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The official newsletter of The Historic Charles Street Association - Issue 37
The HCSA is pleased to present our monthly "E-News" which will provide you with current information on new business openings and exciting projects taking place in the Charles Street district.
February 1, 2008
The Hottest Ticket in Town - On March 1, 2008 the HCSA will hold its second annual fundraising event, Masquerade on Charles. This festive affair will be held at the beautifully renovated Tremont Grand, 225 North Charles Street. Masquerade on Charles will feature dancing to the Mood Swings, an open bar and glorious food from some of Charles Street's finest restaurants. Silent and live auctions will offer historic Baltimore memorabilia, fine gifts, and entertainment packages. For more information call: 410-332-4144 or visit www.masqueradeoncharles.com
In The News - As you may have read in the Baltimore Business Journal's January 14th issue, HCSA has embarked on a five-year branding and marketing campaign designed to promote Charles Street as a destination which will attract more visitors to our restaurants, shops, galleries, cultural and educational institutions. We have hired Engine Performance, a local marketing communications talent agency, to create the brand and develop the marketing strategy. We will unveil the new brand and describe the marketing strategy in a future newsletter.
Water Main Work on Saratoga Street - The work being done on the north side of Saratoga Street west of Charles Street, is related to improvements the Water Department is making to their water main located beneath the street. The work on the project should be completed in 3 to 4 weeks.
Streetscape Project - Construction continues on the Charles Street Streetscape Project from Madison Street to North Avenue. Work in the next few weeks will focus on the intersections of Charles/Madison, Charles/Chase, Charles/Biddle and Charles/Lanvale. Please contact Kristin Speaker at 410-659-7767 or Frank Culotta at 443-418-8805 for additional information.
On the Move - Effective February 11, 2008 The William Baumgarten Modern Stamp Company, a fixture at 342 North Charles Street for 50 years, is moving to 1305 St. Paul Street. Their telephone and fax numbers will remain the same.
Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden - The Urban Design and Architectural Review Panel (UDARP), has approved the design of the garden and construction documents will be submitted to the City as part of the building permit application this month. Once the building permit is issued, the Archdiocese will post signs on the site about the upcoming construction with a drawing of the proposed garden. Construction is still on track to begin this spring and is expected to conclude before the end of 2008. The centerpiece statue of Pope John Paul II was commissioned from local artist, Joseph Sheppard and is being cast in Italy this spring. The statue will be installed at the completion of construction. A beautiful design for the Franklin Street garage wall banner has been created by the graphic design firm ID8 of RTKL. The banner is being permitted and installed by Gable sign. The construction schedule and the timetable for installing the banner, garden, and sculpture is dependant upon receipt of permits from the City.
39 West Lexington - Southern Management Corporation held a grand opening on January 17, 2008 to celebrate the completed conversion of the former BGE headquarters building to 183 apartments. The building is now open for leasing.
The Mechanic Theater - David S. Brown Enterprises and Arrow Parking have hired a new architect, Washington DC based Shalom Baranes, Inc. to develop a new concept plan for redevelopment of the project.
One North Charles - The former Blaustein Building purchased by the Wilmington based Buccini/Pollin Group, is now going through the design review and approval process prior to the renovations which will include an upgrade of the building systems and a new Charles Street entrance.
The B&O Building - Located at 2 N. Charles Street is now being redeveloped as a Hotel Monaco. Approximately 2/3 of the building will be converted into 220 hotel rooms with the remainder staying as office space. The anticipated completion is January 2009.
Mercy Hospital Expansion - The project to convert Mercy's existing hospital tower to office, labs, and outpatient facilities is now under construction. When finished in 2010, the 17-story tower will have over 700,000 square feet of patient care space at a cost of $400 million. This project will also bring approximately 550 new jobs to the Charles Street corridor.
Charles Street Trolley - Charles Street Development Corporation continues to study the feasibility of a Trolley in the Charles Street Corridor. Items currently being studied are preliminary engineering, traffic engineering, and ridership estimates. A Trolley Community Steering Committee has also been formed to receive input from the community and keep the public updated on the project. Working Groups are meeting to discuss aspects of the project including Design & Engineering, Service & Ridership, Finance & Governance and Communications. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact Kristin Speaker at 410-659-7767.
Winter Restaurant Week - More than 70 area restaurants are participating in this winter's Baltimore Restaurant Week offering specially selected lunch and dinner menus for $20.08 and $30.08, respectively. This event, which will take place through February 3, 2008 promises something special for every taste bud and all wallets. Take advantage of parking discounts available at select Baltimore City garages. For more information and a list of participating restaurants visit www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
The HCSA is committed to being the driving force behind many of the key initiatives to improve our community and ensure the Charles Street district remains safe and vital. These initiatives include advocating and problem solving for the businesses along Charles Street, addressing issues related to safety and security and filling empty storefronts. We are pleased to report the following:
1. Several dead trees along the Charles Street corridor have been replaced.
2. Fresh mulch and/or dirt has been placed around tree pits.
3. Exterior lighting on the East Pleasant Street side of the Verizon Building has been repaired and is now in good working condition.
