom.

The combined company would have 21,000 employees and 2006 pro-forma revenue of about $4.4 billion.

Investors were reacting well to the news Tuesday morning. Stock in Trammell Crow was up 24.32 percent, or $9.51 a share, to $48.61. CB Richard Ellis shares were up 5.39 percent, or $1.52, to $29.74.

Baltimore probably has more pride than most cities. Philly and Pittsburg as well. I don't think pride is why we don't have a nice skyline. That has a lot to do with the national opinion of Baltimore as a blue collar town and also being in DC's shadow. That limited outside investment limited the heights of our buildings. Here is an example. My dad wanted to build a hotel tower at the harbor back in the 60's. He shopped the idea to people in LA and NY and nobody would give it a chance because of it's reputation of a blue collar gritty town. The loss of corporate headquarters doesn't help either. I do think that new construction will lead to more outside money coming in.

Hahaha I'm sorry but the thought that this state is conservative and believes things aren't economically feasible is like the complete opposite of what I think is the case. This state is very liberal as seen by the candidates who have been elected in recent years (if Kennedy Townsend was a complete idiot the democrats would have won the last election) and all Dems want to do is spend money without any fiscal responsibility, as seen by the huge budget crisis Glendening put us in.

In the context of improving the state economy (which IMO affects all things)...Yes Maryland is conservative. The word has been twisted around so much it can take on different meanings but in this case overly cautious, non-risk taking and unadventurous would be good words to put in its place.

Like the lowly $15 million for stem cell research while other states are giving far more or the fact that we lost the Norvatis drug manufacturing plant because the lousy Economic development cheif Aris Melissaratos said "we couldn't compete" by giving free land (yet the governor is willing to sell state park land and the WTC for cheap).

You got to do better if you think you can hang with the top 10 states. Maryland wants to be number 1 but they don't try hard enough and that is just the fact of the mater.

Baltimore probably has more pride than most cities. Philly and Pittsburg as well. I don't think pride is why we don't have a nice skyline. That has a lot to do with the national opinion of Baltimore as a blue collar town and also being in DC's shadow. That limited outside investment limited the heights of our buildings. Here is an example. My dad wanted to build a hotel tower at the harbor back in the 60's. He shopped the idea to people in LA and NY and nobody would give it a chance because of it's reputation of a blue collar gritty town. The loss of corporate headquarters doesn't help either. I do think that new construction will lead to more outside money coming in.

Like I said MARYLAND as a whole lacks a concensus on state pride and the above is a good example why. I was never talking about Baltimore by itself. Quite frankly the State has pumped a considerable amount of dollars into the City of Baltimore so if you think you're an island that stands alone you are kidding yourself. Like I said before what happens in Baltimore reflects on the whole state, you can continue to fight your "enemies" outside the city border but you will only be hurting yourself in the end.

Hello everyone. I have been enjoying this board for a long time and have decided to finally post. I was actually wondering why all the gloomy posts lately regarding our high rise proposals? Are projects like 10 Inner Harbor , and Pratt St. looking less likely?

Welcome to the Forum, Gitnz! :)
It's good to have you here. Please post often. :yes:

The "mood" here has been 'gloomy' perhaps due to a withdrawl we're having from the high-rise front. For a few months in a row it seemed as if news of current or new skyscrapers were in the news all the time. :yes:
Now, it's been pretty quiet compared to that blitz of info.
Probably a new bit of high-rise info or even better than that, a new rendering of one of the "other" tall projects would cheer us all up a bit.

But, there is still allot of other great things going on in Baltimore. The city's future looks very, very good, IMHO. :)

I can't wait to our great mayor becomes governor. So our city stops getting attacked be the Ehrlich administration

I'm new to the forum as well. Been lurking for a long time.

Was motivated to register after seeing the mood. I have lived in many places around the country, and Baltimore is by far the finest.

And, geography and economics dictate it should only be a matter of time before some very tall buildings go up in the city. Until they do, we have a nice, dense base waiting to be built from -- something that newer cities like Charlotte and so many out West are missing.

And that dense base is getting bigger, especially with Harbor East and projects like the Vue.

In the meanwhile before the supertalls, no other city will be able to replicate our people, neighborhoods, harbor, and charm, with a region so close to the bay, ocean, and mountains, not to mention some of the best history the nation has to offer.

So don't despair -- it's a lot easier to wait out a few supertalls than try to replicate all that.

BTW everyone, thanks for all the posts over the many months. This is a great source for information on what's going on with new projects in the city.

Like I said MARYLAND as a whole lacks a concensus on state pride and the above is a good example why. I was never talking about Baltimore by itself. Quite frankly the State has pumped a considerable amount of dollars into the City of Baltimore so if you think you're an island that stands alone you are kidding yourself. Like I said before what happens in Baltimore reflects on the whole state, you can continue to fight your "enemies" outside the city border but you will only be hurting yourself in the end.

If there's one thing most characteristic of the economy and temperment of Maryland, it is that it is place that doesn't have one concensus on anything. We have what is probably the most diverse economy of any state, especially considering its size. We have manufacturing, tech, academic, financial, farming, recreation, anything you can think of. What we don't have is a lot of any one thing. That's good news and bad news. The bad news is that we are not well known for anything. We aren't the one big powerhouse in any one sector. The good news is that were are pretty resilient and resistant to crashes in individual economic sectors.

Baltimore is a mirror of that, unlike DC, which is a monoeconomy. Everything in DC is government, supplies government, tries to influence government, contracts with government or provides services to the people who do all of the above. That's why DC is so different from Baltimore. Baltimore has to make it on its own and doesn't have the built in power that comes from being the nation's capitol. Personally I really like DC. I visit and recreate there regularly and feel really lucky to be a short MARC ride from a place that is a major trip for lots of Americans. One thing I know that is that I never mistake Baltimore from DC. While we are one big metro and economy, I think Baltimore's and DC's interests continue to diverge.

I'll counter that despite the federal government presence in downtown DC, Baltimore and DC aren't that different on the grand scheme of American cities. We are more like DC on average than other cities in urban characteristics. We're certainly more like DC in our appearance than Baltimore is with any large city west of St. Loius.

Nate

I've seen a bit of Washington bashing on the Baltimore thread. I don't see why the two cities can't embrace eachother.



the two cities can't embracr each other because DC always puts down baltimore. i know people in DC that have never come to baltimore because they don't think there's anything here and that there's nothing to do.

DC steals transit $$$ and consistently tries to block connections into the city because of baltimore more "affordable" housing.

the fact of the matter is that the two cities are fundamentally, socially and overwhelmingly culturally different. They offer a nice contrast in styles, but i doubt the two will ever work together.


as far as the conversation goes regarding building heights vs. quality public spaces....

i have to agree. as a landscape architect i can attest that the best places are those that have character, though, and uniqueness. a bucnh of 60 story towers may get baltimore noticed from afar, but it's a public space like the inner harbor that draws people downtown from all parts of the world. it's amazing to see the number of visitors on the harbor everyday....and i can assure you that they are their for the experience and not the view of the legg mason tower!

Event - 01-11-06
Casino Royale USA premiere confirmed for Baltimore, November 15th
:angel1:
In typical James Bond fashion, surgeons at Johns Hopkins saved the life of movie producer Albert Broccoli — and gained an exclusive Hollywood connection.

Dr. Vincent Gott, director of the Dana and Albert “Cubby” Broccoli Center for Aortic Diseases at Johns Hopkins, says that it’s because of their connection that the last three James Bond movies have had their U.S. premieres exclusively in Baltimore.

Broccoli, who bought the rights to the James Bond novels and produced several of the films, flew to Johns Hopkins for cataract surgery in 1994. He received a chest X-ray upon admission, where doctors found a “large aneurysm of the aorta,” Gott said. Broccoli then underwent a serious operation to fix the problem. “Then a few months later, Johns Hopkins got a check for a million dollars,” Gott said. The generous gift funded the center.

Because of the connection Hopkins has with the Broccoli family, last three James Bond U.S. movie premieres — in 1997, 1999 and 2002 — were held in Baltimore. “Each screening we use as a fundraiser for the center,” Gott said.

The latest movie in the James Bond series is “Casino Royale,” which stars Daniel Craig, the sixth actor to portray Agent 007.

The international premiere will be held in London on Nov. 14, then comes to Baltimore for the U.S. premiere, an exclusive benefit screening at the Senator Theatre on Nov. 15. The movie opens nationwide on Nov. 17.

Tickets for the screening are $100 and include a champagne reception, auction and gift bags. Tickets can be obtained by calling 410-516-6609 or sending an e-mail to hopkinsheart@jhmi.edu. Proceeds go to the Dana and Albert “Cubby” Broccoli Center for Aortic Diseases.

just walked down lombard st at the Univ of MD and noticed that they are already in full swing demolition of the buildings on the 500 block, presumably to replace with the hugh outpatient center someone posted about recently. I noticed them chipping away at the top of the first building on the block this weekend and never really believed they would demolish the new on on 515 W Lombard until I saw its condition today. It really is terrible foresight by the university to build a brand new building barely a couple of years old and then tear it down. In the long run, for the city it doesn't matter because we'll ultimately get a nice addition to the campus but they sure did waste a lot of money in the process.

just walked down lombard st at the Univ of MD and noticed that they are already in full swing demolition of the buildings on the 500 block, presumably to replace with the hugh outpatient center someone posted about recently. I noticed them chipping away at the top of the first building on the block this weekend and never really believed they would demolish the new on on 515 W Lombard until I saw its condition today. It really is terrible foresight by the university to build a brand new building barely a couple of years old and then tear it down. In the long run, for the city it doesn't matter because we'll ultimately get a nice addition to the campus but they sure did waste a lot of money in the process.

yeah, exactly. i couldn't agree more. you're talkin' about THIS building below. it hasn't even been around a good 10 years i think, and now they're about to get rid of it. this was indeed a big waste of money.
http://www.designcollective.com/_internal/cimg!0/18zexttyfo

It's just so frustrating to see cities like Charlotte with huge, beautiful towers and our city only has a 40 story tower and lower, and not even many of them. I think if our skyline was much more significant, Baltimore would get so much more publicity and really be highly looked upon as one of the top cities in the country.

Unfortunately, I just don't see it happening when we are having doubts over a single 59 story tower and another 50 story building, among other projects.


Charlotte has only two buildings taller than the Legg Mason Tower. We may not have that one tower that rises above everything like Charlotte, but Baltimore's downtown is far, far more dense. Look at a google earth view of both Charlotte and Baltimore, look how many empty surface lots there are surrounding a few towers compared to Baltimore, where there are very few empty lots.

I have no doubt that we will be getting a least one 1 50+ story tower in Baltimore, and when we do our skyline will more than compete with Charlottes.

Kinda sucks I'm below 100 on my posts. haha :banana: :nuts: :nuts:

I'm new to the forum as well. Been lurking for a long time.

Was motivated to register after seeing the mood. I have lived in many places around the country, and Baltimore is by far the finest.

And, geography and economics dictate it should only be a matter of time before some very tall buildings go up in the city. Until they do, we have a nice, dense base waiting to be built from -- something that newer cities like Charlotte and so many out West are missing.

And that dense base is getting bigger, especially with Harbor East and projects like the Vue.

In the meanwhile before the supertalls, no other city will be able to replicate our people, neighborhoods, harbor, and charm, with a region so close to the bay, ocean, and mountains, not to mention some of the best history the nation has to offer.

So don't despair -- it's a lot easier to wait out a few supertalls than try to replicate all that.

BTW everyone, thanks for all the posts over the many months. This is a great source for information on what's going on with new projects in the city.


Welcome to the Forum, Patrick33! :yes:
Glad to have ya. :)
Please post when you can. :)

Yes, Harbor East, Harbor Point and Canton, as well as, Pat Turners new "skyline" over at Middle Branch, will definately create a nicer, larger/longer skyline. Baltimore will be noticed soon enough. :yes: :D

Kinda sucks I'm below 100 on my posts. haha :banana: :nuts: :nuts:

Don't feel too bad. I should be well over 5,000 POSTS by now. :rant:
:bash: :ohno: :nuts:

Urban planners share visions of base realignment

BALTIMORE - A best of times or worst of times outcome looms for local residents as federal base realignment and closure changes impend, according to speakers at the Greater Baltimore Committee’s conference on Monday.


Economist Anirban Basu and retired Brig. Gen. J. Michael Hayes, director of Maryland’s department of business and economic development, told business leaders that a six-year, BRAC-related, local increase of between 40,000 and 60,000 jobs was the “least unknown” number in the base conversion mix.

Basu also said that related commercial construction will most likely center around Anne Arundel and Harford counties.

The U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground and Fort Meade, which are located in Harford and Anne Arundel counties, respectively, will share almost evenly in the projected job increases, Hayes said.

Questioning whether the affected jurisdictions would be able — or even willing — to accommodate the BRAC-related commercial development and an estimated 90,000 new residents, Basu feared that most growth would be shunted off into rural Cecil County.

“We could destroy a lot of rural county heritage [that way],” he said, instead making a case for Baltimore as an attractive business and residential haven for the BRAC surge — if only schools could be improved and property taxes lowered.

Hayes added that construction — the U.S. Army has budgeted $17.7 billion for BRAC-related construction in fiscal 2008 — will precede any demographic shift, and that, given historical relocation rates of past closures, up to 65 percent of new, BRAC-related jobs will be available to Marylanders.

And, he said, the construction industry can expect from $6 to $7 billion in local business through 2009.

“Impacted counties are working to identify specific needs, most related to school and infrastructure requirements,” Hayes noted. “And the city of Baltimore is also developing plans to demonstrate to potential employees … that it presents attractive housing and business location opportunities.”

BDC hopes to hit right note restoring famed city jazz club
Baltimore Business Journal - 2:44 PM EST Wednesdayby Daniel J. SernovitzStaff
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The historic Pennsylvania Avenue Sphinx Club, a jazz club which closed shortly after the death of founder Charles Tilghman in 1988, could get new life under a Baltimore Development Corp. rehabilitation effort.

It could, but only if the city's development arm is able to convince the city it has gotten the best possible price to acquire the last two properties it needs to kick-start the process.


"We're trying to do a little Pennsylvania Avenue renewal, (but) it's not easy to do," BDC President M.J. "Jay" Brodie remarked after being sent back to work following a Baltimore City Board of Estimates conference Wednesday morning.

Brodie said the BDC and its Baltimore Main Streets program have been trying to acquire the cluster of rowhouses including the Sphinx Club for several years in order to rehabilitate the properties. In addition to a restored Sphinx Club, Brodie said the plan could also include some retail and residential components.

"The Sphinx Club had a certain fame for jazz in the African-American community," Brodie told the city's Board of Estimates Wednesday morning as part of a request for $35,000 to buy two properties as part of the project.

