Baltimore Neighborhood Discussion Thread - Page 2

StevenW · November 25th, 2007, 10:04 PM

So many awesome projects!

BaltoSteve · November 26th, 2007, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamie_hunt

If I'm reading this correctly, it appears the owner of the site--Capital Development LLC's David Holmes--is looking to cash out on the property. i.e., sell for someone else to develop. The drawing is just to show what's possible under the PUD for the site. Holmes is probably (hopefully) turning his efforts toward the Marketplace at Fells Point.

I Posted a note in the main forum last week that there are huge For Sale signs up on the Washington Hill property.

chromebowler · November 26th, 2007, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamie_hunt

If I'm reading this correctly, it appears the owner of the site--Capital Development LLC's David Holmes--is looking to cash out on the property. i.e., sell for someone else to develop. The drawing is just to show what's possible under the PUD for the site. Holmes is probably (hopefully) turning his efforts toward the Marketplace at Fells Point.

The Marketplace project seems somewhat stagnant right now - I hope you are right that he starts focusing on the project more closely now. One note: the article you referenced about the Washington Hill development was from April 2005 and it doesn't bode well for that parcel that building was supposed to start by year's end and still it is vacant. Let's hope someone moves quickly on it. The housing market may have to improve before someone will take on the risk though, so we will probably have to be patient.

jamie_hunt · November 26th, 2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chromebowler

... The housing market may have to improve before someone will take on the risk though, so we will probably have to be patient.

Right. Though if someone has the cash, they might buy the land and bank it ... or build apartments and offices.

Interestedreader · November 26th, 2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MasonsInquiries

wow, 1700-1800 units from the poppleton development? great news for a city that's definitely on the rise.

i kind of figured a massive change was about to happen in park heights, but i didn't want to assume. i've noticed how they have a couple of new buildings in that area: 1) 21st century self-storage, 2) magna training center, 3) harry & jeanette weinberg men's center, and 4) jai medical center. i can't wait to see what the city has in store for the park heights renaissance. it should be interesting.

The city talks about Park Heights in its Comprehensive Master Plan. Its going to be a significant development. It will be interesting to see what the life span of the track is now that slots are not going to Pimlico. Does it shut down and move somewhere else? If so, that another 200+ acres along a major artery ripe for mix-use development.

DrzBrooklynChulo90 · November 27th, 2007, 04:13 AM

Does anyone know what they're going to do in the O'Donnell Heights area?They're demolishing all the projects over here and I want to know what they're going to build there

jamie_hunt · November 27th, 2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrzBrooklynChulo90

Does anyone know what they're going to do in the O'Donnell Heights area?They're demolishing all the projects over here and I want to know what they're going to build there

According to the Housing Authority of Baltimore City's FY07 & FY08 Plan submitted to Hud last May 1, "HABC will develop plans, with input from resident stakeholders, for a mixed-finance, mixed income replacement of the distressed O'Donnell Heights site."

Maudibjr · November 27th, 2007, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamie_hunt

According to the Housing Authority of Baltimore City's FY07 & FY08 Plan submitted to Hud last May 1, "HABC will develop plans, with input from resident stakeholders, for a mixed-finance, mixed income replacement of the distressed O'Donnell Heights site."

My reading of that is that they are going to level the crappy crime-ridden Heights (distressed) while they have funds for it and think about a plan for it later.

Much like Hollender Ridge. Which is being redeveloped with no residential.

jamie_hunt · November 27th, 2007, 10:24 PM

Touche.

I know I'm getting old when I can remember reading the hype about Hollander Ridge when it first opened. Although, in fairness, it did look a lot better than the existing public housing then. Anyway, I'm glad the city went with light industrial there, and I suspect the neighbors just across the city fence, er, city line are, too. Jobs and taxes. Rock on.