IN THE WORKS
1. Finalizing the plan to enhance the red doors on the Verizon building located in the 300 block of North Charles Street with graphic designs and color art concepts. The project is anticipated to begin in the next few months.
2. In conversations with area restaurants to create a cafe environment in front of the Verizon building in the 300 block of North Charles Street.
3. Removal of overflowing trash in back alleys.
What can we do for you?
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK...
MV Fitness -Baltimore's newest boutique health club located at 1016 N. Charles Street has officially opened. For more information contact info@mvfit.com
COMING SOON TO CHARLES STREET...
322 N. Charles Street - Lumbini, a new restaurant will be opening soon featuring a Nepali and Indian Buffet. They will also serve Pizza, Subs and Pasta.
413 N. Charles Street - Owners of the popular, Joss Café in Annapolis have purchased the former Kawasaki Building. Presently, the building is undergoing extensive interior and exterior renovations. When the project is complete, plans call for a sushi restaurant on two levels of the building, and three apartments on the upper floors. Anticipated opening date is June 2008.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations! to Michael Haynie, Vice President and Managing Director of Baltimore's Tremonts who won Hotelier of the Year for 300+ Rooms from the Maryland Hotel & Lodging Association.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Sotto Sopra will be extending Restaurant Week through Sunday, February 10, 2008 so that everyone can enjoy their Italian cuisine. For more information call: 410-625-0534 or visit www.sottosoprainc.com
DID YOU KNOW?
Urban Wine Cellars at Charles Plaza, 222 N. Charles Street is open until 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday. In addition to their fine selection of wines, they also carry a large selection of liquor and beer.
REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES
If you are interested in buying or selling commercial or investments properties, contact Byrnes & Associates: 410-528-1236 or email kempbyrnes@verizon.net
If you have available retail space for lease, email Nan Rohrer, Downtown Partnership’s Retail Development Director: nrohrer@dpob.org
For information on residential properties for sale and residential units for rent, retail and office space for lease, visit:
Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT - www.cbcnrt.com
Corridor Reznick LLC - www.corridorllc.com
Tower Hill Properties - www.thprops.com
About The HCSA
The mission of The Historic Charles Street Association is to make Charles Street a distinctive destination for visitors to the city and local residents through the support, retention, and promotion of commerce in our district. We are a tax-exempt charitable organization that serves businesses and property owners in the Charles Street district from the Inner Harbor to North Avenue who share our commitment to a unique and vibrant community.
We are a devoted advocate for the betterment of The Historic Charles Street District and depend on the support of our members to continue to make an impact. For membership information please visit our website at www.charlesstreet.net
Our members are always welcome to attend our monthly Executive Board Meetings which are held on the third Wednesday of every month at the Downtown Partnership, 217 N. Charles Street. If you are interested in attending, please email robin@charlesstreet.net
Resources - (Who to call for what)
Broken Glass on the street or sidewalk from Pratt Street to Centre Street - contact the Downtown Partnership (DPOB) at 410-244-1030. Above Centre Street - contact the Midtown Community Benefits District at 410-528-1512
City Services - 311 is Baltimore's new number to call for all city services. All calls to 311 go through a One Call Center, a 75-agent in-bound call and dispatch center manned 24 hours a day every day of the year.
Exterior Building Signs or Banners - to begin the approval process for any exterior building sign or banner, a permit application needs to be filed at the permit counter, 417 E. Fayette Street, room 100. For more information call 410-396-3360
Facade Improvement Program - contact LaToya Staten (DPOB) at 410-244-1030 or lstaten@dpob.org
Liquor Licenses - for assistance with all liquor license issues contact Bob Dengler (DPOB) at 410-605-0451
Malfunctioning Easy Park Meters - contact Robin Budish (HCSA) at 410-332-4144
Safety Escorts - anyone wishing to receive an escort while walking to their car or bus, or waiting for a taxi after dark should contact 410-244-8778 during business hours or 410-802.9631 after hours. Downtown Partnerships Public Safety Guides are available within the DMA District from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM seven days a week.
Safety and Security Issues - for non-emergency situations in the Charles Street district, contact Deputy Major Joseph Conway at 410-396-2410 or email Joe.Conway@baltimorepolice.org
Streetscaping above the monument - contact Kristin Speaker (CSDC) at 410-649-2052
The Homeless - for assistance with all issues regarding the homeless from Pratt Street to Centre Street contact Tom Yeager or Bertina Silver (DPOB) at 410-244-1030. Above Centre Street - contact the Midtown Community Benefits District at 410-528-1512
You are a valuable member of the HCSA and we welcome your input. Please send all comments and suggestions to:
Robin Budish
Executive Director
p: 410-332-4144
fx: 410-332-4433
robin@charlesstreet.net |