The club, which opened in 1946, was one of several cultural icons along Pennsylvania Avenue. Others included Club Tijuana, where the likes of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Billie Holiday performed.

On behalf of the city, the BDC bought the former Sphinx Club property at 2107 Pennsylvania Ave. in June for $17,127 and an adjacent property at 2105 Pennsylvania Ave. in August 2005 for $137,352. Mary Pat Fannon, director of the BDC's Main Streets program, said the BDC also has foreclosure agreements for 2109 and 2111 Pennsylvania Ave.

At the Board of Estimates pre-meeting Wednesday morning, Brodie said he needed two more properties in order to seek developers to undertake the project. He said he had reached an agreement to buy the remaining two properties, at 2101 and 2103 Pennsylvania Ave., for $35,000 -- a price he termed "not all that unusual" even for "two falling-down rowhouses."

Colliers Pinkard appraised the property at $15,000, Brodie said, but a second appraisal by owner Frances V. Tilghman came in at $65,000. While the BDC found flaws in Tilghman's appraisal, Brodie added, no one raised them with her. The BDC instead decided to negotiate with Tilghman, and the two settled on $35,000 as the mid-point between their appraisals.

The board, however, disapproved of how Brodie reached that agreement. H. Harriette Taylor, deputy comptroller for the city, said the BDC should have confronted Tilghman with the flaws in her appraisal. Instead of giving the BDC the money to buy the properties, she delayed the vote for a week and sent Brodie and Fannon back to the negotiating table to report back to the board next week.

City gives redevelopment OK to west side properties
Baltimore Business Journal - 12:36 PM EST Wednesdayby Stephanie WentworthStaff
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Three properties were awarded for redevelopment by the city on downtown's west side, the Baltimore Development Corp. said Wednesday.

The properties are part of the Market Center Urban Renewal Area, roughly bound by Cathedral and Liberty streets to the east, Camden Street to the south and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on the north and west. The projects will remove blight and continue what BDC President M.J. "Jay" Brodie calls "one of downtown Baltimore's most significant revitalization efforts."


The first property, at 313 West Franklin St., was awarded to Ann Winder's Redniwa Inc. Winder also owns Place Lounge, an adjacent bar and lounge located at 315 West Franklin St. Winder plans to expand her business and create a second-floor apartment. Two proposals were submitted for the site.

Linthicum-based 602 N. Howard Street LLC/Landex Corp. won redevelopment rights for 612 North Howard St. The company submitted the sole proposal for the site. The developers plan to use the property as part of a larger residential, parking and commercial development in the 600 block of North Howard Street.

Two proposals were submitted for the final property at 324 to 326 Park Ave. It was awarded to Baltimore's Okoro Development Co. The Baltimore developer plans to create office space on the first floor and use the second and third floors for condominiums.

BDC received 11 proposals in July with plans for several west side properties. Proposals for 121 North Green St. and 200 West Saratoga St. are still being reviewed.

Charlotte has only two buildings taller than the Legg Mason Tower. We may not have that one tower that rises above everything like Charlotte, but Baltimore's downtown is far, far more dense. Look at a google earth view of both Charlotte and Baltimore, look how many empty surface lots there are surrounding a few towers compared to Baltimore, where there are very few empty lots.

I have no doubt that we will be getting a least one 1 50+ story tower in Baltimore, and when we do our skyline will more than compete with Charlottes.

i agree. charlotte, to me, isn't even in the same league as baltimore. if you look at the density, "walkability", attractions, natural geaography, ethnic diversity, and higher education facilities...baltimore eclipses charlotte in every catagory. does charlotte have a pretty skyline? yes. do they have a medical school? no. pretty skyline? yes. would i want to live there? no. in fact...last time i was in charlotte, no one lived there. it was a 9 to 5 city that everyone drove into to work in, but no one actually LIVED there.

i agree. charlotte, to me, isn't even in the same league as baltimore. if you look at the density, "walkability", attractions, natural geaography, ethnic diversity, and higher education facilities...baltimore eclipses charlotte in every catagory. does charlotte have a pretty skyline? yes. do they have a medical school? no. pretty skyline? yes. would i want to live there? no. in fact...last time i was in charlotte, no one lived there. it was a 9 to 5 city that everyone drove into to work in, but no one actually LIVED there.

Charlotte isn't a bad place but if you like cities like Baltimore, it probably won't fit. It's mainly a not-too-dense downtown with some tall buildings surrounded by parking lots and suburbs. It's a great city if you don't really like cities very much.

Walking around, today I noticed that the buildings on both sides of the wine store on Charles and Read Sts have fences and zoning notices. On the Charles St side one is the old Gampy's restaurant, the other a run-down rowhouse on Read St. The zoning signs say they are being converted from 7 to 4 housing units each. That will be an improvement for that corner. The wine store looks great but it's been bracketed by decay for too long. Also, a bathroom store is coming where Chambers interiors used to be.

I've seen a bit of Washington bashing on the Baltimore thread. I don't see why the two cities can't embrace eachother.

the two cities can't embracr each other because DC always puts down baltimore. i know people in DC that have never come to baltimore because they don't think there's anything here and that there's nothing to do......

DC and Baltimore are like a binary star system where the larger star is always pulling stuff off of the smaller one. Nevertheless, we are stuck with each other and over the years, I have known and met a lot of people from DC. One of the things I have noticed is that they ALL harbored a secret or not so secret desire to live in Baltimore. DC is such a weird world, with so many transient, careerist people. Everything revolves around government and power and networking and influence and it just seems to get tiresome to people when they live there. I'm not surprised to see so many people buying houses here and I don't think it's just that they are cheaper. A lot of those people wouldn't be enduring those commutes just to save some money if they didn't like something about being here.

The Bozzuto Group of Greenbelt, is part of a team that has been selected to redevelop the Odenton MARC station. The proposed mixed-use project will include a hotel, more than 500 apartments and condominiums, and two parking garages for commuters. Bozzuto Group was one of the lead developers in the Inner Harbor’s Spinnaker Bay project and is currently planning a mixed-use development at Bolton Yards, near the University of Baltimore’s Downtown Campus.



I'm glad that something is in the works for that parking lot.

Also, what is going on in Canton next to the Tindeco Wharf, where the Icon was slated to go. I just caught a brief glimpse of some construction there.

Here is a site to keep an eye on
http://www.turnerdevelopment.com/portfolio.php

Hi all, yet another lurker coming out of the shadows...

...is currently planning a mixed-use development at Bolton Yards, near the University of Baltimore’s Downtown Campus.

I hope that refers to the huge parking lot next to the UB / Mount Royal light rail station and across from the MICA train station building. That'd be a great spot for some infill.

One of the things I have noticed is that they ALL harbored a secret or not so secret desire to live in Baltimore.

So true so true. My sister was visiting Bmore 2 weeks ago and went out with some of her DC friends. Ewwwww, we don't want to go out in baltimore... Well the got here, went out in Federal Hill and lo and behold, they were hooked.. Quaint neighborhood. Beers that don't cost $8... Ahh, yes, they hate themselves for wanting to live here..

Here is a site to keep an eye on
http://www.turnerdevelopment.com/portfolio.php

wow, good find BigBalto1!!!! i've been looking for this guy's website for the longest time. i really believe that this westport development is going to get started sooner than we think.

Honestly, I've never spent more than 5 bucks on a Beer in DC in 6 years. I don't know where your friends are going.

It's not the beer that costs more, it's the houses. Otherwise, cost of living is comparable to Baltimore. The DC area is very different from NY in that respect, at least.

State reviewing offers for World Trade Center


BALTIMORE - The World Trade Center, the icon of downtown Baltimore office buildings, stands out for more than just its prestigious address.


At least a dozen floors in the 28-floor building at 401 E. Pratt St. appear mostly empty.

Attempts to sell the building, with its 296,139 square feet of rentable space and 38,000-square-foot waterfront plaza, have yet to be successful. But that could change.

Erin Henson, a spokesman for the Department of Transportation, said several proposals have been submitted for the purchase of the building, but she said, “I don’t believe I can discuss that. There is no time frame for a final decision on those offers.”

Richard Scher, communications director with the Department of Transportation, said Secretary of Transportation Robert Flanagan “has taken the lead in answering questions about the status of the building,” but Flanagan did not answer a request for information.

“At this point, there is no set timetable,” Scher said. “Right now those offers that we have received are before Secretary Flanagan for his review.

The state’s Department of Transportation, which has ultimate responsibility for the structure through the Maryland Port Administration, chose Baltimore’s Colliers Pinkard in July 2005 to find a buyer.

Neither Phillip C. Iglehart nor Dennis P. Malone, both listed as Colliers Pinkard contacts in an executive summary marketing report, returned telephone calls seeking comment.

Developed in 1977 to kick-start the economic revival of the Inner Harbor, the World Trade Center was upgraded between 2003 and 2005. The building, which sits on 1.02 acres, is being offered for cash. The property is valued by the state at $51 million.

The Colliers Pinkard marketing report suggests that the first-year projected operating income could top $3.3 million; the five-year average projected net operating income tops $4 million.

But that might be difficult to attain. Colliers Pinkard’s own market report for office building activity in the city during the first half of 2006 reports a 15.18 percent vacancy rate for upscale Class-A office buildings in the central business district. Older Class-B office buildings away from the Inner Harbor are being developed into residential buildings.

Also, a possible stumbling block is the fact that Baltimore City holds a lease until 2025 for the Top of the World observation deck.

Tracy Baskerville, communications director for the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, which operates the attraction, said, “The new building owners won’t affect our lease.”

kcarson@baltimoreexaminer.com




Blah. The article states no offers are on Flanagan's desk and that no timetable has been set. :ohno:

Please get this guy out of here.


But generally, I really really wish the building would get sold to some large company as a headquarter location. Hopefully.

I couldn’t resist: if there are three things I do know about, then it’s Washington, Baltimore and beer…

Priorities first: Beer. I have learned from the places I frequent (both in DC and Baltimore) that on average, the cost of beer is the same. Sometimes it’s cheaper in Baltimore, sometimes in DC (I’m excluding Happy Hour specials). A year ago I remember being surprised to pay only $3.25 for a pint of Yuengling up in Fells Point, but likewise there are several places in DC I frequent where I can get a non-local beer for the same price too.

As to differences/similarities between Washington and Baltimore, it’s a question both cities have been grappling with for a long time. Nothing-new here.

But, the one detail I’ve been noticing folks are forgetting to mention about Washington is the non-federal face of DC. Not everything in Washington is tied into government. Sure, at one time that used to be the case, but there are many companies based in the DC area that beside some sort of public policy shop, have very little to do with the fed. Technology today is what the fed used to be. Another segment being overlooked is the foreign community: between the IMF, embassies and other foreign representations, there is a huge diverse population living in Washington.

Baltimore is home. It doesn’t have the ritz and glitz of Washington; it’s down to earth. It, like most cities located near a major metropolis is often cast in a shadow of some sort. And unlike other large metropolises, Baltimore has a real gorilla to deal with since we’re talking about Washington as the Capitol. Likewise, Washingtonians are always dismayed to hear a New Yorker tell them how “small townish” DC feels. In reality, both Baltimore and Washington have some sort of freaky inferiority complex going on. Maybe it’s in the water we drink?

But from the years I’ve lived in Washington, those not from DC often view Baltimore in the same light as their hometown: unpretentious, slower-paced, and definitely not snooty. It’s not that they dislike Baltimore, it’s just that it represents what they don’t want at their particular juncture in life: excitement and opportunity. For many transplants, the reason they are in Washington to begin with is a career. So you go where the opportunities are, and eventually, one way or another there is a price: and it need not only be measured in dollars.

As a Baltimorean, my biggest concern is we’re currently living a sort of bi-polar life: on the one hand we cherish who we are, our unworldly insular customs, and sometimes insular awkward habits, yet on the other hand we want to show the world how sophisticated and worldly we are… Well, we can’t be both! Meanwhile, we continue to chant our dated slogan of Baltimore being “Charm City” as we celebrate the opening of new national chain stores downtown to replace the local “homegrown” establishments we never supported. Where is the Charm in that?

I couldn’t resist: if there are three things I do know about, then it’s Washington, Baltimore and beer…

Priorities first: Beer. I have learned from the places I frequent (both in DC and Baltimore) that on average, the cost of beer is the same. Sometimes it’s cheaper in Baltimore, sometimes in DC (I’m excluding Happy Hour specials). A year ago I remember being surprised to pay only $3.25 for a pint of Yuengling up in Fells Point, but likewise there are several places in DC I frequent where I can get a non-local beer for the same price too.

As to differences/similarities between Washington and Baltimore, it’s a question both cities have been grappling with for a long time. Nothing-new here.

But, the one detail I’ve been noticing folks are forgetting to mention about Washington is the non-federal face of DC. Not everything in Washington is tied into government. Sure, at one time that used to be the case, but there are many companies based in the DC area that beside some sort of public policy shop, have very little to do with the fed. Technology today is what the fed used to be. Another segment being overlooked is the foreign community: between the IMF, embassies and other foreign representations, there is a huge diverse population living in Washington.

Baltimore is home. It doesn’t have the ritz and glitz of Washington; it’s down to earth. It, like most cities located near a major metropolis is often cast in a shadow of some sort. And unlike other large metropolises, Baltimore has a real gorilla to deal with since we’re talking about Washington as the Capitol. Likewise, Washingtonians are always dismayed to hear a New Yorker tell them how “small townish” DC feels. In reality, both Baltimore and Washington have some sort of freaky inferiority complex going on. Maybe it’s in the water we drink?

But from the years I’ve lived in Washington, those not from DC often view Baltimore in the same light as their hometown: unpretentious, slower-paced, and definitely not snooty. It’s not that they dislike Baltimore, it’s just that it represents what they don’t want at their particular juncture in life: excitement and opportunity. For many transplants, the reason they are in Washington to begin with is a career. So you go where the opportunities are, and eventually, one way or another there is a price: and it need not only be measured in dollars.

As a Baltimorean, my biggest concern is we’re currently living a sort of bi-polar life: on the one hand we cherish who we are, our unworldly insular customs, and sometimes insular awkward habits, yet on the other hand we want to show the world how sophisticated and worldly we are… Well, we can’t be both! Meanwhile, we continue to chant our dated slogan of Baltimore being “Charm City” as we celebrate the opening of new national chain stores downtown to replace the local “homegrown” establishments we never supported. Where is the Charm in that?



Funny you bring up supporting homegrown establishments. Nowadays I feel like supporting our new downtown BESTBUY is about the best i can do. It just seems like small time retail operations will never again be a player. The global economy, cheap foreign labor and big box purchasing power has crushed the small business owner.

Now this isnt the case for all business. I still prefer the small town coffee shop and for small everyday items i'm willing to pay more for convienence.