PeterSmith · November 29th, 2007, 02:16 AM

Friday, August 3, 2007
Restaurant revival
Move toward upscale eateries hitting Fells Point
http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/bal...y4.html?page=1

Here's an interesting article about a transformation taking place in Fells Point. It's from back in August, but still a good read. It's kind of long, so I'll summarize, but it's still worth a read. It basically talks about Fells Point changing from a place of cheap bars to upscale restaurants. It mentions a couple of new restaurants and new expansions of already-existing restaurants. Some of them should have opened by now. Anybody have a chance to check any of them out?

PeterSmith · November 29th, 2007, 02:56 AM

Another interesting link that I stumbled upon:

http://www.rebuildingmadison.info/

Apparently this guy bought a vacant rowhome in the middle of one of Baltimore's most drug-infested neighborhoods. He is re-habbing the property and keeps a website to log his experiences.

southbalto · November 29th, 2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterSmith

Another interesting link that I stumbled upon:

http://www.rebuildingmadison.info/

Apparently this guy bought a vacant rowhome in the middle of one of Baltimore's most drug-infested neighborhoods. He is re-habbing the property and keeps a website to log his experiences.

I kept up with that blog from day one. He made a real go at it.

PeterSmith · December 1st, 2007, 05:55 PM

Decker Walk - Patterson Park

Phases 1 and 2 of this project are already completed and sold out except for two units (according to the website). I'm not certain if there will be any other phases, but I thought this project was cool enough to mention.

From the website:
Innovative. Efficient. Green. The Decker Walk envirowhomes are the newest idea to grow in Patterson Park and are an incomparable place to call home. Decker Walk is a compact development in an urban neighborhood, allowing these rowhomes to take advantage of the existing infrastructure, services and amenities of its surroundings. These architect-designed renovations rest on the edge of Baltimore City's best backyard, Patterson Park. Its convenient location allows you to easily access historic Fells Point and the busy nightlife of the Canton waterfront.

The Patterson Park CDC's envirowhomes were created to minimize the negative impact on the environment while providing for improved occupant comfort. Their innovative design renovations lower utility costs to the homeowner through efficiencies achieved in heating, cooling, insulation, water usage and electrical consumption. Furthermore, they improve the indoor air quality by using no-VOC paints, carbon monoxide detectors and efficiently-designed mechanical ventilation. Unlike standard new construction homes, the envirowhomes utilize the existing masonry building shell, thereby reducing material usage and waste, and also increasing the home's thermal performance. They further minimize their impact on the environment by reducing air pollution, storm-water runoff and the usage of non-renewable materials. Because of these environmentally sensitive improvements, the envirowhomes will earn the EPA's Energy Star rating.

Decker Walk consists of 19 contiguous rowhomes that have been designed with the environment and green-conscious buyer in mind. This development of 2 and 3-story homes offers the buyers the unique opportunity of personalizing their living experience and belonging to a sustainable community.

www.envirowhomes.com

chromebowler · December 3rd, 2007, 08:14 PM

Along the Central Ave Corridor between Fayette and Eastern, it seems there is a lot of potential for development/rehab/revitalization. Does anyone have any information on stuff in the pipeline for this stretch?

There are also a few open lots just east of Central in Washington hill that could turn into interesting properties. Specifically, there is a gated lot between Central on the west, Eden on the east, Fairmount to the north and Baltimore St to the south. Kitty-corner to the SE of that block is another open grassy/gravelly lot. Will try to post pictures later.

PeterSmith · December 4th, 2007, 10:57 PM

Tuesday, December 4, 2007 - 2:23 PM EST
Developer readies first phase of Greektown project
Baltimore Business Journal - by Robert J. Terry Staff

A year and a half after parting ways with banker Edwin F. Hale on a project to transform a 14-acre industrial swath of East Baltimore, a Northern Virgina-based developer said Tuesday it would soon begin construction of 139 townhomes in the city's Greektown neighborhood.

Executives with Kettler said 10,000 square feet of open space in the form of a neighborhood park would be also be featured in the site development, expected to kick off in early 2008. The company said its project won approval from the Baltimore City Planning Commission in November.

