I was looking at a few units at Scarlett Place over the weekend and got to wondering what people in this forum think about that particular development.

Do people think the building's views are likely to be preserved in the coming years, or are there potential projects that threaten the views?

Also, what opinion do people have of the building? Are the units good values in the market right now or not? Is the building in good shape or not?

All I know is that I really like the look of the building. Others complain it walled off the IH, but I think it works great.

Unless the Pier 5/6 lots are built with high rises, there really isn't that much of a chance the view corridors will be significantly more impeded than now.

Nate

Almost can't go wrong with that location. Little Italy and Harbor East on one side, Inner Harbor on the other. Besides, whatever they build on Pier 6 won't totally block the water views due to the Jones Falls being right there alongside the building.
Normally, I would tell someone to wait in this market. However, now that Harbor East's shops and restaurants are starting to open, I think that Scarlett Place will see renewed interest. Plus, think of all the Legg employees that could be looking to relocate...

Anybody remember when Scarlett opened and didn't sell? They ended up auctioning off units for about $100-150 K. I wish I could have bought 3 or 4. The only downside I can think of to the building is the constant traffic on the east side of the building where JFX/President St creeps by. I have sat there idling lots of times and wouldn't want to have an open window out there.

Others complain it walled off the IH.

Right. Heard that a lot living in Little Italy at the end of the 80s: "They rammed that down our throats!" Became a battle cry when Mendel Friedman of Jolly Construction proposed an 11-story tower on the NE corner of President and Eastern ... still a vacant lot.

As far as Pier IV and V ... SBER recently proposed townhouses, but lost out to Cordish, who'll be keeping the tent there for a while yet. In other words, it's unlikely anything tall'll go there.

The parking lot south of the Cordish garage and north of the tent is zoned to hold an office building. I doubt that it will continue to be parking in 10 years.

Even if it is built on and takes out part of the view, I do think that the units will hold their value because of the location.

I would check with the association and see if there are any special assesments planned. The building is of the age where some major work will need to be done such as an elevator overhaul, roof repairs, repointing, etc. You should see if the association has reserves to cover any major projects that may be in the works.

http://www.baltimoreguy.com/photogallery/02%20Baltimore%20Buildings/04%20Downtown%20Eastside/Scarlett%20Place%2003.jpg

http://www.baltimoreguy.com/photogallery/02%20Baltimore%20Buildings/04%20Downtown%20Eastside/Scarlett%20Place%2001.jpg

built in 1989. it's still a nice--lookin' building. i bet some of the views on the upper floors are some of the best in the city.

http://www.scarlettplace.com/images/Scarlett-Place-Exterior.jpg

http://www.emporis.com/files/transfer/5/2003/09/217451.jpg

Wada,

Ive never seen that building from the angle in the second pic you posted. Very interesting.

I always thought Scarlett Place was quite nice looking, sorta vaugely Italian Villaish.

Thanks. It is from the 32nd floor of the Marriott.

If I remember correctly, Scarlett Place is named after the Scarlet Seed Company, which occupied the old building on Pratt Street that was incorporated into the project.

Architecturally, it was supposed to invoke the image of Italian Villas clinging to a hill overlooking the Mediterranean.

Thanks. It is from the 32nd floor of the Marriott.

If I remember correctly, Scarlett Place is named after the Scarlet Seed Company, which occupied the old building on Pratt Street that was incorporated into the project.

Architecturally, it was supposed to invoke the image of Italian Villas clinging to a hill overlooking the Mediterranean.

That's correct. The Scarlett building was a harbor landmark back in the day. Very easily seen from excursion boats going in and out of the Inner Harbor.

I, too, remember the difficulty they had selling the units in this place. If it had been built recently, the units would have flown out the door!!