Rental Spotlight: One-Bedroom Apartment Above American Apparel in Federal Hill

Welcome to Rental Spotlight where SouthBMore.com showcases unique rental properties in South Baltimore, from rowhouses to high-rise apartments. Do you have a rental you’d like featured on Rental Spotlight? Contact Mary Wargo at Mary@southbmore.com.

This one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the Federal Hill business district features laminate flooring, a breakfast bar, a large bedroom, and a back deck.

101 Webster Street Apartment E
Federal Hill 
Price: $1,050/month
-1 BD/1 BA
Off Street Parking: No

via http://southbmore.com/2016/12/29/rental-spotlight-one-bedroom-apartment-above-american-apparel-in-federal-hill/

MTA Proposes to Remove Five Bus Stops in South Baltimore

Maryland Transportation Administration (MTA) is proposing to remove five bus stops in South Baltimore as part of its revamp of the Baltimore bus system, which will be called BaltimoreLink.

The stops are at the corners of eastbound Fort Ave. and Andre St. (in front of Latrobe Park), westbound Fort Ave. and Andre St. (in front of City Limits), southbound Hanover St. and West St., southbound Light St. and Randall St. (in front of Das Bier Haus, Federal Hill Carryout, and Light Street Barbers), and northbound Hanover St. and Cromwell St. (in front of Nick’s Fish House). Each eliminated bus stop is a block away from a bus stop that will remain according to the BaltimoreLink plan.

SouthBMore.com estimates that each bus stop removal could add approximately three to five street parking spaces.

MTA is accepting public comments about the proposal until January 30th. You can submit comments to MTA by emailing BusStopModification@mta.maryland.gov, calling 410-454-1929, or mailing comments to:

MTA Attn: Bus Stop Modification
OCCR Third Floor
6 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Full implementation of BaltimoreLink will launch in June 2017. Information can be found on its website.

via http://southbmore.com/2016/12/28/mta-proposes-to-remove-five-bus-stops-in-south-baltimore/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 12/16/16-12/22/16.

Stadium Area/Ridgely’s Delight

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016 20:00 6XX W CONWAY ST STREET

ROBBERY – FIREARM MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016 215:30 6XX S PACA ST STREET

Barre Circle

ROBBERY – OTHER WEAPON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016 04:00 8XX W LOMBARD ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Otterbein

BURGLARY (FORCE) SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2016 00:33 6XX S CHARLES ST CONTRUCTION SITE

ROBBERY – FIREARM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2016 20:40 4XX S CHARLES ST STREET

Sharp-Leadenhall

STOLEN AUTO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016 21:34 XX W WEST ST OTHER-OUTSIDE Southern

Federal Hill 

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2016 23:19 11XX S CHARLES ST STREET

BURGLARY (FORCE) SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2016 01:50 11XX S CHARLES ST APT/CONDOMINIUM

LARCENY- FROM AUTO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016 17:30 4XX GRINDALL ST YARD, RESIDENTIAL

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016 00:00 10XX PATAPSCO ST STREET

Federal Hill South/Riverside/HarborView

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016 18:15 9XX E FORT AVE DRUGSTORE/MEDICAL BLDG

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016 01:09 6XX E CLEMENT ST ALLEY

LARCENY- FROM AUTO TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2016 09:30 8XX E FORT AVE RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

South Baltimore Neighborhood 

BURGLARY (FORCE) SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2016 01:30 XX E RANDALL ST APT/CONDOMINIUM

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

ROBBERY – OTHER WEAPON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016 17:40 8XX S CAREY ST OTHER-INSIDE Southern

ROBBERY – KNIFE MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016 21:56 11XX SARGEANT ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

ROBBERY – FIREARM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2016 09:30 7XX CARROLL ST STREET

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016 21:50 2XX SCOTT ST STREET Southern

BURGLARY (FORCE) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016 01:00 11XX WICOMICO ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016 12:45 11XX S CAREY ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016 01:30 XX W CROSS ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016 16:35 12XX SARGEANT ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