FINALLY, VICTORY OVER THE CAPITAL! :jk:
YES, EVEN OUR WATER IS DIFFERENT

In reality, both Baltimore and Washington have some sort of freaky inferiority complex going on. Maybe it’s in the water we drink?


Eerik, sorry but I couldn't resist! Most assuredly, it is not the water. Baltimore's comes from pristine reservoirs like Pretty Boy, Liberty, and Loch Raven, that are fed by natural springs and rain fall. (They use the Susquehana in extreme drought conditions)

DC's comes from the Potomac River, downstream from where Hagerstown, Cumberland, and numerous other cities, towns, and burgs dump their sewage!

If there is one thing that is better in Baltimore, IT IS THE WATER! We have better water! :cheers: We have better water! :cheers: :banana: :ohno: :nuts:

DON'T SELL THE WORLD TRADE CENTER!

http://www.baltimoreguy.com/photogallery/02%20Baltimore%20Buildings/03%20Downtown%20Inner%20Harbor/Aquarium%2017.jpg

hey everyone, while we're having all this talk about "Baltimore and Washington", what's going on with the Baltimore-Washington Maglev Project? is it still a go by 2010? i know it's gotta' be one of the most costliest projects to ever hit this region.

BALTIMORE - Baltimore is a city on the rise.

Based on 2005 visitor statistics, international tourism is up 13 percent, tourist-generated money increased by $700 million, and 12 million visitors last year mark a seven-year high. “People want to come to a city that is constantly adding and changing, and that’s what Baltimore is,” said Nancy Hinds, vice president of public affairs for the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association.

In just one year, the city opened two new attractions, Sports Legends at Camden Yards and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Sites like the Walters Art Museum, the National Aquarium and the American Visionary Art Museum speak for the culture of the city, while Fort McHenry anchors Baltimore’s history. “Baltimore is a city that has a lot of offerings and appeal for everyone,” Hinds said. “It is a well-balanced destination.”

In their quest to visit these and other sites, tourists poured $850 million into Maryland’s sales tax money. This meant Maryland residents saved an average of $160 last year in taxes. The total direct spending of visitors reached $2.96 billion in 2005. But the effects of tourism go much further, including those employed to serve and accommodate guests from all across the world.

According to a study by the Travel Industry Association of America, tourists contributed $10.7 billion to the statewide economy. That’s up from $10 billion the previous year. When compared with cities of similar size and cultural attractions — like Washington and Philadelphia — Baltimore being a “very walkable city” sets it apart, Hinds said.

The increase in tourism reflects the opinion of Frommer’s Travel Guide which named Baltimore one of the top 10 places to visit in the summer of 2005. Other destinations on the list included Belize, Barcelona and Brazil. An internationally focused $300,000 ad campaign didn’t hurt either, officials said, netting an estimated return of $2 million. Most foreign tourists to the state came from England, France and other European countries.

Dennis Castleman, the state’s business and economic development assistant secretary, said the new focus is China. Maryland just printed out tourism brochures in Chinese, and the state is set to devote a decent chunk of its $350,000 international ad campaign in 2007 to China. “We hope to continue to raise destination awareness,” Hinds said. “Because once people come here, they’ll love it and come back again.”

Hi all, yet another lurker coming out of the shadows...



I hope that refers to the huge parking lot next to the UB / Mount Royal light rail station and across from the MICA train station building. That'd be a great spot for some infill.

Welcome, drewbwhite!
Glad to have ya! :yes:
Please post as often as you are able.

:)

FINALLY, VICTORY OVER THE CAPITAL! :jk:
YES, EVEN OUR WATER IS DIFFERENT



Eerik, sorry but I couldn't resist! Most assuredly, it is not the water. Baltimore's comes from pristine reservoirs like Pretty Boy, Liberty, and Loch Raven, that are fed by natural springs and rain fall. (They use the Susquehana in extreme drought conditions)

DC's comes from the Potomac River, downstream from where Hagerstown, Cumberland, and numerous other cities, towns, and burgs dump their sewage!

If there is one thing that is better in Baltimore, IT IS THE WATER! We have better water! :cheers: We have better water! :cheers: :banana: :ohno: :nuts:

DON'T SELL THE WORLD TRADE CENTER!

http://www.baltimoreguy.com/photogallery/02%20Baltimore%20Buildings/03%20Downtown%20Inner%20Harbor/Aquarium%2017.jpg

What joke! The industrial complex that is Baltimore has been dumping ridiculous amounts of industrial waste into our rivers and bay polluting everything around Baltimore. Who pays to clean up this pollution and subsidize the watermen whose fish and crabs are all dead? The wealthier Washington Suburbs, with their expensive real estate, that pay taxes out the rear. Next time you want to bash the Washington Area and say you don't need us, consider who keeps Maryland ranked as one the most educated and wealthiest states in the country year after year. I greatly resent the amount to which Baltimoreans (or Baltimorons in this case) take us for granted. Another example of what Washington does for Balimore is reflected in the increased tourist numbers from the above post. Why do you think a large percentage of people visit Baltimore? The answer is that they make it a day trip while visiting the nation's capital. Washingtonians, including myself, always make sure to tell people visiting the city to head up to Baltimore to see the inner harbor/aquarium and grab some crabs. Lets not kid ourselves here, Baltimore alone is seen as a St. Louis equivalent in most of the country's eyes. I don't see too many people planning trips to St. Louis. Perhaps in the future we can expect Baltimore's currently strong urban upswing to make it a strong tourist draw in its own right.

Also, what is this maglev train between Baltimore and Washington that I just saw mentioned?

Yes, BigBalto1, this site is cool. :yes:
http://www.turnerdevelopment.com/_images/port_westport.jpg

:)

Hey gang,
Driving home down Lombard a minute ago and saw a sign for 300 E. Pratt. Is that new or have I just been in a daze driving home the last few weeks? I got so excited I almost rear-ended the car in front of me.
The site address is 300eastprattstreet.com, but apparently it is not up and running yet.

Did the sign have a rendering?:)

What joke! The industrial complex that is Baltimore has been dumping ridiculous amounts of industrial waste into our rivers and bay polluting everything around Baltimore. Who pays to clean up this pollution and subsidize the watermen whose fish and crabs are all dead? The wealthier Washington Suburbs, with their expensive real estate, that pay taxes out the rear. Next time you want to bash the Washington Area and say you don't need us, consider who keeps Maryland ranked as one the most educated and wealthiest states in the country year after year. I greatly resent the amount to which Baltimoreans (or Baltimorons in this case) take us for granted. Another example of what Washington does for Balimore is reflected in the increased tourist numbers from the above post. Why do you think a large percentage of people visit Baltimore? The answer is that they make it a day trip while visiting the nation's capital. Washingtonians, including myself, always make sure to tell people visiting the city to head up to Baltimore to see the inner harbor/aquarium and grab some crabs. Lets not kid ourselves here, Baltimore alone is seen as a St. Louis equivalent in most of the country's eyes. I don't see too many people planning trips to St. Louis. Perhaps in the future we can expect Baltimore's currently strong urban upswing to make it a strong tourist draw in its own right.


And that is one reason I'd like to keep the MD/DC/Balt threads separate.....

Eerik, sorry but I couldn't resist! Most assuredly, it is not the water. Baltimore's comes from pristine reservoirs like Pretty Boy, Liberty, and Loch Raven, that are fed by natural springs and rain fall. (They use the Susquehana in extreme drought conditions)
One thing the surrounding counties can thank Baltimore City for is the maintenance of the regional supply of drinking water. What's even more ironic is that a large city would have a comprehensive forest conservation plan responsible for protecting and maintaining close to 18,000 acres of forests around the reservoirs.

But, while I agree the reservoirs are fairly clean, there has been concern for a long time over the inconsistent quality of the Baltimore water system. Some five or six years ago, Baltimore City actually reached a multi-million dollar settlement in a lawsuit against over water pollution violations. And it was slightly more than two years ago the city's health department ordered the public school system to disable all its drinking-water sources until the health commissioner gave permission to turn the taps back on.

Another definite concern is the ongoing outward development reaching to, and beyond the reservoir drainage sheds. Higher and higher levels of contaminants are being found in all three of the larger reservoirs due to nonpoint source pollution (NPS). The springs and streams that feed our reservoirs are being challenged by new growth up stream on the fall-line in the piedmont region.

It used to be we had the perceived luxury and comfort in dumping anything into the Patapsco and the Chesapeake; now we wearily watch towards the outlying areas where new homes are built, lawns are continuously sprayed with chemical fertilizers, and in the winter streets are not only treated with salt, but also pretreated with chemicals.

Oh...and I almost forgot: don't forget about the upcoming American Water Resources Association conference in Baltimore. Part of the conference includes a up-close tour of the Baltimore water system. I don't know if that means a stop at the Montebello facilities, but if anyone has the chance to participate, I highly recommend it!

Baltimore restaurant experiences?
Iggies's pizza?
best pizza?
Pazo?
Havana Club?
best new restaurants?
good bagels?
theres goldbers in pikesville. i guess greg's is good. what else?

JOhn stevens pub? as well as how good the experience was

I have so many more.

anyone listen to the ed norris show today about the unsolved deaths in Baltimore and how this has kept the murders lower than they should be?

Hey gang,
Driving home down Lombard a minute ago and saw a sign for 300 E. Pratt. Is that new or have I just been in a daze driving home the last few weeks? I got so excited I almost rear-ended the car in front of me.
The site address is 300eastprattstreet.com, but apparently it is not up and running yet.
i can't say that i blame you, tony. knowing me, i probably would've rear-ended that car after seeing a sign like that.....lol.

wow, i feel really good about this project now. it looks like they're moving right along with this planning. thanks for updating us on this, tony. this is definitely a website that we all are going to be monitoring VERY VERY closely.
http://www.300eastprattstreet.com/images/1882CS3.jpg

I looked into the Baltimore-Washington Maglev Project and I found the area was named as a finalist for a billion dollars in federal funding along with Pittsburgh. The B-W Maglev Project website hasn't been updated for almost 3 years though. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's Maglev Project hasn't been updated in a year. What's going on? The project looks like a great opportunity for both transportation and for creating a brand new technology sector in Central Maryland.

Here are links to both the Baltimore-Washington Maglev Project website and the Pennsylvania High-Speed Maglev Project:
http://www.bwmaglev.com/
http://www.maglevpa.com/eis.html

^Money, efficacy, technology, land-aquisition, NIMBYism.

It'll happen someday. But it doesn't make sense to do it now when we could be spending the money to upgrade MARC and build Baltimore a comprehensive subway system. Maglev really only makes sense if it were part of a longer line, so we have to engineer northwards of Camden Yards, which we haven't, to my knowledge...many other issues buried there, too.

Nate

i can't say that i blame you, tony. knowing me, i probably would've rear-ended that car after seeing a sign like that.....lol.

wow, i feel really good about this project now. it looks like they're moving right along with this planning. thanks for updating us on this, tony. this is definitely a website that we all are going to be monitoring VERY VERY closely.
http://www.300eastprattstreet.com/images/1882CS3.jpg

This is funny, I've driven past that lot about 3 times over the past few weeks and I've never noticed that new sign...lol.

Seems to me that they are moving a tad bit faster than the 10IH project. The only thing with 300 East pratt is that they haven't released updated renderings yet.

If there is one thing that is better in Baltimore, IT IS THE WATER! We have better water! :cheers: We have better water! :cheers: :banana: :ohno: :nuts:

One of the little publicized facts about Baltimore. We have a water supply that is the envy of the world. If you ask water people to design an ideal supply, it pretty much looks like ours, designed by Abel Wolman. 3 large reservoirs, fed by fairly clean streams, large watershed forest, rigorous purification system and an emergency drought supply (the Susquehanna) mean that we rarely get low on water (even in drought years) and our quality is real good.

DON'T SELL THE WORLD TRADE CENTER!

There really isn't any compelling reason for the State to own this building. Originally it was to be full of port related business and serve as some sort of trade magnet, but that never worked out. Now it just a relatively standard office building where anybody can rent square footage. It really isn't the business of the State to be competing with private business on something that isn't a mandated State service (renting office buildings is not). They still have not really addressed the problem that resulted in the basement filling with water during Isabel (a below grade loading dock), so one of these days, it will probably happen again. I think they ought to sell it, put a condition on the sale that the name stays and let the next owner figure out how to keep water out of the cellar.

^Money, efficacy, technology, land-aquisition, NIMBYism.

It'll happen someday. But it doesn't make sense to do it now when we could be spending the money to upgrade MARC and build Baltimore a comprehensive subway system. Maglev really only makes sense if it were part of a longer line, so we have to engineer northwards of Camden Yards, which we haven't, to my knowledge...many other issues buried there, too.

Nate

the original scope of the mag lev project was to build the line between baltimore and d.c. as a test track. but it would have been designed as a potential start of a northeast corridor line (a much smarter idea than linking pittsburg to its airport). a month or so ago when we were all talking about the howard street tunnel, i sugested that the tunnel could be used as a thourghofare for a maglev track northward through the city. i still think it would be a great solution for getting maglev through the cbd. however, i wouldn't hold my breath on this project as long as there are republicans controlling the transit dollars. we all know how rail line budgets go when oil company money is at stake and a republican controls the purse strings.

as for 300 pratt street sign.... i drove by on tuesday afternoon and it looked as though they were just finishing the sign's installation. there's no rendering, and lets not kid ourselves...its nothing more than a painted piece of plywood. on the other hand...its the most progress than i've seen on that site in years!!!

oh yeah.... and welcome, welcome, welcome to the few newcomers over the past week. this is baltimore...grab yourself a beer and make yourself at home!

I looked into the Baltimore-Washington Maglev Project and I found the area was named as a finalist for a billion dollars in federal funding along with Pittsburgh. The B-W Maglev Project website hasn't been updated for almost 3 years though. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's Maglev Project hasn't been updated in a year. What's going on? The project looks like a great opportunity for both transportation and for creating a brand new technology sector in Central Maryland.

Here are links to both the Baltimore-Washington Maglev Project website and the Pennsylvania High-Speed Maglev Project:
http://www.bwmaglev.com/
http://www.maglevpa.com/eis.html

My impression is that the funding is indefinitely in limbo. The feds do not appear to be funding even subway projects and maglev would probably be even more expensive since it relies on prototype technology and cost overruns are likely. I doubt that it will even be considered until we are not spending billions in Iraq and looting other federal programs to minimize outrageous deficits. It also seems that it might be better to let someone else pay huge amounts of money make the mistakes building a new-technology system like this.

^Money, efficacy, technology, land-aquisition, NIMBYism.

It'll happen someday. But it doesn't make sense to do it now when we could be spending the money to upgrade MARC and build Baltimore a comprehensive subway system. Maglev really only makes sense if it were part of a longer line, so we have to engineer northwards of Camden Yards, which we haven't, to my knowledge...many other issues buried there, too.

