Growing Federal Hill Business Provides Playbook Software to NFL Coaches

Andy Bischoff has been a lifer in the football coaching world – he started as a high school coach in St. Paul, MN and is now in his 6th year as an Assistant Tight Ends Coach with the Baltimore Ravens. Andy Bischoff’s career, which has taken him to Montreal and Chicago, now includes founding a company that designs software for football coaches. His shared concept with his wife Britt Bischoff turned into an unexpected business in their Federal Hill home.

In the past 10 years, football coaches began using Microsoft Visio architecture software to draw plays and store them on their computer. While coaches were using Visio, the software was not built to organize the plays so users could easily search, archive, and tag them with related plays, as well as keep notes for when each play was used in a game.

“Visio was never intended to be a football development tool yet every coach is using it in their own way,” said Andy Bischoff.

During the 2017 season, Britt Bischoff saw Andy Bischoff’s frustration using Visio and said “isn’t there a better way? Isn’t technology supposed to expedite workflows?”

Before they thought about starting a business, the Bischoffs hired software developer Troy Bigelow in Spring 2018 to make a Visio plug-in to improve Andy Bischoff’s workflow. Bigelow is based in Charlotte, NC and was a former IT director in the National Football League (NFL). The Bischoffs and Bigelow were linked up through a mutual contact.

“We lucked into finding a software developer who understood the workflow of football coaches,” said Britt Bischoff.

Through word of mouth and light marketing, other coaches took an interest in the plug-in the Bischoffs had created. They saw the potential and decided to trademark and copyright aspects of the plug-in and create a business structure. Their playbook development system, called Pro Quick Draw (PQD), was launched before the 2018 season.

Britt Bischoff is the majority owner and runs the day-to-day operations of PQD which includes customer relations, marketing, invoicing, service and support including the daily support chat for customers, and business management out of an office space in their home. Andy Bischoff uses PQD every day as part of his coaching role with the Ravens and gets the real-world experience and feedback to continue to make the plug-in better.

“Andy told me this [PQD] was going to be big,” said Britt Bischoff, who really realized the impact of the program at the American Football Coaches Association Annual Convention in January 2019. “We would demo it and jaws would drop. At that point I knew Andy was right and I knew we really had something here.”

PQD hired Atlanta-based Kevin Reddy, a former football coach, as its director of sales, and Bigelow, who is now the director of technology, is constantly taking feedback from coaches to update the software. PQD comes out with a new version every three months. “He [Bigelow] has never said no to a new idea,” said Britt Bischoff.

PQD has completely changed how plays are organized and archived. Andy Bischoff said a major flaw before PQD was users having to type in the name of the play exactly right while doing a search on Visio or it wouldn’t come up. Now, users can search based on key words and types of plays; plays are archived with other similar plays; users can organize plays based on the opponents a play was used against; and the system is now better synced up between devices which helps keep everyone on the same page and keeps a team’s playbook in unison with the constant changing of personnel on a coaching staff.

PQD works on Visio as well as Microsoft PowerPoint.

PQD allows users to easily print cards of plays and create images to be inserted into a coach’s game film.

“We’ve put in a structure to save coaches hours a week,” said Andy Bischoff. “We have taken out the manual work and let the technology take over.”

There are currently 18 NFL teams using PQD and more than 65 teams overall. This includes 50+ programs in the “Top 300” which is the NFL, FBS and FCS in college football. The Bischoffs are hoping to keep growing in the Top 300, as well as all levels of football, including the more than 16,000 high school football programs around the country. PQD currently has more than 15 high school football teams and growing.

Britt Bischoff noted PQD could grow into other sports, but with a growing presence & steady growth in mind, they are focusing on football first.

DVSport and XOS Digital are the top two providers of video services in the country serving the Top 300 and PQD is building a brand in close proximity to both. DVSport and PQD have a partnership that allows both to market and sell PQD collaboratively in a joint effort. Hudl is the leading video software for small college and high school sports, and Britt Bischoff says they have a friendly relationship.

