The official newsletter of The Historic Charles Street Association - Issue 44 The HCSA is pleased to present our monthly "E-News" with current information on new business openings and exciting projects taking place in the Charles Street district. August 1, 2008 Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden - The Prayer Garden construction is proceeding on schedule for completion in September, with a dedication ceremony likely in October 2008. The statue by Joe Sheppard is complete and is in transit from Italy. It will be set and shrouded until dedication day. Sidewalk closure and replacement is to take place in August when foot traffic is slower. The iron fencing is being created by Gutierrez Studios in Hampden. Plant material has been hand-picked and marked for fall digging/transplanting from Hampstead. The mural for the exposed Franklin Street garage wall has been approved and will be installed near the end of construction. $5 MILLION GIFT - The University of Baltimore recently announced the largest private donation ever received by the institution. The $5 million donation from UB School of Law alumnus Peter Angelos, LL.B. '61, a dollar-for-dollar matching pledge, will be used to support construction of a $107 million law building at Charles Street and Mt. Royal Avenue. The facility will provide much-needed additional space for the UB School of Law, the sixth-largest public law school in the country. Projected opening is August 2012.    Streetscape Project - Recent construction has focused on the installation of granite curbs, bricks, and pavers on the east side of the 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1700 and 1800 blocks of Charles Street. Work will soon begin on the east side of the 1200 and 1300 blocks and the west side of the 1700 and 1800 blocks. Pedestrian lighting is beginning to be installed throughout the project. Please contact Kristin Speaker at 410-659-7767 or Frank Culotta at 443-418-8805 for additional information. Charles Street Conduit Repairs - Work continues on the project to repair the recent underground electrical fire in the 300 block of North Charles Street. Given that the infrastructure is one of the oldest in the historic downtown area, the cost to upgrade the system entirely would be astronomical. As a result, the City is doing its best to upgrade where possible and to change a lot of the infrastructure into fiber optics. The conduit work, including the concrete encasement and the sub base for the sidewalk brickwork has been completed. Saratoga Street Update - On July 18, 2008 the City's Department of Transportation coordinated their efforts with Trigen to advertise for bids on the Saratoga Street streetscape project. The contract should be awarded this September or October with the work projected to be completed in August 2009. The project which extends from Eutaw Street to Saint Paul will include new sidewalks, pedestrian lights, street furniture and a repaved road surface. Charles Street Scenic Byway - The Maryland State Highway recently requested a tour of the Charles Street Byway to review our national nomination potential. They will be looking at four key aspects: (1) Intrinsic Qualities, what is the overarching (nationally significant) theme and how is this theme evident along the byway, (2) Visitor Experience, are we ready for visitors and do we have appropriate trailblazer signs and other collateral material that promotes the byway, (3) Planning: preservation strategies, (4) Sustainability of organization overseeing the byway. As a Maryland designated Byway, Charles Street is eligible for federal funding through the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) for byway planning and implementation activities, including funds which supported development of the Plan. Maryland has already designated 19 byways that encompass 2,487 miles of roads which offer a taste of Maryland's scenic beauty, history and culture. 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. One of the primary responsibilities of The Historic Charles Street Association is advocacy and problem solving on behalf of its members. We are pleased to report the following: The project to enhance the Verizon red doors in the 300 block of Charles Street with colorful graphic designs is still on schedule to begin late summer. IN THE WORKS 1. In conversations with area restaurants to create a cafe environment in front of the Verizon building in the 300 block of North Charles Street. 2. On-going removal of overflowing trash in back alleys. 3. Meeting with local restaurant owners and the City to bring a valet program to Charles Street. 4. Organizing a Retail Committee to address the empty storefronts along the Charles Street Corridor. What can we do for you? COMING TO CHARLES STREET... If you miss lunching at The Women's Industrial Exchange, 333 N. Charles Street, Dogwood Café is planning to open on November 1, 2008.  Starting out with a simple grab-and-go format, with a juice and smoothie bar, Dogwood Cafe will grow into a full service, seated lunchroom by spring of 2009. The Dogwood Cafe is a sister venture of award-winning The Dogwood restaurant in Hampden, which is owned by Galen and Bridget Sampson. Dogwood is "neighborhood gourmet," using as much local and organic product as possible, with creative, but down-to-earth food - prepared to be enjoyed and shared every day. DID YOU KNOW? The Maryland Bible Society, 9 E. Franklin Street will be on Summer Hours (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) from July 14 through Labor Day, 2008. During the Summer Study Bible Sale, there will be a 20% discount on all commercial study Bibles through Labor Day. For more information call: 410-685-4040 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: MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, LLC - http://www.mackenziecommercial.com/ Corridor Reznick LLC - http://www.corridorllc.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 second 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