Nate
Except for the fact that getting a billion dollars in federal funding makes the line hard to refuse because we're getting free money just for building the line. Also, building something with this technology could put Maryland at the forefront of the magnetic levitation technology industry. According to the website the total cost of the project would be $3.74 billion. That means Maryland/DC would only have to pay $2.74 billion for it. This is less than is being spent to build the Intercounty Connector which, unlike the maglev, will not produce revenue, is only funded by only one state and will not give Maryland a new industry. Additonally, one must consider that the billion dollars in federal funding would produce a lot of money coming back to the state in the form of income tax from workers involved. Finally, this maglev could get Bal-Wash in good with the Olympic Comittee for 2016.

Also, any thoughts on connecting the Washington and Baltimore Metros? With their rapid population growth, Anne Arundel (including BWI) and Howard County need some form of more convenient mass transit. If the maglev isn't built, it seems like a good idea to me.

What joke! The industrial complex that is Baltimore has been dumping ridiculous amounts of industrial waste into our rivers and bay polluting everything around Baltimore. Who pays to clean up this pollution and subsidize the watermen whose fish and crabs are all dead? The wealthier Washington Suburbs, with their expensive real estate, that pay taxes out the rear. Next time you want to bash the Washington Area and say you don't need us, consider who keeps Maryland ranked as one the most educated and wealthiest states in the country year after year. I greatly resent the amount to which Baltimoreans (or Baltimorons in this case) take us for granted. Another example of what Washington does for Balimore is reflected in the increased tourist numbers from the above post. Why do you think a large percentage of people visit Baltimore? The answer is that they make it a day trip while visiting the nation's capital. Washingtonians, including myself, always make sure to tell people visiting the city to head up to Baltimore to see the inner harbor/aquarium and grab some crabs. Lets not kid ourselves here, Baltimore alone is seen as a St. Louis equivalent in most of the country's eyes. I don't see too many people planning trips to St. Louis. Perhaps in the future we can expect Baltimore's currently strong urban upswing to make it a strong tourist draw in its own right.

Also, what is this maglev train between Baltimore and Washington that I just saw mentioned?



OH NO HE DIDNT!!!!!! Really, how dare you compare us to St. Louis...all they have is an arch and a higher crime rate. We have so much history, attractions, and small town, homely(if thats a word) characteristics that most large cities lack. Also, if Washington is so great and/or "unbashworthy", why do you all need to send them to us to complete a day's trip....I am a native baltimorian myself and I never spent time or could actually say I been in D.C. until I was 16 years old.....yeah its nice seeing government buildings and all...but what else do they have that BMORE doesnt?.....dont come down on BMORE.....

OH NO HE DIDNT!!!!!! Really, how dare you compare us to St. Louis...all they have is an arch and a higher crime rate. We have so much history, attractions, and small town, homely(if thats a word) characteristics that most large cities lack. Also, if Washington is so great and/or "unbashworthy", why do you all need to send them to us to complete a day's trip....I am a native baltimorian myself and I never spent time or could actually say I been in D.C. until I was 16 years old.....yeah its nice seeing government buildings and all...but what else do they have that BMORE doesnt?.....dont come down on BMORE.....
What do you mean by "what else do they have that BMORE doesnt?" Oh I don't know: many, many beautiful monuments, tons of history, beautiful European architecture, the cherry blossoms, THE LARGEST MUSEUM COMPLEX IN THE WORLD (including the Hirschorn Gallery, Sackler Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery of Art, Freer Gallery, Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, Air and Space Museum, National Building Museum, International Spy Museum, and the Newseum among many others!), one of the best zoos in the world, great shopping (Georgetown, Chevy Chase, Tysons), the 3rd best Chinatown in the country and a gigantic/diverse restaurant market. Honestly, overall no city (except maybe New York) in the entire Western Hemisphere can compete with Washington (especially when combined with Baltimore) as an overall tourist destination. Baltimore can be a bigger part of that if they increase cooperation with Washington.
Don't asky why I came down on "BMORE." A bunch of posters here have ridiculed Washington as a culturally devoid wasteland (with poor water quality) that should be annexed away from Maryland.
Washingtonians don't send tourists to Baltimore "to complete a day's trip", we tell them to spend a day in Baltimore on their weeklong trips to the Washington. This Washington hating has got to stop, can we just agree both cities have different things going for them?

http://www.urbanamerica.com/urbanII-examples.html

^^ Click it. :D

http://www.urbanamerica.com/urbanII-examples.html

^^ Click it. :D
and this:

http://www.urbanamerica.com/pdf/300pratt.pdf

One of the little publicized facts about Baltimore. We have a water supply that is the envy of the world. If you ask water people to design an ideal supply, it pretty much looks like ours, designed by Abel Wolman. 3 large reservoirs, fed by fairly clean streams, large watershed forest, rigorous purification system and an emergency drought supply (the Susquehanna) mean that we rarely get low on water (even in drought years) and our quality is real good.
My understanding is that in the context of drinking water, Dr. Abel Wolman gets credit not for the establishment of the reservoir network, but recognition for presenting and proving a persuasive argument that chlorination does in fact eliminate water-borne diseases. (Although later in his career he did provide oversight of the upgrading of filtration facilities at Montebello and Ashburton.)

There are many articles about a colleague of his at the time, a chemist by the name of Linn Enslow, who some go as far as to say really should get the credit for provided the “brains” to quantify how much chlorine to add (since at the time there was no defined standard) and Wolman in effect served more as the vocal lobbyist to promote adoption. Jersey City still assumes the role of being the first municipality/water system to use chlorine at the turn of the last century.

The irony about Wolman is that while given credit for being the voice for implementing a clean supply of drinking water, as a private consultant to Bethlehem Steel at Sparrows Point (quoting from a book written by Mark Reutter, Making Steel), from 1940-1964 Wolman “smoothed the way for huge discharges of cyanide, zinc, and other furnace wastes into the harbor and Chesapeake Bay.” By today’s standards, it’s really an ugly contradiction…

Goes to show how much things have changed in our lifetime, from using Mother Earth as a big dumpster, to preserving what she has to offer. I wonder how people will view our lifestyle today, in fifty years?

As a side note, the DPW has a great library/archive of material showcasing the construction of the early city reservoirs in the late 1700s through today. In their collection they have a large map identifying the distribution system between the reservoirs, how they feed into the filtration plants, the 38-mile long “Big Inch” and the watersheds (which in the case of Prettyboy stretches into a small part of York County, PA). For Baltimore City, the water system really has to rate as one of the most progressive initiatives it has ever taken. Just consider the legal mumbo-jumbo you’d face today…

Except for the fact that getting a billion dollars in federal funding makes the line hard to refuse because we're getting free money just for building the line. Also, building something with this technology could put Maryland at the forefront of the magnetic levitation technology industry. According to the website the total cost of the project would be $3.74 billion. That means Maryland/DC would only have to pay $2.74 billion for it. This is less than is being spent to build the Intercounty Connector which, unlike the maglev, will not produce revenue, is only funded by only one state and will not give Maryland a new industry...
First of all, there is no such thing as free money. As a taxpayer, it’s my money. Second, the maglev project will not generate a penny in profit. Even if the price of gasoline soars to some unrealistic amount, the cost to ride maglev will be considered a luxury that very few will partake. (It would be cheaper to buy TWO townhomes in Georgetown than ride maglev.) Therefore, farebox recovery will be zilch, and sooner or later the state/fed will regard it as one big and expensive novel experiment it will ultimately abandoned altogether.

Instead, Baltimore needs to establish a strategy on how to get the feds to drop the maglev idea for something more feasible, even a mile for mile trade off of construction monies to DC/Maryland to help fund expanded subway construction. At least then you’ll have some fare box recovery, and perhaps a system that is affordable for the daily commuter. But how the maglev concept is currently structured, it is bad news for any and all other future mass transit projects in Maryland (not that we have the money to actually do anything now as it is…).

Office-retail complex planned at Fort Meade
Developer Trammell Crow to build two golf courses in exchange for prime site outside main gate
By Lorraine Mirabella
Sun reporter
Originally published November 3, 2006

The developer tapped by the Army to redevelop 540 acres of Fort Meade is proposing a $700 million office and retail project at the prime location just outside the main gate.




The area around the fort is rapidly expanding as thousands of new workers start to flock to Fort Meade as part of a reorganization of the nation's military bases.

Trammell Crow Co., of Dallas, has proposed building more than 2 million square feet of offices in about 15 buildings spanning three, park-like office campuses on 173 vacant acres north of Route 175, a vice president of the company said yesterday.



The developer, which was notified Monday of its selection, also plans an undetermined amount of retail space, including a health club and day care center, said Mark S. Corneal, a senior vice president at Trammell Crow.

"It's an incredible opportunity to build a Class A office park in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, outside the gates of Fort Meade, that will serve both the Army's requirements and the contracting community that serves the Army," Corneal said.



"There aren't very many large chunks of land in the Baltimore-Washington corridor available for this type of development. And the BRAC [Base Realignment and Closure] program is an exciting time for Anne Arundel County and this area of Maryland because of the win by Fort Meade of the influx of jobs."

The restructuring is expected to draw 5,400 new civilian, military and contract employees to Fort Meade, along with 4,900 family members, a base spokeswoman said yesterday.



20,000 more
That doesn't include defense-related jobs that are projected to be drawn to the area. As many as 20,000 are expected over the next five to 10 years, according to some estimates.
Under the agreement the Army is to sign with Trammell Crow next Friday, the Texas company will develop, own and manage the commercial project. In lieu of rent for the federally owned land, Trammell Crow will build two 18-hole golf courses on 360 acres south of Route 32.

"We're giving them the space and the land, and they're going to build a facility of benefit to Fort Meade and to them as well, and will pay us back in in-kind services," said Christopher Augsburger, a spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers, which selected the developer along with officials of Fort Meade.



Course to close
A golf course at Fort Meade, along Mapes Road and Cooper Avenue, will be closed and used by the Army to build facilities for the government agencies expected to relocate there as part of BRAC, said Jennifer Downing, the Fort Meade spokeswoman.
Those agencies include the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Defense Military Department Adjudication Activities, and Defense Media and Publication Activities, she said.

The influx of highly sophisticated jobs from those agencies will help drive demand for commercial and residential growth that is beginning to transform the larger Odenton area, said Aaron J. Greenfield, president and chief executive of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corp.

Last month, state leaders announced a $150 million residential-retail-office development next to the Odenton MARC train station.

The proposed office park at Fort Meade, which Trammell Crow hopes to call the Fort Meade Technology Center, would give that stretch of Route 175 a boost, Greenfield said.

"I think it's terrific, and I think it is needed," Greenfield said. "If you look at that area around Fort Meade, particularly the 175 area, I am of the belief it needs a nice tuneup and needs some work, so we're excited about this project. It offers significant redevelopment opportunities."

Gregory E. Masi, a vice president of Manekin LLC, the Columbia real estate company, estimated that up to 15 million square feet of office space is being planned or proposed within a 5-mile radius of the fort over the next decade.



Not overwhelming
"It won't overwhelm anybody in the market, because developers in the corridor have been smart in the way they build," Masi said. "Nobody wants to go out and build and sit and wait" for tenants.
Tenants likely will see the proposed development at Fort Meade as a prime address, he said.

"It's a good location," he said. "It has not been in the past the best location, but because of the new activity occurring in the next six to seven years at Fort Meade, it is turning into an excellent location."



lorraine.mirabella@baltsun.com

M&T Bank’s Collins bullish on Baltimore



(Kristine Buls/Examiner)
Woody Collins, president of M & T Bank Mid-Atlantic Region, sat down with The Examiner to discuss the bank and his thoughts about Baltimore. Printer Friendly | PDF | Email | digg
Earle Eldridge, The Examiner
Nov 3, 2006 5:00 AM (18 mins ago)
Current rank: Not ranked

BALTIMORE - The go-to guy. The coach. The face of the company.


In the recent past, Atwood “Woody” Collins III has assumed these roles as president of M&T Bank’s Mid-Atlantic region.

It was Collins, who three years ago spent two long days meeting with the mayor, city officials, nervous employees and a slew of Baltimore news reporters when then little-known M&T Bank paid $3.1 billion to acquire Baltimore-based Allfirst Bank.

“I came down to announce the merger. The next day it was a marathon. Nobody knew who we were,” Collins said. “The first three months, I must have interviewed over 1,000 employees. They could identify a face with the company.”

Collins oversaw the many details of the merger.

An estimated 650 people lost their jobs, but M&T moved its Baltimore operations unit to a renovated Montgomery Park in southwest Baltimore to keep remaining jobs in the city. The bank then moved its mutual fund division from the bank’s Buffalo, N.Y., headquarters to Baltimore.

M&T donated $1 million to the Hippodrome Foundation, which in turn named the home of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center the M&T Bank Pavilion. In a dramatic move, the bank signed a deal to spend $75 million over 15 years with the Baltimore Ravens, which included renaming the stadium M&T Bank Stadium.

“It was a terrific way to get the brand name out and to let the community know that we are here to stay,” Collins said.

“M&T Bank is committed to serving this area for the long run and our partnership will go a long way in helping us achieve common goals,” said Ravens owner Art Modell.

The agreement also includes several community programs related to the Ravens such as sponsoring the marching band and honoring disadvantaged youth as well as fundraising, volunteer and education projects.

Collins said he too is committed to Baltimore, having bought a condominium in the city.

“I’m very bullish on Baltimore.”

Aris Melissaratos, secretary for Maryland’s Department of Business and Economic Development, called Collins “a great business leader.”

He added that Collins has a willingness to partner with the community.

“I’d list him as one of the state’s two or three top business leaders,” Melissaratos said.

ATWOOD “WOODY” COLLINS

» Education/credentials: B.A. Yale University, History

» First job: Research assistant, J.P. Morgan

» Birthdate: Jan. 10. 1947

» Birthplace: West Hartford, Conn.

» Number of daily E-mails: Too many

» Number of daily voicemails: Too many

» Essential websites: yahoo.com, google.com

» Best job perk: People I work with

» Career objective: Have customers see M&T Bank as the No. 1 bank

» Favorite gadget: GPS (global positioning system)

» Original career objective: Earn enough money to pay rent

» Sports/hobbies: Boating, golf

eeldridge@baltimoreexaminer.com

Fells Point Recreation Pier will see new life as center

(Kristine Buls/Examiner)
After two years of delays, a $47 million redevelopment plan is in place that will redo the Fells Point Recreation Pier and bring a hotel to the site. Printer Friendly | PDF | Email | digg
Kelly Carson, The Examiner
Nov 3, 2006 5:00 AM (3 mins ago)
Current rank: # 549 of 5,672 articles

BALTIMORE - The parties will return to the Fells Point Recreation Pier.