While PQD has a presence throughout the country, they do see the potential to add to its footprint in South Baltimore where they could eventually have a bigger office and a bigger team.

“One coach at a time, one team at a time, we want to become a standard in the industry,” said Andy Bischoff.

Britt Bischoff said Baltimore, where their four-year-old son Jay was born, has been their family’s favorite stop along the way. “We’ve lived in some beautiful cities, but we love Baltimore because of the people. We’ve met more good friends in Baltimore than any other stop.”

Andy Bischoff and Britt Bischoff

Andy Bischoff, Britt Bischoff, and Jay Bischoff

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/30/growing-federal-hill-business-provides-playbook-software-to-nfl-coaches/

Sleep Apnea Treatment Company AWAYK Health Relocating from Laurel to the Parker Metal Building

AWAYK Health, a company engaged in treating patients dealing with sleep apnea, is relocating its headquarters from Laurel, MD to the Parker Metal Building at 333 W. Ostend St. in Stadium Area. AWAYK Health will move its approximately 10 employees into a 2,250 sq. ft. space on the first floor.

The 50,000 sq. ft. Parker Metal Building is owned and managed by Himmelrich Associates. Himmelirch converted the previously-vacant building next to M&T Bank Stadium into an office building in recent years. The building began opening to tenants and hosting events in its venue, called The Winslow Room, in 2018.

AWAYK Health will be the first tenant in its space and will build out its office. Other tenants in the building include Lighting Environment, Choptank Transportation, and Insightin Health.

AWAYK Health provides a range of products, services, and resources including sleep therapy devices, masks, cleaning products, and home sleeping test equipment to support and assist people dealing with sleep apnea issues.

AWAYK Healthy was represented by Austin Eber of Lee & Associates.

“AWAYK Health is a vibrant and rapidly-growing company and they were immediately attracted to the environment of the reimagined Parker Metal Building which adds energy and creativity to its operations,” said Eber in a press release. “The presence of several mass transit stations appealed to the organization as an amenity to employees. The building is also close to the center of downtown and near major highways, and offers a wide variety of nearby dining options.”  

The Parker Metal Building is part of Himmelrich’s Stadium Crossing development which is redeveloping and updating four buildings near the intersection of Ostend St. and Sharp St.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/29/sleep-apnea-treatment-company-awayk-health-relocating-from-laurel-to-the-parker-metal-building/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 4/18/20 – 4/24/20:

Ridgely’s Delight

NONE

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

NONE

Sharp-Leadenhall

NONE

Federal Hill

NONE

Federal Hill South/Riverside

BURGLARY (FORCE) SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2020 17:00 8XX E FORT AVE OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 14:30 4XX E FORT AVE OTHER-OUTSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020 20:30 18XX JACKSON ST YARD, RESIDENTIAL

South Baltimore Neighborhood

NONE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

NONE

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

ROBBERY – KNIFE TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 05:41 7XX WASHINGTON BLVD STREET

AGG. ASSLT.- CUT THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 21:40 8XX W CROSS ST Unknown

BURGLARY (FORCE) FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 05:05 11XX W OSTEND ST RESTAURANT/BAR

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 08:10 12XX SARGEANT ST Unknown

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

BURGLARY (FORCE) FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 08:15 14XX RUSSELL ST OTHER-INSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 23:20 17XX RUSSELL ST GAS STATION

Hollins Market

BURGLARY (ATT. FORCE) FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 17:40 9XX W PRATT ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 18:00 XX S CARROLLTON AVE STREET

Union Square

NONE

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/28/south-baltimore-crime-updates-180/

Cross Street Farmers’ Market to Open on May 16th

Today, Caves Valley Partners (CVP) and CANAdev announced the 2020 season of the Cross Street Farmers’ Market will kick off on Saturday, May 16th. The farmers’ market will run every Saturday from 9am to 12pm through October 24th, with the exception of July 4th and September 5th.

