Robin Godwin: Historic South Baltimore Slaughterhouse Space Available as Wilhide Draperies Relocates

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Historic South Baltimore Slaughterhouse Space Available as Wilhide Draperies Relocates

In 1986, Stephen Wilhide of Wilhide Draperies Inc. (WDI) bought a historic 30,000 sq. ft. slaughterhouse at 1900 Light St. for his growing company. The building, which dates back to 1885, was formerly the home of Heinz Riverside Abattoir and Southern Beef.

WDI got its start at 1024 Light St. in Federal Hill before relocating nine blocks south. Wilhide recently moved to an 8,000 sq. ft. building at 2802 Frederick Rd. in Southwest Baltimore. The building was renovated by United Restoration before WDI made the move.

Wilhide told SouthBMore.com that the location of its new building is an “undiscovered treasure.” It is situated on a quiet block along the Gwynns Falls Trail and adjacent to the Baltimore Police Southwestern District Police Station. He said the building is more efficient as all of WDI’s manufacturing is now on one floor.

Wilhide does upholstery, draperies, fabric walls, benches, custom woodwork, and more. WDI has built many relationships over the years with senior living facilities, healthcare facilities, apartment buildings, and furniture companies.

The move opens up a 10,000 sq. ft. space at 1900 Light St. Wilhide is looking for one or multiple new tenants that are “a fit for the neighborhood and the building.” The building is also home to Barron Stage Curtain and Equipment C0., Inc., Amazing Heating & Air Inc., a fitness studio, and apartments. It faces Light St. along with E. Wells St. and Marshall St.

The available space features a two-story area with catwalks, tall ceilings, columns, original brick and tiles, and office suites. Wilhide is open to a variety of different uses for the space. This could include a restaurant, a shared maker or tech space, one large office or manufacturing tenant, or up to four office suites.

Wilhide is excited about the possibility of the property engaging better with Wells St. which has experienced a lot of redevelopment in recent years. This includes the addition of 2 East Wells with street-level retail and ZeroFox’s office conversion of the former Pabst Castle.