STOLEN AUTO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2016 14:30 11XX SCOTT ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2016 19:30 10XX STERRETT ST STREET

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area 

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016 22:48 15XX RUSSELL ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016 00:32 15XX RUSSELL ST OTHER-INSIDE

Hollins Market

ROBBERY – KNIFE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2016 16:50 XX S CARLTON ST STREET

BURGLARY (FORCE) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016 01:14 12XX HOLLINS ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

STOLEN AUTO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016 07:00 8XX HOLLINS ST STREET

Union Square

BURGLARY (FORCE) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2016 14:25 16XX HOLLINS ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2016 17:00 XX S STRICKER ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via http://southbmore.com/2016/12/27/south-baltimore-crime-updates-15/

Rental Spotlight: 2,400 Sq. Ft. Townhome with a Hot Tub and Garage in Federal Hill

Welcome to Rental Spotlight where SouthBMore.com showcases unique rental properties in South Baltimore, from rowhouses to high-rise apartments. Do you have a rental you’d like featured on Rental Spotlight? Contact Mary Wargo at Mary@southbmore.com.

This three-bedroom, four-bathroom townhome features a two-car garage, a finished basement, hardwood floors, granite countertops, multiple outdoor spaces, a hot tub, and a rooftop deck.

1324 Race Street
Federal Hill 
Price: $3,800/month
2,400 sq. ft.
-3 BD/4.5 BA
Off Street Parking: Yes

via http://southbmore.com/2016/12/22/rental-spotlight-2400-sq-ft-townhome-with-a-hot-tub-and-garage-in-federal-hill/

Autobiographical Children’s Book Published About a South Baltimore Pigeon

Gary Meyers recently released his first and only children’s book titled A Pigeon Named Pete, an autobiographical story about his mother and her pet pigeon. Meyers, who is retired after a 42-year career as an engineer at NASA, decided to write the book as a dedication to the love story between his mother, Muriel Jones, and Pete after discovering news articles written about the two.

Jones was born in 1919 and grew up at the corner of Ostend and Patapsco St. in Federal Hill/South Baltimore. When she was 18 months old, her grandfather, who was a painter, found a baby pigeon on the top of a tall building. He realized the pigeon wasn’t getting enough to eat and brought him home to Muriel. They provided him a cage and some food, and named him Pete.

They allowed Pete to roam the house, and later the backyard, until he eventually would leave the backyard and fly around the neighborhood after Muriel would leave for school, returning when she came home each day. He became well known around the neighborhood, especially at the former Southern District Police Station across the street at 28 E. Ostend St., now the South Baltimore Learning Center.

Pete was known by South Baltimore residents and would fly to people’s window sills for snacks. Outside the house he would play hide-and-seek with the neighborhood kids, and in the house he would pull plugs out of the wall and make nests from straw broom bristles in Muriel’s father’s shoes.

Pete had a couple scary moments around the neighborhood. A cat once grabbed him by the neck, but was saved when neighbors came to the rescue. Growing up during the Great Depression, there was lots of hunger and desperation, and a homeless man once caught him and was about to have him for dinner. More than 200 people went around the neighborhood looking for him and luckily found and retrieved him in time.

A Pigeon Named Pete retells many of these stories alongside illustrations by Stephanie Helgeson. The book also features news articles written about Pete, which Meyers used to learn the story.

Pete lived to be 25 years old, dying a few years before Meyers was born. Pete is buried at The Rosa Bonheur Memorial, Inc. Pet Cemetery in Eldridge. Meyers volunteers at the cemetery where he cuts the grass.

A Pigeon Named Pete was published by Mascott Books and is available locally at Protean Books and the Light Street Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, as well as at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and additional stores.

via http://southbmore.com/2016/12/22/autobiographical-childrens-book-published-about-a-south-baltimore-pigeon/

Efforts in Place to Add Additional Floor to West Street Garage in Federal Hill

For years, there has been a push from neighbors and businesses in Federal Hill to see an additional floor constructed on the West Street Garage at 40 E. West St. Now, it looks like a fourth parking deck could become a reality in the near future with the upcoming redevelopment of the Cross Street Market and the additional parking demand it could create.