Vendors will span the length of E. Cross St., between Light St. and Charles St., along the south wall outside Cross Street Market.

Following recommendations from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the use of vendor stalls will be temporarily limited to essential producers. All prepared foods will be pre-packaged and no cooking, food preparation, or sampling will be permitted.

Until restrictions are lifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, vendor stalls will be spaced at least six feet apart. Hand sanitizer stations will be added, as will signage advising shoppers to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. All seating, entertainment, games, and activities will be postponed until restrictions are lifted.

The first hour of the farmers’ market (9am to 10am) will be reserved for senior shoppers who are 60 or older. CVP and CANAdev said in a press release that all shoppers are urged to keep visits simple and short, limit attendance to one member per household, and pre-order for quick and contact-free pick up.

Cross Street Farmers’ Market will be cashless until further notice.

“We’ll operate as a safer, more convenient open-air grocery store,” said Candice Coolahan, Marketplace Manager at Cross Street Market, in a press release. “Especially given the demand for essentials, we’re focused on supporting our local farmers and small business owners, and providing our community with fresh food. We look forward to welcoming back our artists, artisans and musicians once restrictions are lifted.”

Cross Street Market is currently closed to the public, but vendors continue to offer carry-out and delivery seven days a week.

Read SouthBMore.com’s articles detailing the different aspects of the Cross Street Market redevelopment here.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/28/cross-street-farmers-market-to-open-on-may-16th/

Baltimore’s Federal Hill Prep School drive thru event reunites teachers, students during coronavirus pandemic

After about a month of virtual play dates and distance learning, Federal Hill Preparatory School first grader, Cooper Bruchey was able to see many of his teachers and classmates in real life despite the coronavirus stay-at-home order.

He and his school friends visited — all from the safe distance...

via http://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-ci-federal-hill-prep-drive-thru-20200423-bcgdcxsrtvh65aelyq6aea65ua-story.html

New Federal Hill Thrift Shop ‘Espirt de Couture’ Will Donate Profits to Veteran Organizations

Espirt de Couture, a new thrift shop that will benefit veteran organizations, is opening at 1126 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. Espirt de Couture has taken over an approximately 700 sq. ft. space that was formerly Hello Addie Boutique.

Espirt de Couture was started by the wife and husband Amy Karpan and Tom Strazza. Karpan and Strazza moved to Federal Hill last June after many different stops in their military careers. Karpan did four and a half years of active duty for the United States Air Force and has been a lawyer for the Air Force for the last 14 years. Strazza is retired from the United States Army after a 22-year career. Strazza recently received his Bachelor’s degree in psychology and is now an outreach coordinator for South Baltimore veteran organization The Baltimore Station.

Karpan and Strazza met when they were both on tour in Qatar five years ago. When Karpan was relocated to Fort Meade, she moved to Maryland and Strazza joined a year later. They initially lived in the suburbs, but found themselves spending much of their free time in Baltimore and decided to make the move into the city.

Karpan said they have loved every moment of their experience since moving to Federal Hill.

When Karpan lived in England, she loved that ‘charity shops’ sold nice consignment clothes, but also supported local charities. After initially launching an online business, Amy’s Closet, she decided to pivot and bring the charity shop model to Federal Hill. She was also inspired to do more for veterans after Strazza took the position at The Baltimore Station.

After starting to look at storefronts in the area, Karpan and Strazza found the rents to be reasonable enough to make the business model work and decided 1126 S. Charles St. was the right space to launch the business. Espirt de Couture means the spirit of service in French.

The duo has spent recent weeks setting up the shop and hope to open in May if restrictions on non-essential businesses in Maryland due to COVID-19 are lifted.

Espirt de Couture will accept all clothing donations and will sell select consignment clothes in the store. Clothes that do not make the cut will be sold to recyclers that buy clothes by the pound or donated to homeless shelters and charities.