Prices for the townhomes have not yet been set.

The Greektown project will feature short blocks with wide sidewalks adorned with trees -- hallmarks of urban neighborhood design, Kettler said. Residents will have access to garages directly behind each block of homes.

Greektown sits along O'Donnell and Oldham streets, blocks from Johns Hopkins Bayview campus.

"We will continue to provide our residents with the utmost consideration in accessibility and design while contributing to the thriving Baltimore community with a newly revitalized neighborhood," said Kettler President Rick Hausler in a statement.

Plans for the project's second phase call for 235 additional townhomes and two 14-story residential towers with harbor views.

Kettler, formerly known as KSI Services Inc., and local banker Edwin F. Hale Sr. severed ties in April 2006 on the Greektown project and developing a portion of Canton Crossing. Hale is CEO of First Mariner Bank and head of Hale Properties.

PeterSmith · December 4th, 2007, 10:59 PM

I guess the 20+ story towers are not part of the deal anymore, or maybe they're just further down the road. Oh well, still sounds like a great project.

jamie_hunt · December 5th, 2007, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chromebowler

Along the Central Ave Corridor between Fayette and Eastern, it seems there is a lot of potential for development/rehab/revitalization. Does anyone have any information on stuff in the pipeline for this stretch? ...

IIRC (this is straight from memory; don't have the time right now to grab links), developer Larry Silverstein, who did the Canal Street Malthouse and the Mustang Alley projects on Central also has plans for the Fallsway Spring building on the NE corner of Eastern and Central and has control of a lot on the SW corner of Lombard and Central. More to the south, Whole Foods needs more space and is looking to move to the east side of Central. Eventually, there's supposed to be a bridge across Central to Harbor Point. Not sure when the city plans to rebuild Central; don't think it's coming for a couple more years. It certainly has potential to be one of the most interesting streets in B-more. Probably won't hit its stride until Perkins Homes are redeveloped.

PeterSmith · December 5th, 2007, 03:15 PM

The Red Line will likely run down Central Ave. (the two routes for that leg are along Central Ave. and along Piers 5 and 6). If anyone can figure out what is going on wit the Red Line in the next few years, they may just wait until construction begins to redo Central Ave. There's a lot of potential there.

MobtownManiac · December 5th, 2007, 05:04 PM

The townhouses at Athena Square are under construction & can be seen from different points along O'Donnell St. I was surprised they started this late in the year. Also, I'm not sure of the footprint of the whole development, but I'd imagine there's going to be a warehouse torn down over there, else the neighborhood will have lovely views of a warehouse to the north & a gas station to the south. ??

PeterSmith · December 9th, 2007, 05:41 PM

N.J. developers back out of Reservoir Hill rehab project
Baltimore Business Journal - by Daniel J. Sernovitz Staff

A team of New Jersey-based real estate developers has pulled up its stakes on a failed Reservoir Hill redevelopment project after nearly three years and more than $3 million spent trying to take part in what they hoped would be the city's "next Bolton Hill."

The developers said they believe their project in the 2400 block of Callow Avenue would have been successful had Baltimore City's Department of Housing and Community Development been more aggressive in taking care of its vacant properties, something they said the housing department pledged to do early on.

"At this point, we needed the backing and support of the city," said Marlene Green, one of the developers. "It sounded like a great project, and we thought there was a market there. Not every investment works out, but the thing is it doesn't have to go this way."

The housing department met with the developers back in 2005, when they bought the properties. Cheron L. Porter, a spokeswoman for the city's housing department, said it made no specific promises and that, ultimately, it must depend on individual developers to assess their own risks. Porter said the department has offered several blocks of city-owned properties in Reservoir Hill for private redevelopment and it does try to help developers when it can.

November 25th, 2007, 10:04 PM	#21
StevenW Born in Baltimore Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Newberry, SC Posts: 10,650 Likes (Received): 13	So many awesome projects! __________________ Baltimore, my hometown.