The Parking Authority of Baltimore City (PABC) has been studying the demand for building an additional deck on the West Street Garage, which was part of the garage’s original design according to Councilman Eric Costello. He provided the following update in a statement: “Early indications are that the revitalization of the Cross Street Market will lead to the addition of a fourth floor. This study is ongoing and PABC does not currently have a timeframe for when it will be completed. In the meantime, there is a placeholder in the fiscal year 2019 (beginning July 2018) budget for the additional deck and preliminary discussions suggest that the additional level could be completed sometime around the delivery date of the “new” market.”

He estimated the additional deck would add about 90 parking spots.

The West Street Garage is used for both daily, hourly, and monthly parking. Residents can use the garage for parking for $120 per month, but there is currently a long waiting list to obtain one of these passes. Monthly passes are currently available for the restricted hours of 8am to 6pm, and hourly parking rates vary according to the day and time.

Caves Valley Partners (CVP) will begin redeveloping the Cross Street Market next spring with the project expected to take 8 to 10 months. CVP will lease the property from the City. It will invest $4.5 million into the redevelopment and the City is contributing $2 million. The new Cross Street Market is expected to have 25 to 30 vendors and extended hours. There are currently many vacant stalls at the market.

PABC also leases 100 monthly spaces at the Wall Street Garage for $160 per month. This garage also has a waiting list.

CVP’s Stadium Square project, located two blocks west of Cross Street Market, will add about 1,800 parking spots to the area. CVP told SouthBMore.com the parking will be used for the office buildings and retail spaces, Stadium Square residents, and people visiting other businesses in Federal Hill. There will also likely be opportunities for area residents to rent spaces.

 

via http://southbmore.com/2016/12/21/efforts-in-place-to-add-additional-floor-to-west-street-garage-in-federal-hill/

Tuesdays Under 250: Two-Bedroom, Two-Bathroom Rowhome in Riverside

Welcome to Tuesdays Under 250! Each week SouthBMore.com will showcase a home on the market listed for $250,000 or less.

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom rowhome in Riverside features hardwood floors, exposed brick, stainless steel appliances, a steel staircase, and a back patio.

1712 William Street
Federal Hill  
Price: $249,500
Tax: $5,450
792 sq. ft.
-2 BD/2 BA
Off Street Parking: No

via http://southbmore.com/2016/12/20/tuesdays-under-250-two-bedroom-two-bathroom-rowhome-in-riverside/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 12/9/16-12/15/16.

Stadium Area/Ridgely’s Delight

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 08:45 6XX WASHINGTON BLVD STREET

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 14:30 12XX RUSSELL ST STADIUM

Barre Circle

None

Otterbein

BURGLARY (FORCE) MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2016 18:00 6XX S CHARLES ST CONTRUCTION SITE

Sharp-Leadenhall

None

Federal Hill 

ASSLT.- OTH. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 00:10 11XX S CHARLES ST RESTAURANT/BAR

BURGLARY (FORCE) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016 10:00 10XX COVINGTON ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2016 12:00 1XX WARREN AVE STREET

STOLEN AUTO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2016 18:00 9XX S CHARLES ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Federal Hill South/Riverside/HarborView

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2016 18:18 17XX WILLIAM ST OTHER-INSIDE

BURGLARY (ATT. FORCE) SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2016 00:30 12XX WILLIAM ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2016 17:51 13XX COVINGTON ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 12:55 16XX WEBSTER ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016 14:05 12XX WILLIAM ST PORCH/DECK

STOLEN AUTO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2016 20:30 14XX HENRY ST DRIVEWAY