Once a hot spot for Fells Point’s Polish community, and more recently known for its role in “Homicide: Life on the Streets,” the pier will see new life as a hotel and conference center when J.J. Clarke Enterprises completes its renovation.

Originally built by Baltimore City and opened to the public in 1914, the pier was used to unload produce from the Eastern Shore.

Produce merchants and farmers used the large shed with oversized garage doors, and the adjoining masonry building on Thames Street was home to a ballroom, which hosted generations of Polish weddings and community events, according to a history of the structure.

When Clarke is finished with the project sometime in 2008, the ballroom will be restored, an upscale hotel will take over the former shed building and the pier, where tugboats will continue to moor, will be rebuilt.

Moran Towing of Maryland, the sole surviving tug operation of four that once tied up at the pier, will continue operations at the site once the pier is rebuilt.

“We have approval by the National Park Service to accept our plan for this structure for historic tax credit purposes,” said Joseph Clarke, founder and principal with the development and finance company.

Clarke is teaming with H&S Properties Development Corp., which has developed more than $300 million in multi-use projects along Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, to bring a hotel with the brand name aloft to the Recreation Pier location.

The hotel brand, part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., features loft-like guest rooms.

Clarke said public use of the pier and ballroom is paramount in his plan for the site.

“The public will always have access to the end of the pier, which is open space,” he said. “We have to figure out how they will get out there, and we are currently studying that. The public also will have access to and free use of the ballroom on a limited number of dates annually.”

The redevelopment announcement is being greeted with applause from Lori Guess, a lawyer with the Defense Contract Management Agency and former chairman of a neighborhood task force that addressed the needs of the Recreation Pier.

“We always hoped that the community would have more involvement and there would be more community use in the building,” Guess said.

“A hotel did seem to be the best approach. I think considering all the history that the answer is yes, it’s a good thing.”

kcarson@baltimoreexaminer.com

TURNER DEVELOPMENT GROUP

1700 Beason Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21230

410 752-1241 Phone

410 539-4900 Fax



PAT@TURNERDEVELOPMENT.COM

Steve,



Attached is a text summary of the project, I know you were looking for visuals, but they will be forthcoming over the next 6 – 8 months as we complete the basic site and infra structure plan with our civil engineers. It is an exciting project for Baltimore and will be a national model for large transit oriented smart growth development. We are working on a web page that will give regular updates that should be complete early next year. Thank you for your interest.



Patrick Turner

President





WESTPORT NARRATIVE




LOCATION

The Westport project is sited on six waterfront parcels totaling approximately 50 acres with 3200 feet of waterfront on the middle branch of the Patapsco River. It is the last large parcel of developable waterfront property remaining in Baltimore City. . The combined parcels form the entire western shoreline of the Middle Branch waterway of the Patapsco River which empties into the Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore Maryland. Most of the site was occupied by the, now defunct Carr Lowrey Glass Company and the Westport power generation plant operated by Baltimore Gas & Electric. Both facilities are abandoned. The project is bounded by the Patapsco River, Waterview Avenue to the South, Kloman Street to the West and Interstate 95 on the North.

The Westport neighborhood is adjacent to and south of Interstate 95, bordering on both sides of Maryland route 295. The site is approximately 2 miles south of Baltimore’s Central Business District and 35 miles north of Washington, DC. The Middle Branch waterway is about 5 times the size of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Our neighbors on the southern shoreline include the Middle Branch Park, a 27 acre pristine park with about 4,000 feet of waterfront, The Baltimore Rowing Club and a Wildlife Observation Boardwalk built by Living Classrooms of Baltimore. The northern shoreline is first delineated by an abandoned CSX trestle bridge with a backdrop of the entire downtown Baltimore skyline. We are in discussions with CSX to acquire this bridge. The trestle bridge connects our western shoreline with the northeast shoreline at Swan Park. Swan Park’s primary use if for neighborhood field sports. Also on the northeast shoreline is the future home to the National Aquarium’s new center for Aquatic Life and Conservation. This 19 acre tract was purchased as an expansion of their Baltimore Inner Harbor location. The facility will include a publicly accessible waterfront conservation park, space for their expanding conservation education programs, and the Marine Animal Rescue Program and exhibits. Ultimately, this development may include a hotel and conference center. The eastern edge of Middle branch is the picturesque Hanover Street Bridge. When we acquire and repair the CSX trestle bridge we intend to extend the Gwynn’s Falls trail over the bridge. This will create a 5.5 mile trail loop that would allow access around the entire Middle Branch waterway without crossing any streets.

This opportunity to bring this mini Chesapeake Bay, eastern shore setting into an urban environment so close to the central business district is an extremely rare opportunity.


TRANSPORTATION

One of the site’s biggest assets is its multiple transportation options, qualifying it as a Transit Orientated Development (TOD).

The site is adjacent to an Mass Transit Administration (MTA) light rail station allowing convenient travel to Baltimore’s central business district, stadiums, the airport, Penn station (trains to New York), the Marc train station (trains to Washington, DC) as well as various locations north and south of the city. The site is also serviced by mass transit bus routes.

A cloverleaf exit and entrance to Maryland route 295 is four blocks from the center of the site. Interstate 95 runs along the northern boundary of the parcel. These routes allow direct convenient access to Washington DC.

The 3200 feet of waterfront will allow for several docking piers and possible water taxi service to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Fort McHenry or the many other waterfront venues.

The site also directly connects with the newly completed Gwynns Falls Trail, a 15-mile linear greenway trail connecting over 30 unique neighborhoods and 2000 scenic acres of parkland to downtown Baltimore.

We envision our entire development to be bike friendly with bike paths integrated with all roads and sidewalks as well as bike racks for people to secure their bikes throughout the site. We are also exploring the addition of a velodrome to the northern part of the site. A velodrome is a cycling facility that houses a track specifically built for bicycle racing. A velodrome here in Baltimore could play host to the United States Cycling Federation’s Regional and National Championships, Olympic trials and World Cup cycling events. Besides providing a venue for world class track racing and the positive exposure it would bring to the city, a velodrome would create a recreational facility open to all to train and practice this healthy sport. By promoting a cycling culture we are encouraging safe, non-vehicular commuting which can easily be accomplished because of the sites proximity in the city.

Offering walking and bicycle paths, intestate access, marine transportation, and various kinds of public transportation, this site is one of the most convenient neighborhoods in all of Baltimore. It is short trip to the Inner Harbor, sports stadiums, live entertainment, historic neighborhoods, shopping or other downtown attractions. This neighborhood has more public and private resources then any other in the entire city.

ZONING & USES

The property has been rezoned to a B-2-3 zoning allowing high density residential, office, retail, and marinas. The site with its multiple transportation access makes it one of the largest transit oriented developments in the country.


NEIGHBORHOOD

The immediate neighborhood, east of Maryland route 295 and west of the light rail station, is made up of about 360 houses, some small retail, several warehouse structures, vacant lots and a BG&E substation. This small enclave of housing sandwiched between Maryland 295 and the industrial waterfront has deteriorated over the years as more of the industry abandoned its operations. About 25% of the housing is vacant. The community leaders are dedicated to improving the neighborhood and are enthusiastically supporting the project. The City’s new master plan for the area will encompass the entire neighborhood.

DEVELOPMENT TEAM & PUBLIC PARTNERS

Most neighborhoods that under take a revitalization effort do it in a very piece meal fashion. It is usually done over time by many different people without a common thread other then the desire to improve the neighborhood. Here because of the large size of the developable land and the small scale of the existing community, we have the opportunity to create the city’s greatest neighborhood. We can plan where every aspect of the community is located, whether it is a park, a walk way, retail shops or even as simple as lighting and trash cans. The serine waterway, the massive existing parks, the accessible transportation, proximity to downtown employment and entertainment make this location perfect for a new destination community. For these reasons the project is strongly supported by the City of Baltimore, the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Trust for Public Land, and the Westport neighborhood association. We have in turn assembled a “dream team” of urban designers to complete the effort. Our design team is led by Architect, Chris Pfaeffle of Parameter Inc. and includes Garth Rockcastle, the Dean of Architecture at the University of Maryland, the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education and Field Operations, an internationally renowned design firm based in New York. The National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education is a non-partisan center for research and leadership training on Smart Growth and related land use issues nationally and internationally. The mission of the Center is to bring the diverse resources of the University of Maryland and a network of national experts to bear on issues in land development, resource preservation and urban growth –the nature of our communities, our landscape and our quality of life – though interdisciplinary research, outreach and education. The National Center for Smart Growth conducts independent, objective research in four general areas: land use and the environment; transportation and public health; housing and community development; and international development issues.

PROGRESS & TIMING

The zoning to B-23 is complete on the 18 acre Carr-Lowery parcel, the 12 acre Constellation parcel and the .9 acre MTA parcel. The above grade environmental remediation is complete on the 18 acre Carr-Lowery site and demolition of the former buildings is complete. We are currently bringing in fill dirt to cap the site and raise it out of the flood plain. This should be complete by year end. All environmental studies and remediation pricing are complete on the 12 acre Constellation parcel. Demolition of that site should begin first quarter 2007.

Our plan calls for a six year build out of over 5.5 million square feet of residential, retail, office, hotel and entertainment. We are currently working with the City and our design team to create the construction documents to begin site work by October 2007. With the TIF funding we are able to complete all of the public plazas, shore lines and roads and utilities at one time giving strong momentum to the project. We will begin construction of the townhouses on the southern end of the site by May of 2008, as well as construction of one of the loft apartment buildings on the central plaza by our team. We are working with a national brokerage firm, CB Richard Ellis, that will commit significant company resources to market this project nationally and internationally. We feel that this will bring many prospects to either lease space from us or buy pad sites and construct their own product. We would at all times maintain design control on any buildings built by others just as we did with Pulte Homes at Silo Point, their first urban project.

What joke! The industrial complex that is Baltimore has been dumping ridiculous amounts of industrial waste into our rivers and bay polluting everything around Baltimore. Who pays to clean up this pollution and subsidize the watermen whose fish and crabs are all dead? The wealthier Washington Suburbs, with their expensive real estate, that pay taxes out the rear. Next time you want to bash the Washington Area and say you don't need us, consider who keeps Maryland ranked as one the most educated and wealthiest states in the country year after year. I greatly resent the amount to which Baltimoreans (or Baltimorons in this case) take us for granted. Another example of what Washington does for Balimore is reflected in the increased tourist numbers from the above post. Why do you think a large percentage of people visit Baltimore? The answer is that they make it a day trip while visiting the nation's capital. Washingtonians, including myself, always make sure to tell people visiting the city to head up to Baltimore to see the inner harbor/aquarium and grab some crabs. Lets not kid ourselves here, Baltimore alone is seen as a St. Louis equivalent in most of the country's eyes. I don't see too many people planning trips to St. Louis. Perhaps in the future we can expect Baltimore's currently strong urban upswing to make it a strong tourist draw in its own right.

Also, what is this maglev train between Baltimore and Washington that I just saw mentioned?
Somebody doesn't have a sense of humor! The "JK" means JUST KIDDING in case you didn't know. The water in Baltimore is, however, on par with New York's which gets theirs from reservoirs in the Catskills. They don't drink their Harbor water either.

I was thinking (rare, isn't it?), that it would be nice if ALL the proposed projects downtown had a nice sign stating what is proposed/coming. 10IH, Mercy Hospital, 300 E. Pratt, Cityscape, Rec Pier, Four Seasons, etc. It is small things like that which further a feeling of optimism to a city. When you walk by a parking lot you know that it won't always be an underused piece of property.

I think the Maglev is as dead as a duck. Spending $500 Billion (and counting) in Iraq means there isn't much money left left in the treasury for demonstration projects like Maglev. Last year our dear Congress was doing everything they could to kill Amtrak as it exists now!

I would be in favor of extending the Washington Meto Green line to Charles Center in Baltimore instead of just to Fort Meade. If they did that, and built a 3 rail line so that they could run express trains like they do in New York, then they could do away with much of MARC.

TURNER DEVELOPMENT GROUP

1700 Beason Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21230

410 752-1241 Phone

410 539-4900 Fax



PAT@TURNERDEVELOPMENT.COM

Steve,



Attached is a text summary of the project, I know you were looking for visuals, but they will be forthcoming over the next 6 – 8 months as we complete the basic site and infra structure plan with our civil engineers. It is an exciting project for Baltimore and will be a national model for large transit oriented smart growth development. We are working on a web page that will give regular updates that should be complete early next year. Thank you for your interest.



Patrick Turner

President


oh, ok. so cool, Pat Turner delivers quick responses. that's always a good thing. like the UrbanAmereica/Doracon project, i think that this project may also get started sooner than we think. by the project itself being so massive, it's definitely going to help the westport area quite a bit.

IMO, its a futile debate...

As a life long Baltimorean, I love my town and all the great things it has to offer.

However, I also love DC and all the things it has to offer. For whatever reason (government, transients, young professionals ((where have i heard that before??))), DC is 'bigtime.' Where as Baltimore is more 'mediumtime.' The sheer number of 'things to do' in DC are greater than they are in Bmore.

:dunno: :)

But big F'n deal. Bmore is my town and I love it for what it is. I don't really see the point in competing. Distinguishing between the two, yes. That's necessary. We certainly need to let the rest of the country that they are two different cities. Competing however,.

In the words of the great Martin Payne "Can't we all just get along?" :naughty:

^^ Yes, I agree. ^^

Baltimore has some of the best water in the nation, generally if you have bad water, its your pipes not the water.

The water in the harbor? Well, I would't drink it.

Good to see a little movemnet on 300 E. Pratt.

BDC must open its meetings, court rules
Baltimore agency that oversees development deals deemed a public entity
By John Fritze
Sun Reporter
Originally published November 3, 2006, 5:33 PM EST
Maryland's highest court ruled today that a quasi-government agency that has overseen many of the city's largest development deals must open its books -- and its meetings -- to the public.

The Baltimore Development Corp, whose members are appointed by Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley, must be considered a public entity for the purposes of the state's open meetings and public records law, the Court of Appeals said this morning.

Joshua N. Auerbach, the assistant city solicitor who argued the case for the city, said the agency will comply with the ruling and that it will be able to continue to function

"It will make BDC's work a bit more difficult but BDC will go on," Auerbach said.

Created in 1991, the BDC has been behind many of the city's largest developments, including, most recently, the $305 million convention center hotel that is scheduled to open in 2008. It is often responsible for choosing contractors and acquiring land for those projects.

O'Malley's administration, which has frequently touted openness in government as a hallmark objective, argued that the BDC required a more secretive approach in order to conduct many of the land development deals that helped shaped the city's downtown revival.

"I have yet to meet anybody who has been to a Baltimore Development Corp. meeting and that's going to have to change," said the attorney who successfully argued the case, John C. Murphy. "By itself, that's going to be a great first step."