December 3rd, 2007, 08:14 PM	#34
chromebowler Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Baltimore Posts: 221 Likes (Received): 0	Washington Hill Along the Central Ave Corridor between Fayette and Eastern, it seems there is a lot of potential for development/rehab/revitalization. Does anyone have any information on stuff in the pipeline for this stretch? There are also a few open lots just east of Central in Washington hill that could turn into interesting properties. Specifically, there is a gated lot between Central on the west, Eden on the east, Fairmount to the north and Baltimore St to the south. Kitty-corner to the SE of that block is another open grassy/gravelly lot. Will try to post pictures later.

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November 27th, 2007, 04:13 AM	#26
DrzBrooklynChulo90 Javier Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Baltimore Posts: 665 Likes (Received): 0	Does anyone know what they're going to do in the O'Donnell Heights area?They're demolishing all the projects over here and I want to know what they're going to build there

November 27th, 2007, 10:24 PM	#29
jamie_hunt Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,407 Likes (Received): 17	Touche. I know I'm getting old when I can remember reading the hype about Hollander Ridge when it first opened. Although, in fairness, it did look a lot better than the existing public housing then. Anyway, I'm glad the city went with light industrial there, and I suspect the neighbors just across the city fence, er, city line are, too. Jobs and taxes. Rock on.

November 29th, 2007, 02:16 AM	#30
PeterSmith Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Miami/Baltimore Posts: 4,176 Likes (Received): 25	Friday, August 3, 2007 Restaurant revival Move toward upscale eateries hitting Fells Point http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/bal...y4.html?page=1 Here's an interesting article about a transformation taking place in Fells Point. It's from back in August, but still a good read. It's kind of long, so I'll summarize, but it's still worth a read. It basically talks about Fells Point changing from a place of cheap bars to upscale restaurants. It mentions a couple of new restaurants and new expansions of already-existing restaurants. Some of them should have opened by now. Anybody have a chance to check any of them out?

November 29th, 2007, 02:56 AM	#31
PeterSmith Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Miami/Baltimore Posts: 4,176 Likes (Received): 25	Another interesting link that I stumbled upon: http://www.rebuildingmadison.info/ Apparently this guy bought a vacant rowhome in the middle of one of Baltimore's most drug-infested neighborhoods. He is re-habbing the property and keeps a website to log his experiences.

December 1st, 2007, 05:55 PM	#33
PeterSmith Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Miami/Baltimore Posts: 4,176 Likes (Received): 25	Decker Walk - Patterson Park Phases 1 and 2 of this project are already completed and sold out except for two units (according to the website). I'm not certain if there will be any other phases, but I thought this project was cool enough to mention. From the website: Innovative. Efficient. Green. The Decker Walk envirowhomes are the newest idea to grow in Patterson Park and are an incomparable place to call home. Decker Walk is a compact development in an urban neighborhood, allowing these rowhomes to take advantage of the existing infrastructure, services and amenities of its surroundings. These architect-designed renovations rest on the edge of Baltimore City's best backyard, Patterson Park. Its convenient location allows you to easily access historic Fells Point and the busy nightlife of the Canton waterfront. The Patterson Park CDC's envirowhomes were created to minimize the negative impact on the environment while providing for improved occupant comfort. Their innovative design renovations lower utility costs to the homeowner through efficiencies achieved in heating, cooling, insulation, water usage and electrical consumption. Furthermore, they improve the indoor air quality by using no-VOC paints, carbon monoxide detectors and efficiently-designed mechanical ventilation. Unlike standard new construction homes, the envirowhomes utilize the existing masonry building shell, thereby reducing material usage and waste, and also increasing the home's thermal performance. They further minimize their impact on the environment by reducing air pollution, storm-water runoff and the usage of non-renewable materials. Because of these environmentally sensitive improvements, the envirowhomes will earn the EPA's Energy Star rating. Decker Walk consists of 19 contiguous rowhomes that have been designed with the environment and green-conscious buyer in mind. This development of 2 and 3-story homes offers the buyers the unique opportunity of personalizing their living experience and belonging to a sustainable community. www.envirowhomes.com