South Baltimore Neighborhood 

LARCENY- FROM AUTO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2016 07:15 19XX LIGHT ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2016 19:00 XX W CLEMENT ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 19:00 1XX BURNETT ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Port Covington

None

Locust Point

LARCENY- FROM AUTO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2016 13:15 10XX HULL ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2016 03:04 XX E FORT AVE STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016 20:30 14XX LOWMAN ST STREET

Pigtown

AGG. ASSLT.- CUT THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016 17:00 8XX CARROLL ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2016 17:00 12XX W CROSS ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2016 05:55 5XX CALLENDAR ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (ATT. FORCE) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 10:00 11XX CLEVELAND ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 19:30 12XX BAYARD ST CONVENIENCE

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area 

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016 12:06 15XX RUSSELL ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 10:46 15XX RUSSELL ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 12:00 15XX BUSH ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 07:15 20XX HAINES ST GAS STATION

Hollins Market

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 02:30 11XX W LOMBARD ST STREET

ROBBERY – FIREARM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 17:45 12XX W PRATT ST STREET

Union Square

BURGLARY (FORCE) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 13:38 1XX S GILMOR ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016 21:00 13XX W LOMBARD ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 12:00 13XX W PRATT ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Offense definitions from the FBI

via http://southbmore.com/2016/12/20/south-baltimore-crime-updates-14/

Interior Design Pep Rally – Jan 27!

ASID Maryland in conjunction with CCBC Interior Design Program & AACC Interior Design program is sponsoring an Interior Design Pep Rally on January 27 10am-2pm on the CCBC Catonsville Campus (Room TBD)the event is free RSVP on eventbrite http://bit.ly/FBASIDMDStudentPepRally   Lunch provided!  Flyer pdf: asid-md-student-pep-rally-flyer

• Design matters!
• Value of Competitions
• Value of Networking
• Value of Participation
• Introduction to the 2017 Student Design Competition
• Design Competition Entry Tips

via https://ccbcmdintd.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/interior-design-pep-rally-jan-27/

Timing and New Details Released about Cross Street Market Renovation

Last Monday was the first meeting of the Cross Street Market Advisory Committee, comprised of Arsh Mirmiran of Caves Valley Partners (CVP),  which will redevelop the Cross Street Market, and members of surrounding communities, organizations, and businesses. Members of the committee include:

1. Councilman Eric Costello (11th District) – Chair of Committee
2. Janan Broadbent – Key Highway Resident
3. Allison Burr-Livingstone – Visit Baltimore
4. Geri Byrd – Waterfront Partnership
5. Denise Carroll – Sharp Leadenhall Resident
6. Jameson Chalmers – Otterbein Resident
7. Alex Dixon – Horseshoe Casino
8. Paul Dolaway – Federal Hill Hospitality Association
9. Mike Evitts – Downtown Partnership
10. Andy Flacks – Federal Hill South Resident
11. Pastor Alvin Gwynn – Faith Community (Leadenhall Baptist Church)
12. Anna Leventis – Federal Hill Business Association
13. Bob Merbler – Federal Hill Resident
14. Mary Beth Metz – Senior Building Resident (Christ Church Harbor Apartments)
15. Judy O’Brien – Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance
16. John Pare – Riverside Resident
17. Garrett Schiche – South Baltimore Resident
18. Craig Stoner – Federal Hill Main Street
19. Dakerra Woodard – Digital Harbor High School (Senior Class President)

Current Cross Street Market vendors are not present on the committee as they negotiate with CVP, but Councilman Costello noted that they are “perhaps the most important stakeholder of this project,” and will be the first to get updates. SouthBMore.com spoke with many vendors after the deal with CVP was first announced in November.

At the meeting, Mirmiran provided updates on the project including the timeline of the project and some of the design ideas. He said there will be no changes for the current merchants until at least April 1st and that selective demolition would start around May 1st with full construction starting 30 to 60 days after. He said the preference is to shut down the entire market and complete construction in 8 to 10 months, but it is possible they could partition some areas for some tenants to move around to during construction.