The original lawsuit was filed by nine businesses slated to be condemned as part of a redevelopment of downtown's west side. The business owners argued that a decision by the BDC's board to recommend developers to O'Malley was made illegally because it was made behind closed doors.

john.fritze@baltsun.com

Don't forget to vote for O'Malley on the 7th. So we can get a good governor.

i can't say that i blame you, tony. knowing me, i probably would've rear-ended that car after seeing a sign like that.....lol.

wow, i feel really good about this project now. it looks like they're moving right along with this planning. thanks for updating us on this, tony. this is definitely a website that we all are going to be monitoring VERY VERY closely.
http://www.300eastprattstreet.com/images/1882CS3.jpg

The urban design and planning firm i work with was contacted by the developers for 300 east pratt street. if they are already looking to have us involved then i'd say they are on the "fast track!"

BDC must open its meetings, court rules
Baltimore agency that oversees development deals deemed a public entity
By John Fritze
Sun Reporter
Originally published November 3, 2006, 5:33 PM EST
Maryland's highest court ruled today that a quasi-government agency that has overseen many of the city's largest development deals must open its books -- and its meetings -- to the public.

The Baltimore Development Corp, whose members are appointed by Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley, must be considered a public entity for the purposes of the state's open meetings and public records law, the Court of Appeals said this morning.

Joshua N. Auerbach, the assistant city solicitor who argued the case for the city, said the agency will comply with the ruling and that it will be able to continue to function

"It will make BDC's work a bit more difficult but BDC will go on," Auerbach said.

Created in 1991, the BDC has been behind many of the city's largest developments, including, most recently, the $305 million convention center hotel that is scheduled to open in 2008. It is often responsible for choosing contractors and acquiring land for those projects.

O'Malley's administration, which has frequently touted openness in government as a hallmark objective, argued that the BDC required a more secretive approach in order to conduct many of the land development deals that helped shaped the city's downtown revival.

"I have yet to meet anybody who has been to a Baltimore Development Corp. meeting and that's going to have to change," said the attorney who successfully argued the case, John C. Murphy. "By itself, that's going to be a great first step."

The original lawsuit was filed by nine businesses slated to be condemned as part of a redevelopment of downtown's west side. The business owners argued that a decision by the BDC's board to recommend developers to O'Malley was made illegally because it was made behind closed doors.

john.fritze@baltsun.com


BEST news in the last month^^^^^^^^^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love open process, not this behind the doors crap:cheers:

What do you mean by "what else do they have that BMORE doesnt?" Oh I don't know: many, many beautiful monuments, tons of history, beautiful European architecture, the cherry blossoms, THE LARGEST MUSEUM COMPLEX IN THE WORLD (including the Hirschorn Gallery, Sackler Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery of Art, Freer Gallery, Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, Air and Space Museum, National Building Museum, International Spy Museum, and the Newseum among many others!), one of the best zoos in the world, great shopping (Georgetown, Chevy Chase, Tysons), the 3rd best Chinatown in the country and a gigantic/diverse restaurant market. Honestly, overall no city (except maybe New York) in the entire Western Hemisphere can compete with Washington (especially when combined with Baltimore) as an overall tourist destination. Baltimore can be a bigger part of that if they increase cooperation with Washington.
Don't asky why I came down on "BMORE." A bunch of posters here have ridiculed Washington as a culturally devoid wasteland (with poor water quality) that should be annexed away from Maryland.
Washingtonians don't send tourists to Baltimore "to complete a day's trip", we tell them to spend a day in Baltimore on their weeklong trips to the Washington. This Washington hating has got to stop, can we just agree both cities have different things going for them?



I agree with you though, but I really hate the Baltimore Bashing cause where I live now, in hampton roads VA, Baltimore is often overshadowed by NOVA and D.C., people do not really know what is in baltimore, nor the fact that they have a huge skyline and CBD, I wish people actually got to know what is there. I always thought of Balt-Wash as one huge area, as it should be..and I always claimed that I was born in Balt-wash and will die there...until I began to notice the culture clashes amoung the younger population of the 2 cities. But other than that, I really like Washington, but no one should try to say whats better or whos bigger, Balt-wash is a connected metro spilling into 3 states..we should take pride in that and become one!!!!

Too many here are creating a false dillema:

We exist together and seperately at the same time! Think about it! It's like the wave and particle theory!

Let's get over it and move on. We can be one metro region and still have seperate damn development threads, legitimately!

Nate

The urban design and planning firm i work with was contacted by the developers for 300 east pratt street. if they are already looking to have us involved then i'd say they are on the "fast track!"

Sounds great! :yes:
Please keep us informed of any new "developments" ;) :lol:
This is all very exciting, though. :yes: :)

Race For Governor

Transportation, growth on the line

Expert says election outcome will shape jobs, neighborhood investments, movement





By Michael Dresser
Sun reporter


November 3, 2006



Rail or bus. Bridge or ferries. Tolls or taxes. These and other issues affecting how Marylanders get around could be at stake in this year's contest between Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and Mayor Martin O'Malley.

In a governor's race dominated by the issues of education, crime and the economy, transportation so far has taken a back seat. But in a state that slogs through some of the worst traffic congestion in the country, moving people and goods remains one of the most important functions of state government.

"A lot of key decisions are scheduled to be made in the next four years, and the outcome of those decisions could influence jobs and neighborhood investments and growth patterns for generations to come," said Dan Pontious, policy director for Baltimore's Citizens Planning and Housing Association.

The next administration will decide, for example, whether the state builds rail transit or rapid bus lanes in three important transportation corridors -- an east-west line in Baltimore and two lines in the Washington suburbs. The Ehrlich administration is clearly intrigued by Bus Rapid Transit -- using high-tech buses in dedicated lanes -- while O'Malley is an advocate for rail.

The next governor could also determine whether the state continues in the direction of financing major road projects with tolls, or turns to increases in taxes or fees. Ehrlich's transportation secretary, Robert L. Flanagan, prefers tolls to build and expand roads as well as to control congestion. O'Malley is scornful of toll projects, calling them "a move backward in our history."

The Ehrlich administration wants to keep spending more than $1 million a year over the next six years to make plans for a new crossing of the Chesapeake Bay -- a "third bridge" idea that has run into fierce resistance on the Eastern Shore. O'Malley opposes a new bay crossing and wants to explore a system of fast ferries.

Transportation played more of a central role in Ehrlich's 2002 campaign, in which he criticized Gov. Parris N. Glendening for canceling the proposed Inter-county Connector -- a highway connecting Interstates 95 and 270 in the Washington suburbs -- and underfunding road projects around the state.

To a large extent, Ehrlich has delivered on his promises, using his influence with the Bush administration to put the ICC on a fast track. The toll road received final federal approval earlier this year.

In 2004, the governor took on the politically delicate challenge of persuading the General Assembly to raise transportation revenues. Flanagan cobbled together a fragile coalition to approve a near-doubling of vehicle registration fees, winning a crucial victory for Ehrlich and bringing in $238 million a year.

But before that vote, Ehrlich dipped into the state Transportation Trust Fund for $300 million over two budget years to cover a shortfall inherited from Glendening without resorting to taxes. In addition, the governor cut about $200 million in transportation aid to local governments -- including O'Malley's Baltimore.

It's a decision O'Malley continues to criticize.

"The governor made things worse by diverting transportation trust funds into the general fund," O'Malley said in a recent interview over breakfast in New Carrollton.

O'Malley contends that Ehrlich is too oriented to road-building and hostile to mass transit -- a charge Flanagan denies, saying the administration has taken a balanced approach to transportation. Ehrlich declined to be interviewed for this article. His campaign referred questions to the administration's transportation chief.

Flanagan pointed to the administration's outlay of design money for four major transit projects: an extension of the Baltimore Metro subway to Morgan State University; an east-west Red Line from Woodlawn to Canton; a route connecting New Carrollton to Bethesda and another in the I-270 corridor.

While O'Malley and Ehrlich both support construction of the Red Line, they have different visions of what that might look like.

Flanagan has ruled out heavy rail such as the existing Metro system. As with the two Washington-area lines, he has narrowed the study to light rail and Bus Rapid Transit.

Flanagan said he keeps talking up rapid bus to encourage people to keep an open mind about that solution. He denied that his mind is made up, saying public preferences will play a significant role in the choice of modes.

But O'Malley put the differences between him and Flanagan in stark terms.

"He's a bus man. I'm a rail man," he said. "I have a bias toward rail. I think it's more effective."

O'Malley not only prefers light rail to rapid bus, he wants to put the heavy-rail option for the Red Line back on the table.

"His statement might be made out of total ignorance or it's a fraudulent misrepresentation to the public of what is realistic," Flanagan said. He said the General Assembly decided as far back as 1987 that a subway was too expensive and that the federal government will not finance new subway lines.



O'Malley criticized the Ehrlich administration's move toward the use of tolls to fund so-called "mega-projects" such as the expansion of the Washington and Baltimore beltways.

"There are some who are so old-fashioned we still believe we're capable of funding these things publicly," O'Malley said. "This trend back to toll roads is not a terribly healthy one."

While O'Malley has been critical of the Ehrlich administration's plan to pay for the $2.4 billion ICC, which relies heavily on bonds backed by future tolls, the mayor said he would not reopen past decisions. "I want it to go forward," he said.

Both Flanagan and O'Malley were cautious on the subject of future transportation revenues.

Flanagan did not rule out seeking new revenues, though he said Ehrlich had made it clear he did not want to raise the state's 23.5-cents-a-gallon gas tax. Flanagan said the administration would seek to fund projects by forging partnerships with developers under which they would help pay for road and transit projects that add to the value of their property.

O'Malley sidestepped questions about new revenues or fees, saying he would first seek to free up money through better planning and other efficiencies. He said the way President Dwight D. Eisenhower financed the construction of the Interstate Highway System -- largely with federal gasoline taxes -- was better than tolls.

For every verbal punch O'Malley threw at Ehrlich, Flanagan had one to return on behalf of his boss.

Flanagan said it was irresponsible for O'Malley to flatly oppose a new bay bridge, calling him "very rigid on this point."

The mayor said a new crossing would alter the rural character of the Eastern Shore and contribute to sprawl. He said he wants to explore a comprehensive ferry system to provide service at multiple locations besides the current bridge site.

Flanagan said the mayor had a poor record on local transportation issues, accusing O'Malley of failing to deliver on the most basic services of city government: "He can't fix the potholes in the city."

But O'Malley said Flanagan shouldn't point the finger at City Hall after the Ehrlich administration cut $38 million in transportation funds to Baltimore over three years.

"I'm proud of what we've done. We've done it in spite of the huge cuts that Bob Ehrlich and Bob Flanagan had made to the streets of Baltimore," O'Malley said.

michael.dresser@baltsun.com
Copyright © 2006, The Baltimore Sun
-----





Bold, italics and underline mine.

Finally, O'Malley speak up on transit!!

Flanagan continues to confuse and distort and straddle the boundary of dishonesty with his irrelevant 1987 legislature comments and his flat-out false federal government comments about subway funding.

Nate

I think the Maglev is as dead as a duck. Spending $500 Billion (and counting) in Iraq means there isn't much money left left in the treasury for demonstration projects like Maglev. Last year our dear Congress was doing everything they could to kill Amtrak as it exists now!

I would be in favor of extending the Washington Meto Green line to Charles Center in Baltimore instead of just to Fort Meade. If they did that, and built a 3 rail line so that they could run express trains like they do in New York, then they could do away with much of MARC.

I have never thought much of the maglev proposal. A few years ago, when some details were released they were talking about spending billions. Given that it would be new tech, it would certainly run into complications and cost overruns. At that time they were trying to keep a one-way ticket to $25 and saying that a trip would take 25 minutes from Camden Yards to Union Station. The cost pretty much would have made it an elite ride, not one for regular commuters.

On the other hand, if they could build a dedicated line for MARC or extended the Green Line into Baltimore, and keep average speed (including stops) to around 60 mph, the trip could be done in 40 minutes for about half the cost or less. Also, none of the illustrations of maglev I have seen made it seem that they could handle large numbers of passengers like a subway or regular train. I don't think we will see a maglev track around here for a long time.

Maglev isn't happening anytime soon. Expanding heavy rail will happen first and have more use.

Glad to hear that O'Malley has finally chimed in on transit. Hopefully this is a genuine move and not a campaign manuever. It seems a little late in the game further either. I wonder if he has any affirmative ideas as to how to improve the transit situation, or if he is simply a "rail man" and not an "idea man".

As for Maglev, it'd be great to have, and I hope the connections between DC and Baltimore continue to grow, but the Maglev seems like too much of a pipe dream, even for me. The money could be spent better building transit within the city, as others have said. Also, the money should be spent towards making MARC service seven days a week.

Good Morning everyone! :) Anything new going on today? :D

^^^


What's new today? you ask?

Check out the Gwynns Falls Trail while the leaves last. It's BEAUTIFUL here and the weather is wonderful. Get out on your bikes or just take a walk in our wonderfully large woods!

Best Places to start:

"T2" Winans Meadow Trailhead: 4500 Franklintown Rd. 21207

or

"T3" Windsor Trailhead: 4300 block Windsor Mill Rd. 21207.

If not there, then check out Druid Hill Park. The red oaks are GORGEOUS. Ride/bike around the Druid Lake Reservoir.

www.gwynnsfallstrail.org



Nate

^^ Sounds fun. :)
That and a picnic lunch would make a nice day. :D

I can understand the dislike for D.C. but I can’t understand the dislike for Montgomery, Prince George’s and the rest of the Maryland Capital Region. The last time I checked those counties were all within the same state and D.C. was not included in the state budget.

The verbiage floated around here is like D.C. is part of Maryland and the counties in Maryland around D.C. are sitting pretty. I often read how people in the Baltimore area and western parts of state think that Montgomery’s “streets are paved in gold” but that just isn’t the case. Anybody that has been through Wheaton and Takoma Park can attest to that. The picture isn't so rosy in places like Prince George's County and the eastern side of Montgomery County where Silver Spring is. Even places like Germantown are lack any jobs with residents having to make long commutes. Over 60% of residents in Prince George’s have to go to another jurisdiction for work. It just isn’t fair.


I will even go as far to say that there is a great misconception of the D.C. area. Everybody thinks that the Maryland side is so close knit and dependent on the federal government and D.C. Perhaps in culture with the Black population and some parts of the White population in NW, but the federal government and private industry shows a greater bias and favor towards northern Virginia over Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. This is in part due to racial and political lines. The pie is not divided equally amongst the region.