December 4th, 2007, 10:57 PM	#35
PeterSmith Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Miami/Baltimore Posts: 4,176 Likes (Received): 25	Tuesday, December 4, 2007 - 2:23 PM EST Developer readies first phase of Greektown project Baltimore Business Journal - by Robert J. Terry Staff A year and a half after parting ways with banker Edwin F. Hale on a project to transform a 14-acre industrial swath of East Baltimore, a Northern Virgina-based developer said Tuesday it would soon begin construction of 139 townhomes in the city's Greektown neighborhood. Executives with Kettler said 10,000 square feet of open space in the form of a neighborhood park would be also be featured in the site development, expected to kick off in early 2008. The company said its project won approval from the Baltimore City Planning Commission in November. Prices for the townhomes have not yet been set. The Greektown project will feature short blocks with wide sidewalks adorned with trees -- hallmarks of urban neighborhood design, Kettler said. Residents will have access to garages directly behind each block of homes. Greektown sits along O'Donnell and Oldham streets, blocks from Johns Hopkins Bayview campus. "We will continue to provide our residents with the utmost consideration in accessibility and design while contributing to the thriving Baltimore community with a newly revitalized neighborhood," said Kettler President Rick Hausler in a statement. Plans for the project's second phase call for 235 additional townhomes and two 14-story residential towers with harbor views. Kettler, formerly known as KSI Services Inc., and local banker Edwin F. Hale Sr. severed ties in April 2006 on the Greektown project and developing a portion of Canton Crossing. Hale is CEO of First Mariner Bank and head of Hale Properties.

December 4th, 2007, 10:59 PM	#36
PeterSmith Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Miami/Baltimore Posts: 4,176 Likes (Received): 25	I guess the 20+ story towers are not part of the deal anymore, or maybe they're just further down the road. Oh well, still sounds like a great project.

December 5th, 2007, 03:15 PM	#38
PeterSmith Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Miami/Baltimore Posts: 4,176 Likes (Received): 25	The Red Line will likely run down Central Ave. (the two routes for that leg are along Central Ave. and along Piers 5 and 6). If anyone can figure out what is going on wit the Red Line in the next few years, they may just wait until construction begins to redo Central Ave. There's a lot of potential there.

December 5th, 2007, 05:04 PM	#39
MobtownManiac Charm City Ambassador Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Baltimore Posts: 190 Likes (Received): 0	The townhouses at Athena Square are under construction & can be seen from different points along O'Donnell St. I was surprised they started this late in the year. Also, I'm not sure of the footprint of the whole development, but I'd imagine there's going to be a warehouse torn down over there, else the neighborhood will have lovely views of a warehouse to the north & a gas station to the south. ??

December 9th, 2007, 05:41 PM	#40
PeterSmith Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Miami/Baltimore Posts: 4,176 Likes (Received): 25	N.J. developers back out of Reservoir Hill rehab project Baltimore Business Journal - by Daniel J. Sernovitz Staff A team of New Jersey-based real estate developers has pulled up its stakes on a failed Reservoir Hill redevelopment project after nearly three years and more than $3 million spent trying to take part in what they hoped would be the city's "next Bolton Hill." The developers said they believe their project in the 2400 block of Callow Avenue would have been successful had Baltimore City's Department of Housing and Community Development been more aggressive in taking care of its vacant properties, something they said the housing department pledged to do early on. "At this point, we needed the backing and support of the city," said Marlene Green, one of the developers. "It sounded like a great project, and we thought there was a market there. Not every investment works out, but the thing is it doesn't have to go this way." The housing department met with the developers back in 2005, when they bought the properties. Cheron L. Porter, a spokeswoman for the city's housing department, said it made no specific promises and that, ultimately, it must depend on individual developers to assess their own risks. Porter said the department has offered several blocks of city-owned properties in Reservoir Hill for private redevelopment and it does try to help developers when it can.