Karpan said she is passionate about keeping clothes from ending up in landfills. She cited a stat from Green Story Inc. that if everyone bought one used item per year it is equivalent in CO2 emissions savings of a half a million cars taken off the road for a year.

Espirt de Couture will sell men’s and women’s clothing items. Most items will be $5, $10, $15, or $20, but some couture items will be $50. Karpan said they are interested in whatever will sell, but thinks the location will probably do well with younger fashion trends to fit the demographics of the neighborhood. She said there will be contemporary fashion, business wear, shoes, and costumes.

With just 700 sq. ft. for the retail space, Karpan said they will very likely rent a storage space in the area to keep donations and items. They have been using their home to sort items for the launch of the store.

Espirt de Couture will take the profits and donate to veteran organizations. It is a non-profit and has a three-person board that includes Karpan along with an active duty female Master Sargent in the military and a 30-year retired government worker, who will make financial decisions regarding the business. “I wanted the board to represent service,” said Karpan.

Karpan, who is the executive director, will not take a salary as she launches the business and will eventually look for volunteers to help run the store and sort donations.

Karpan said she’s not only excited about opening a business with a great mission, but also sees a need for a good thrift store in Federal Hill. She says every neighborhood deserves a good thrift store and could see new locations in Baltimore if the business is successful.

Karpan loves fashion and jokes that she only works to have the money to buy clothes and to have a home to keep those clothes. She loves a good bargain and has always loved thrift stores. She got her wedding dress from Brides Across America, which donates wedding dresses to veterans, and will donate the dress to another cause in the near future.

As Karpan still works full-time for the Air Force, the store will initially be open around her day job hours. Those hours will be Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 9pm, Saturdays from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.

Amy Karpan and Tom Strazza (photo courtesy of Amy Karpan and Tom Strazza)

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/22/new-federal-hill-thrift-shop-espirt-de-couture-will-donate-profits-to-veteran-organizations/

Real Estate Group ‘New Home Team’ Opening an Office on Charles Street in Federal Hill

The New Home Team of ReMax Distinctive is opening in a first-floor retail space at 1014 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. The approximately 1,000 sq. ft. space was formerly the home of Mark Cottman Gallery and CJKollective.

New Home Team co-owners Dave Jimenez and Michael Lopez purchased the building this month. They are hoping to get the office up and running by May 15th if current government restrictions on non-essential businesses are lifted. Realtors can currently show homes and continue working on deals, but are not allowed to work together in an office.

Jimenez and Lopez will continue to rent out a two-bedroom apartment on the top two floors of the space.

Jimenez and Lopez are excited to bring the first ReMax office to Federal Hill and the first ReMax Distinctive, which is a franchise of ReMax, location to Baltimore City. New Home Team, which was established about two years ago, was previously part of ReMax Sails in Canton before deciding to make the move over to Charles St.

New Home Team will have four agents and a sales assistant and is always open to conversations with agents looking to join the team.

Jimenez said the space is in good shape and they are customizing it to fit their needs with cosmetic upgrades and new furniture and equipment. They will paint the facade and add some technology scrolls in the two large windows that will display information on listings and New Home Team’s agents.

Jimenez is an associate broker and has worked in real estate for about 10 years. He now lives in Columbia with his family, but loves the idea of having an office in Federal Hill so he can continue to spend time in the city and help people find and sell homes.

“I love the city and know it well,” said Jimenez. When talking about Federal Hill he said, “We really believe in everything taking place and want to be a part of the continued growth.”

While much of the economy is slowed down due to the coronavirus pandemic, Jimenez said he has sold three homes in the past month to doctors who need to relocate for new jobs. He said they are still getting a lot of inquiries and thinks there could be explosive growth when things open back up.

Lopez has been a 12-year resident of Federal Hill and currently serves as the treasurer of the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association. He has been a real estate investor for many years. He said about a third of his business comes from buyers, a third comes from sellers, and a third comes from being an REO agent for HUD foreclosures in Baltimore.