Over 2/3rds of all federal defense contracts go to Northern Va, heck most federal dollars go to the private firms in Va. Firms located in the Capital Region of Maryland do not come close and Prince George’s in particular is all but neglected. That being said, the benefit to this is that Maryland is far less dependent on the federal government contracts than Va., because of this Maryland has created a very diverse economy. Looking at the companies and industries in Montgomery County there is a far more independent, diversified economy here with a substantial Hotel, Banking, Real Estate, Health care, Biotech, Media\Telecommunications and information technology base. All of this has little to do with the federal government, at least on the scale of the defense firms.

We have in a way had to "go it alone" too, like a region of true entrepreneurship. Discovery, Marriott, Choice, Radio One, MedImmune, and all the other biotech firms do not get a substantial amount of their revenue from the federal government if at all. Most of their help comes in the form of venture capital and incubators\grants set up by the County and state. And they make money by the old method of selling stuff to the general public.

If a recession was to hit and federal spending were to decrease, Northern Virginia would feel the brunt of the blow, it definitely would not be felt evenly.

In addition to the above, what I would like to see is the Baltimore and the Capital Region of Maryland shares their strengths, more of an alliance than a complete merger. I like how Baltimore and D.C. are distinct, lets keep it that way but the goal is for Baltimore to get healthier and stronger, it does the state no good if it is in bad shape.

Instead of forming a regional biotech industry with Virginia (like MdBio and Aris Melissaratos are pushing), why have we forgotten Baltimore? Shouldn’t the regional effort be between Montgomery and Baltimore?

I have never seen two states share an industry. Massachusetts doesn’t do it and neither does California. Why does Maryland need to form an alliance with Virginia when the industry is far more developed here? Is it that inferiority complex again?

I would like to see a huge biotech corridor along I-95 between Montgomery, Prince George’s and Baltimore with a strong marketing and branding shared between the two.

What do you mean by "what else do they have that BMORE doesnt?" Oh I don't know: many, many beautiful monuments, tons of history, beautiful European architecture, the cherry blossoms, THE LARGEST MUSEUM COMPLEX IN THE WORLD (including the Hirschorn Gallery, Sackler Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery of Art, Freer Gallery, Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, Air and Space Museum, National Building Museum, International Spy Museum, and the Newseum among many others!), one of the best zoos in the world, great shopping (Georgetown, Chevy Chase, Tysons), the 3rd best Chinatown in the country and a gigantic/diverse restaurant market. Honestly, overall no city (except maybe New York) in the entire Western Hemisphere can compete with Washington (especially when combined with Baltimore) as an overall tourist destination. Baltimore can be a bigger part of that if they increase cooperation with Washington.
Don't asky why I came down on "BMORE." A bunch of posters here have ridiculed Washington as a culturally devoid wasteland (with poor water quality) that should be annexed away from Maryland.
Washingtonians don't send tourists to Baltimore "to complete a day's trip", we tell them to spend a day in Baltimore on their weeklong trips to the Washington. This Washington hating has got to stop, can we just agree both cities have different things going for them?

I really wish we could all get along, if we did we would be a great force to be reckoned with.

I can understand the dislike for D.C. but I can’t understand the dislike for Montgomery, Prince George’s and the rest of the Maryland Capital Region. The last time I checked those counties were all within the same state and D.C. was not included in the state budget.

The verbiage floated around here is like D.C. is part of Maryland and the counties in Maryland around D.C. are sitting pretty. I often read how people in the Baltimore area and western parts of state think that Montgomery’s “streets are paved in gold” but that just isn’t the case. Anybody that has been through Wheaton and Takoma Park can attest to that. The picture isn't so rosy in places like Prince George's County and the eastern side of Montgomery County where Silver Spring is. Even places like Germantown are lack any jobs with residents having to make long commutes. Over 60% of residents in Prince George’s have to go to another jurisdiction for work. It just isn’t fair.


I will even go as far to say that there is a great misconception of the D.C. area. Everybody thinks that the Maryland side is so close knit and dependent on the federal government and D.C. Perhaps in culture with the Black population and some parts of the White population in NW, but the federal government and private industry shows a greater bias and favor towards northern Virginia over Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. This is in part due to racial and political lines. The pie is not divided equally amongst the region.

Over 2/3rds of all federal defense contracts go to Northern Va, heck most federal dollars go to the private firms in Va. Firms located in the Capital Region of Maryland do not come close and Prince George’s in particular is all but neglected.

What really gets me angry is that NoVa gets more Federal Spending than Maryland. After all, the District was built on OUR LAND. Virginia took back their section. What the hell have they done to deserve any Federal Spending? All they do is build a crapload of sprawl that drives down the price of people's homes in MD and steal our water.
I personally favor retrocession of Washington to Maryland like Virginia did in the 1840s to Arlington and Alexandria. It solves the voting issue for the District (and a few other problems) and helps the state of Maryland.

As SilverSpringer said, anyone who thinks Montgomery County is all wealthy need only go to Wheaton and Aspen Hill. Silver Spring really isn't that bad anymore though.

Spoke to Sales Manager at the Vue today about the Four Seasons start date. She told me the plan was to start at year-end but when they were drilling(plan is to put an underground parking garage) there were some water issues. The water issues will delay the groundbreaking until sometime in 2007.
Also, she said delivery date for first phase of Harbor Point is 2010. Last I heard the first phase includes 400 condo's or apartments, office building and retail.

Leases at the Vue are Urban Chic( upscale clothing store in Georgetown), Landmark Theaters, Arhaus Furniture, and Haggen Dias Ice Cream.

Great article on the Silo Point project on the front page of the Business section of The Sun tomorrow. Really is a great read so be sure to check it out. I really am excited about this project now.

Spoke to Sales Manager at the Vue today about the Four Seasons start date. She told me the plan was to start at year-end but when they were drilling(plan is to put an underground parking garage) there were some water issues. The water issues will delay the groundbreaking until sometime in 2007.
Also, she said delivery date for first phase of Harbor Point is 2010. Last I heard the first phase includes 400 condo's or apartments, office building and retail.

Leases at the Vue are Urban Chic( upscale clothing store in Georgetown), Landmark Theaters, Arhaus Furniture, and Haggen Dias Ice Cream.

Thanks for the update on the Four Seasons. :yes:
Well, better late than never. :D

From the Baltimore Sun:

The Basilica after its renovations:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2006-10/26149301.jpg

^^^
[PLUG]

What's new today? you ask?

Check out the Gwynns Falls Trail while the leaves last. It's BEAUTIFUL here and the weather is wonderful. Get out on your bikes or just take a walk in our wonderfully large woods!


If not there, then check out Druid Hill Park. The red oaks are GORGEOUS. Ride/bike around the Druid Lake Reservoir.

Nate

Druid Hill Park is spectacular today with brilliant colors, as it Robert E Lee Park. Great day for a walk with dog, girlfriend, kids, or whatever pleases you. Druid Hill is full of huge oaks and their shades of read and brown; RE Lee is full of Beeches and their brilliant yellow. Get their fast as tonight's frost will bring it all to a close.

I really wish we could all get along, if we did we would be a great force to be reckoned with.

Everybody take a deep breath, hold it for a couple seconds, relax, release and repeat 12 times....DC is great.... Baltimore is great.... different but complimentary....it will be OK. Do this until the red lights stop flashing in your head.

Thanks for the update on the Four Seasons. :yes:
Well, better late than never. :D

It makes an interesting question if you're a developer. Given that things seem to be taking a breather due to the real estate slowdown, do you sit on a for a while waiting for things to improve or do you start now, given that it will be 2 years before the building is open if you dig today...how much faith do you hold for the future? Do you build for now or for the future? How far into the future?

From the Baltimore Sun:

The Basilica after its renovations:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2006-10/26149301.jpg

I'm still pissed about the Rochambeau, but the Basilica really looks great. It's a world class monument that really glows now.

^Please don't mention the Rochambeau. I just read a post on The Urbanite's chat board from a Charles St business owner. It really opened my "preservation wound" that was finally clotting up. I still haven't been on Charles St south of Monument, north of downtown, since demolition began. One can only hope the garden will look good and cover the garage wall...

The Basilica has always looked spectacular......

Nate

if the Four Seasons was stalled due to the slow housing market and she told me no and that it was due to the water issue. My gut is the Four Seasons maybe the only residential building to start in 2007 so they will not have alot of competition when it opens in 2009/2010. I still think projects like 10 Inner Harbor and 300 East Pratt are 2008/2009 start dates.


It makes an interesting question if you're a developer. Given that things seem to be taking a breather due to the real estate slowdown, do you sit on a for a while waiting for things to improve or do you start now, given that it will be 2 years before the building is open if you dig today...how much faith do you hold for the future? Do you build for now or for the future? How far into the future?

Transforming the old into the new
Locust Point silos refitted to offer high living
By Lorraine Mirabella
Sun Reporter
Originally published November 5, 2006
It's a giant slab of mud-colored concrete jutting nearly 300 feet into the sky at the edge of a peninsula, an old, abandoned plant that once stored and weighed tons of grain hauled in by rail.

Or, as architect Christopher Pfaeffle sees the former Archer Daniels Midland grain elevator in Locust Point - with a few modifications - it's the perfect place to watch the sun set from the living room of your penthouse.


Pfaeffle's firm has taken on the task of turning an 83-year-old grain elevator into sleek, upscale condos. Pfaeffle said he immediately saw potential in the slenderness and elegance not typically found in relics of the waterfront's fading industrial past.

"I thought it would be cool to live here," said Pfaeffle, a principal and founder of Baltimore-based firm Parameter Inc. "This would have great views of the water."

He and his client, developer Patrick Turner, who bought the grain elevator from ADM in 2003 for $6.5 million, envision modern lofts in the sky for the ultra hip. Residents, they believe, will pay top dollar for cutting-edge design and amenities, huge windows, soaring ceilings, exposed concrete columns and one of the most unique addresses in the city.

But first, architects would have to figure out how to remove five miles of rubber conveyer belts and 5 million plastic cups used to move grain. They'd have to figure out if they could cut apartments into the square, concrete storage bins that filled about a third of the building's height and how to work around those bins to fit in stairs and elevators in spots that would be practical for residents.

Only one such conversion - of a Quaker Oats Co. structure in Akron, Ohio, into a hotel - has been done. It was easy to see why. Most abandoned grain elevators sit next to railroad tracks in industrial areas. The developer of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Quaker Square in Akron built round guest rooms in the silos and carved windows in the thick concrete.

But in the end, that developer told Turner, the project had been a big, costly pain.

Still, the Locust Point property has a lot going for it, Pfaeffle said. It abuts a residential neighborhood and offers access to highways and downtown Baltimore, and has stunning harbor and skyline views.

It's on a gentrifying waterfront, where gritty industrial sites from Canton to Locust Point are giving way to glitzy condos and apartments.

Since Silo Point used to be a food plant, there were no environmental hazards to clean up. And the original working drawings of the plant had remained on site, showing that the building could handle the load of the new apartments.


Obstacles exist
But the road map from grain elevator to condos was hardly clear-cut or free of obstacles.

The difficulty in most conversions comes in trying to match a new use with an old building and adapting the building to meet modern housing codes, said Adam Blumenthal, executive director of the Baltimore Architecture Foundation. That becomes even more of a challenge when converting a single-function building .

"It's not like the Hippodrome or Clipper Mill or the Can Co.; it's a very industrial building built to do one specific job," Blumenthal said. "Part of what makes this project so unique is the building is so inflexible. An architecture firm doesn't have experience doing this. Only one or two of these come along in a career."

From the start, Silo Point's designers strove to retain a symbol of the city's industrial past while making it habitable, to create an upscale and contemporary look without wiping out all remnants of the plant's former use.

The more he learned about how the 1923-era grain elevator had housed grain, Pfaeffle said, the more he became convinced it could house people.

Trains used to haul the grain directly to the 290-foot elevator, with its web of conveyor belts and bins and narrow catwalks. There, the grain was dumped. Rubber belts with plastic cups that scooped up the grain moved through vertical metal shafts to the top of the building, where the grain was weighed. Then it was stored in a separate building with cylindrical silos 112 feet tall.

"In a way, we'll be moving people and goods in the same way as the grain, in from the bottom, up on elevators and across glass bridges to the parking garage," Pfaeffle said.

A big question loomed about whether apartments could be carved into the 100-foot-deep concrete storage bins. These 60 bins, each 12 feet square, were made of poured concrete and supported the building.

"How do we put apartments or condos in these bins?" Pfaeffle said designers wondered. "One hundred feet equates to 10 floors, and that's a lot of potential real estate to not be using."

An early study looked at ways to cut holes in the bins. The sequencing of such a project would be crucial. Cutting holes in the bins, then installing floors would cause structural damage, while cutting holes in every other bin, and installing floors in that sequence would not.




After three months of working with structural engineers, the team determined the cost associated with using the bins would break the budget. They were forced to consider other options.

"As you're going through, you see signs you may not be able to do this. Still, you get into denial for a while," Pfaeffle said. "But ultimately we needed to go through the process and understand what was involved.

"Even though we emerged not doing that, we knew beyond a shadow of a doubt we couldn't do it."

It became clear that only through additional new construction could the tower fit enough apartments to make the project work financially.

"At that moment, we started talking about doing 'wrap' buildings," around the elevator building, Pfaeffle said.

Architects came up with a new plan to fit 24 stories into the tower above a soaring 27-foot-high lobby that would preserve the immense, octagonal concrete columns and a ceiling pockmarked with the pattern of openings from the original shafts. Forty six apartments will go in the tower, including 11 two-story penthouses.

Another 182 units, two-level and three-level townhouses and condominiums, will be built as part of a 13-story, concrete and glass low-rise that will wrap around 12 salvaged silos.

Developers had hoped to preserve most of the 187 original silos, removing only those in the center, leaving the outer row intact and building a parking garage inside. But because of structural problems, most were demolished. A 600-car garage will be in the center of the silo building, which will also house a health club.

While the architects were revising design plans, workers demolished the innards of the tower, including steel walkways and vertical shafts. Crews removed 400 tons of steel.

That work was highly specialized and dangerous.

"You have to find a specialized demolition contractor who understands how to take apart machinery," Pfaeffle said.

Workers used torches to cut open the ducts and remove them. But the rubber belts were highly flammable.

"The sparks from the torches would hit the belts, and so they had to continually hose them down while they were working and after they left," Pfaeffle said.

Turner said he expects to kick off sales early next year and hasn't set prices yet.

A successful conversion can help preserve a memory of the building's former use, said Ralph Bennett, a professor of architecture at the University of Maryland.

"The disappearance of commerce from the south side of the harbor is something worth noting," he said. "If we're not careful, that legacy will disappear."

Pfaeffle said he hopes to show clear distinctions between the old and the new, the rough, industrial edges juxtaposed against crisp clean lines in buildings with metal exteriors. He intends subtle suggestions of how the building was used, exposing a bit of steel or concrete rather than plunking a piece of the old building in a lobby. Residents who cross a glass bridge to the garage will walk through an opening cut in the silos.