Kaliope Pathermos of the Mayor’s office said last month the City is working with the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) and all city agencies to find temporary homes for vendors and to fast track the permit process if temporary spaces in South Baltimore are found. Robert Thomas with the Baltimore Public Markets Corporation (BPMC) said last month that existing tenants would have the option to relocate to the City’s other five public markets.

CVP’s leasing team at Cana Development is currently in negotiations with current tenants. Mirmiran noted that rents for vendors might double, but so will revenue in his opinion. CVP will be investing $4.5 million into the redevelopment and the City is contributing $2 million.

Mirmiran described current tenants as being in three different categories after initial discussions: 1) Those that do not want change, which he said was not possible, 2.) Those that want to come back but are apprehensive, and 3.) Those that will need to make some changes in their concept.

CVP is hoping to get a new liquor license created through the Maryland General Assembly and said that failure to obtain it would be a deal breaker for the project. Mirmiran said he would like to see about eight vendors using the liquor license. He also said he would love a “Beers of the Chesapeake” vendor with only beers from DC, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. He told the audience at the meeting that he does not want a “bar like” atmosphere at the Cross Street Market.

Delegate Luke Clippinger was present to detail the process, including how the new bill would go before the Economic Matters Committee on February 9th. He said it would likely be a new type of liquor license, a “market license,” and doesn’t think it should ever be allowed to move from the property. Delegate Clippinger said the process will be easy if it has community support and more complicated if not. Local community associations are expected to discuss the issue in January.

The market currently has two beer and wine licenses owned by Nick’s Inner Harbor Seafood and Big Jim’s Deli. Mirmiran said CVP is negotiating to buy those liquor licenses from both businesses and then transfer them within Federal Hill. Mirmiran told SouthBMore.com this could help lure an upscale restaurant to come to Federal Hill. There are currently 40 liquor licenses in Federal Hill Business District with a moratorium on any new licenses or existing licenses transferred into the district.

More details about the design of the market are expected in the next couple of months and Mirmiran said the project would go through the Baltimore City Planning Department’s Urban Design and Architecture Review Panel (UDARP). He did say the walkways would be moved to the north side of the market in certain sections and the south side of the market in others, and walkways would have pop-up vendors. The walkway currently cuts through the middle of the market.

The renovation will include the addition of outdoor seating on Cross St., likely eliminating six parking spaces; more natural light including new windows and the potential addition of glass garage doors facing Cross St.; updated utilities; a common seating area with approximately 100 seats; and facade improvements. CVP is aiming for 25 to 30 tenants within the market, with a mix of all the types of vendors that would make up a replacement for a grocery store, plus dine-in and carryout food tenants.

Rendering courtesy of Caves Valley Partners and Brown Craig Turner 

via http://southbmore.com/2016/12/19/timing-and-new-details-released-about-cross-street-market-renovation/

Happy Holidays from CCBC Interior Design Program!

Wishing you all a  safe and wonderful Holiday season. Enjoy Winter Break!

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Festivus and Happy New Year!

via https://ccbcmdintd.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/happy-holidays-from-ccbc-interior-design-program/

Million Dollar Monday: $1.8 Million Three-Bedroom Condo on the Harbor

Welcome to Million Dollar Monday! Each week SouthBMore.com will showcase a home on the market listed at a half a million dollars or more.

This three-bedroom condominium at The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Federal Hill features views throughout of Downtown and the Inner Harbor, hardwood floors, a terrace, large bathrooms and closets, a breakfast bar, and more luxury features.

801 Key Highway #310
Ritz Carlton Residences – Federal Hill   
Price: $1,999,000
Tax: $27,474
HOA: $2,207/month
2,656 sq. ft.
-3 BD/2.5 BA
Off Street Parking: Yes

via http://southbmore.com/2016/12/19/million-dollar-monday-1-8-million-three-bedroom-condo-on-the-harbor/