'Basilica to industrialism'
"This is a basilica to industrialism," Pfaeffle said. "I'd like people to walk into the lobby and get a sense of the vast industrial space. We're always trying to tell the story of what was there and what's not there."

On a late September afternoon, the day's construction on Silo Point was drawing to a close. Parameter partner Jim Smith watched from his office window overlooking the site as workers put in columns for the silo building. After Turner bought the plant, he moved his office into its former operations center on Beason Street, and Parameter moved there too.

Samples of exterior metal wall panels hung in Parameter's studio. The architects had narrowed dozens of shades of gray to three that will be used and were about to order custom color samples to show Turner.

In another office, bath fixtures lay scattered across tables and on the floor, fodder for thought as the team selects the interior package for the condos, from bath tile to kitchen sinks and refrigerators. The project requires hundreds of decisions, big and small. The color of the window caulking. The shade of the cherry wood accents in the lobby. The best type of bolt to hold the steel together. And on and on. In most cases, not only the architects but the construction manager and the owner must agree.

Once decisions are reached, the architects believe there's no looking back. Pfaeffle says he feels confident in how the design is adding up.

"We can never take decisions for granted," Smith said. "Every time you turned and studied a different part of the building, it warranted a little more thought and sensitivity to coax out what will be a remarkable building."

lorraine.mirabella@baltsun.com

http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2006-11/26250842.jpg
Christopher Pfaeffle of Towson stands inside the gutted building of Silo Point, former home of Archer Daniels Midland's grain elevator.
(Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron)

Everybody take a deep breath, hold it for a couple seconds, relax, release and repeat 12 times....DC is great.... Baltimore is great.... different but complimentary....it will be OK. Do this until the red lights stop flashing in your head.

You don't understand.

I have never thought much of the maglev proposal. A few years ago, when some details were released they were talking about spending billions. Given that it would be new tech, it would certainly run into complications and cost overruns. At that time they were trying to keep a one-way ticket to $25 and saying that a trip would take 25 minutes from Camden Yards to Union Station. The cost pretty much would have made it an elite ride, not one for regular commuters.

On the other hand, if they could build a dedicated line for MARC or extended the Green Line into Baltimore, and keep average speed (including stops) to around 60 mph, the trip could be done in 40 minutes for about half the cost or less. Also, none of the illustrations of maglev I have seen made it seem that they could handle large numbers of passengers like a subway or regular train. I don't think we will see a maglev track around here for a long time.



i'm still a fan of maglev. but i don't look at it as a cure for our reginal transportation ills. they still need to be solved on a local/ regional level. maglev, as i see it, is a step in the right direction for intercity travel. the idea of traveling from downtown b-more to downtown nyc in 2 hours is the pace of the future. the fact is...the first lines have to be constructed somewhere. so why not between two of the more densly populations on the east coast. plus... as political facet...the fed government (who will foot a large portion of the bill) will have direct access and benefits from the project. again (before the flames start)...i don't think maglev is a viable answer to our regional transportation...it can't be...too few stops. but for city to city transportation it will help bring our rail system up to a world standard. maglev will happen somewhere in the u.s. sometime. i say...let the future start here.

You don't understand.


No....Scando is right. This argument is pointless. This is a Baltimore Development thread not a Baltimore vs Washington thread.

No....Scando is right. This argument is pointless. This is a Baltimore Development thread not a Baltimore vs Washington thread.

Read my posts again and you will find that they were never about Baltimore vs Washington but moving the State of Maryland foward as a whole.

Read my posts again and you will find that they were never about Baltimore vs Washington but moving the State of Maryland foward as a whole.
Exactly. Greater connection between Baltimore and Washington is the key to this.

--

I'm still pissed about the Rochambeau, but the Basilica really looks great. It's a world class monument that really glows now.
Maybe The Church can now use the blank garage wall as a billboard to advertise the basillica is now open for visitors? :)

The Rochambeau scenario demonstrates why we need someone at the Sunpapers to cover Baltimore architecture. Like him or not, ever since Gunts left/was forced out...there isn't anyone left to (credibly) cover architecture/urban issues at The Sun.

Exactly. Greater connection between Baltimore and Washington is the key to this.
.......and i think we all hear what you're saying, but like scando and brian said, WHY bring this up in the baltimore development thread? it's pointless. this conversation about the "b'more/dc collaboration" belongs in the maryland development thread or somewwhere.

Maybe The Church can now use the blank garage wall as a billboard to advertise the basillica is now open for visitors? :)

The Rochambeau scenario demonstrates why we need someone at the Sunpapers to cover Baltimore architecture. Like him or not, ever since Gunts left/was forced out...there isn't anyone left to (credibly) cover architecture/urban issues at The Sun.

Eerik, what's the deal with Gunts? :?

.......and i think we all hear what you're saying, but like scando and brian said, WHY bring this up in the baltimore development thread? it's pointless. this conversation about the "b'more/dc collaboration" belongs in the maryland development thread or somewwhere.

Agreed. Extended conversations on that discussion belong in another thread.

Nate

Eerik, what's the deal with Gunts? :?
Word has it that Gunts is gone. I believe Gunts is in Rehoboth running his Bed and Breakfast. Aside from that little scandal at The Sun about his real estate holdings (he wrote about Baltimore architecture and actually owned real estate in a couple of the areas he wrote about, mainly Mount Vernon and Bolton Hill) there is also a rumor of problems he had with someone else at The Sun. The adjective I’ve heard over and over is “vendetta” along with “revenge.”

Some have suggested the source of this could he affiliated with his personal “lifestyle” and/or a political hit for commentary he made in an article about a development where the developer sought revenge.

Either way, I think it’s sad Baltimore has lost its public voice for architecture.

Maybe The Church can now use the blank garage wall as a billboard to advertise the basillica is now open for visitors? :)

The Rochambeau scenario demonstrates why we need someone at the Sunpapers to cover Baltimore architecture. Like him or not, ever since Gunts left/was forced out...there isn't anyone left to (credibly) cover architecture/urban issues at The Sun.

I think Gunts would have been pretty livid about the Rochambeau. It's hard not to wonder if this story would have had a different ending if a certain mayor had not been running for office and not wanting to upset his relationship with the Catholic church. Not only are we losing a landmark, but the demolition job has been a mess, blocking Charles St, closing access to a block of businesses and probably ruining the new pavement on that stretch of street.

I walked past the Morris Mechanic building (I guess it's not a theater anymore) Friday. It appears that they are really serious about changing it. I took a close look and the demo guys are stripping the interior down to bare walls. By this, I mean not just interior stuff like drywall, but actual concrete walls. They are dragging out big chuncks of concrete and rebar from what were the seating levels. I guess when this is done, the only thing left in there will be the external shape that you see from the street.

Transforming the old into the new
Locust Point silos refitted to offer high living
By Lorraine Mirabella
Sun Reporter
Originally published November 5, 2006
It's a giant slab of mud-colored concrete jutting nearly 300 feet into the sky at the edge of a peninsula, an old, abandoned plant that once stored and weighed tons of grain hauled in by rail.

Or, as architect Christopher Pfaeffle sees the former Archer Daniels Midland grain elevator in Locust Point - with a few modifications - it's the perfect place to watch the sun set from the living room of your penthouse.


Pfaeffle's firm has taken on the task of turning an 83-year-old grain elevator into sleek, upscale condos. Pfaeffle said he immediately saw potential in the slenderness and elegance not typically found in relics of the waterfront's fading industrial past.

This has got to be the most complicated and unintuitive recycling project I have watched. I still look at that monstrous hulk and think...condos...no way...If this works, the architect should definitely get the architect's equivalent of an Oscar.

i'm still a fan of maglev. but i don't look at it as a cure for our reginal transportation ills. they still need to be solved on a local/ regional level. maglev, as i see it, is a step in the right direction for intercity travel. the idea of traveling from downtown b-more to downtown nyc in 2 hours is the pace of the future.

I would like to think that the cost of the maglev won't be counted against resources available for other projects, but I don't think that will be so. The maglev is fascinating as research for the future but nothing I have seen shows promise for everyday transporation for regular folk. As an elite way to get from DC to NY, only stopping in Baltimore, Phildelphia and somewhere in Jersey, it would certainly beat Amtrak or flying, but being new technology, mistakes will be made and whoever gets the first one will have to live with those mistakes. This ought to be like the space program, sci-fi and entertainment combined. I'd pay to see Howard county rush by at 300 mph at least once.

Word has it that Gunts is gone. I believe Gunts is in Rehoboth running his Bed and Breakfast. Aside from that little scandal at The Sun about his real estate holdings (he wrote about Baltimore architecture and actually owned real estate in a couple of the areas he wrote about, mainly Mount Vernon and Bolton Hill) there is also a rumor of problems he had with someone else at The Sun. The adjective I’ve heard over and over is “vendetta” along with “revenge.”

Some have suggested the source of this could he affiliated with his personal “lifestyle” and/or a political hit for commentary he made in an article about a development where the developer sought revenge.

Either way, I think it’s sad Baltimore has lost its public voice for architecture.

Thanks, Eerik. I didn't know all that.
I wondered why there were no more articles from him in a good while.

This has got to be the most complicated and unintuitive recycling project I have watched. I still look at that monstrous hulk and think...condos...no way...If this works, the architect should definitely get the architect's equivalent of an Oscar.
It's called a Pritzker.

I would like to think that the cost of the maglev won't be counted against resources available for other projects, but I don't think that will be so. The maglev is fascinating as research for the future but nothing I have seen shows promise for everyday transporation for regular folk. As an elite way to get from DC to NY, only stopping in Baltimore, Phildelphia and somewhere in Jersey, it would certainly beat Amtrak or flying, but being new technology, mistakes will be made and whoever gets the first one will have to live with those mistakes. This ought to be like the space program, sci-fi and entertainment combined. I'd pay to see Howard county rush by at 300 mph at least once.

How many flights are there between Washington, Baltimore, Philidelphia, New York and Boston every day?!?! Flights between all of those would be rendered obsolete by the quicker, (much) more efficient, cheaper and safer Maglev. Think about the usage you'd get just off people who would be taking those flights. I will agree that as a practical transportation link between Baltimore and Washington, the maglev probably isn't the best option (a heavy rail connection from each city's respective Metro is probably best).

http://www.rwndevelopmentgroup.com/pdf/Historic%20Baltimore%20Portfolio.pdf

^^ Good link. :yes: Enjoy.... :D

http://www.rwndevelopmentgroup.com/pdf/Historic%20Baltimore%20Portfolio.pdf

^^ Good link. :yes: Enjoy.... :D

A nice read but slightly dated - I hope! In it they are stating that one of the sites for a 60 story tower, 310 Guildford Avenue, is to be a 29 story tower with "delivery in 2007". This report is dated July 2005 which is before the twin 60 story tower announcement! Hmm.

The Jefferson conversion on Charles Street is going nicely. I wasn't aware that the Katz building next to it was part of the project, but according to this, it is. It appears as though they aren't working on the Katz building yet but they are gutting the Jefferson and it is only a matter of time before the 3 floors of ugly 1950's marble gets stripped off and the beautiful street level and above facade re-emerges! (They got historic tax credits for this portion of the work.) When finished, that change alone will really improve the intersection of Charles and Fayette Streets for the better. :banana:

As an aside, the Jefferson building is one of the few Great 1904 Fire survivors donwtown.

There is a significant amount of work currently going on at 300 Cathederal Street. I noticed that last week. And 16 S. Calvert Street is well on it's way to becoming a new hotel!

^^ Yeah, I knew it was dated. I just thought maybe you guys would have liked to read it for record. :D

Oh yeah, there are allot of good articles in this week's online Baltimore Business Journal. Can't read them all, obviously, due to the ol' "subscriber" thing and all. :D

Anyway, here's one that caught my eye:

City trolley project wins grant for study linking Harbor to Hopkins
Baltimore Business Journal - November 3, 2006by Stephanie WentworthStaff


Baltimore City is one step closer to a trolley connecting the Inner Harbor to Johns Hopkins University's Homewood Campus.

The Charles Street Development Corp. gleaned a $30,000 grant from the city and state to study the costs of building either a rail or rubber tire-operated trolley line. The study also will consider possible financing options, said Edward J. Myers of Kittelson and Associates Inc., the Baltimore transportation research firm that put together two previous Charles Street trolley studies.

^^ getontrac, you seeing this? :D ;)

^Yup, will absorb and analyze and confer with the ranks!

Nate

How many flights are there between Washington, Baltimore, Philidelphia, New York and Boston every day?!?! Flights between all of those would be rendered obsolete by the quicker, (much) more efficient, cheaper and safer Maglev. Think about the usage you'd get just off people who would be taking those flights. I will agree that as a practical transportation link between Baltimore and Washington, the maglev probably isn't the best option (a heavy rail connection from each city's respective Metro is probably best).


A heavy rail connection wouldn't really be the best connection between the two cities. Heavy rail is a rapid transit system that works best when average travel distances are typically less than 20 miles. HRT generally has more stops and interior designs that are not conducive to long trips. Plus HRT, as fast as it is compared to Light Rail Transit would likely be limited to 70 to 80 mph maximum speed.

We currently have MARC linking the two cities. MARC needs lots of upgrades including more storage space, more power, more trackage, and a new tunnel in West Baltimore. MARC can reach speeds up to about 120 mph, which is far better for longer distance travel.

Maglev is a good idea. But it's only a good investment if you build it along the whole east coast, and as I said, it hasn't been engineered north of Camden Yards, which would/could create great conflicts with Baltimore transit system (something the neither the MTA, the GBC, nor most in politics admit or make a case of).

My fear is that Maglev funding would suck up funding for expanding Baltimore's regional rail system and subway construction. Baltimore needs to be able to get around itself effeciently without a car; Maglev won't help that. We can already get to DC via train, and if we increased MARC funding, we could run the trains on the weekend, too.

So, I'm for Maglev--but not any time soon if we're assuming funding is decidedly limited. It's a longer term goal.

Also, I'm not against eventually connecting the Baltimore and DC Metros, just that its not an appropriate way of providing transit service between the two cities.

Investing in MARC now could go a long way. But we need to replace the B&P tunnel under W. Baltimore pronto. I've heard it costs about $1 million a year in maintainence to prevent it from collapsing! :nuts: It's one of the oldest tunnels in the country--l think they finished it in 1872!

Nate

Some old lady is getting a face lift. Will it be "clean brick" or "painted brick" when all is said and done? Only the Mt. Vernon Club knows for sure!

http://www.baltimoreguy.com/photogallery/02%20Baltimore%20Buildings/08%20Mt%20Vernon%20Neighborhood/Mt%20Vernon%20Club%2001.jpg

I read about Silo Point in the Sun today...anyone have a rendering of this conversion project??? I thought I saw one here some time ago, but can't find it.