“We think there’s a lot of great housing in Federal Hill and South Baltimore. We are excited about planting our flag here,” said Lopez, who noted he and Jimenez know many of the bar and restaurant owners in Federal Hill and are excited to now have their own business in this area as well.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/22/real-estate-group-new-home-team-opening-an-office-on-charles-street-in-federal-hill/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 4/11/20 – 4/17/20:

Ridgely’s Delight

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020 15:37 6XX WASHINGTON BLVD ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 00:30 3XX PENN ST Unknown

Stadium Area

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2020 11:00 8XX RUSSELL ST STREET

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

NONE

Sharp-Leadenhall

NONE

Federal Hill

NONE

Federal Hill South/Riverside

NONE

South Baltimore Neighborhood

NONE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

NONE

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

BURGLARY (NO FORCE) SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 14:15 12XX HAUBERT ST SHED/GARAGE

Pigtown

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 12:00 12XX HOLLINS ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 23:00 1XX S SCHROEDER ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 23:00 12XX HOLLINS ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 18:47 XX S CARROLLTON AVE RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020 13:07 21XX HAINES ST BUS/RAILROAD STATION

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 22:46 20XX HAINES ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 01:00 15XX RUSSELL ST CONVENIENCE

Hollins Market

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 12:00 12XX HOLLINS ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 23:00 1XX S SCHROEDER ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 23:00 12XX HOLLINS ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 18:47 XX S CARROLLTON AVE RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Union Square

NONE

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/21/south-baltimore-crime-updates-179/

Charles Street in Federal Hill Repaved as Gas Line Work is Completed

The Federal Hill Business District has been hampered for the last year plus as gas line replacement construction by BGE has been underway on Charles St. However, this large construction site in the middle of the street which has caused detours and road closures, is now wrapping up and the street was repaved this week.

The project is part of BGE’s Operation Pipeline which upgrades natural gas pipes and gas meters. Charles St. was under construction as part of South Baltimore Phase 4. This phase tackled a large area of Federal Hill and South Baltimore with W. West St. to the north, E. Randall St. to the south, Light St. to the east, and Race St. to the west.

Operation Pipeline has caused significant road closures on busy corridors in recent years as Phase 4 also required work on S. Hanover St./Rt. 2. Previous phases addressed E. Fort Ave. and Light St.

South Baltimore Phase 5 is scheduled for this year, but Councilman Eric Costello said it’s likely that could get pushed back to 2021. Phase 5 will replace gas lines and meters in the Federal Hill South neighborhood with the borders of Light St. to the west, Covington St. to the east, E. Cross St. to the north, and E. Fort Ave. to the south. Phase 5 is not scheduled to include any work on Light St., which is the other main corridor of the Federal Hill Business District, but work will take place on E. Fort Ave. from Light St. to Covington St.

South Baltimore Phase 4 Map 

South Baltimore Phase 5 Map 

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/21/charles-street-in-federal-hill-repaved-as-gas-line-work-is-completed/

Local Event Company Moves Parties Online During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Federal Hill resident Ron Monk started his event organization Socialyser (formerly Explore B-more) in the fall and is now keeping the events going via Facebook Live as the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the events industry to a halt. Monk started his organization, which gives 100% of the proceeds to local causes, out of his love for throwing themed parties.

In recent weeks, Socialyser has hosted virtual events featuring fortune teller Shawnna Alexander, a pasta-making class, and bingo. This Saturday from 6pm to 9pm is the I Spy Pizza Pie Party which will include a Neapolitan pizza demonstration from Canton restaurant Verde. To coincide with this, pizzas will be donated to Baltimore Police Department. Four passes to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Will also be awarded during the event.

Socialyser is hosting a mask-making event for essential healthcare workers on Saturday, May 2nd and a Mother’s Day pampering event on Saturday, May 9th. A pampering care package will be donated to a maternity ward at a local hospital for the latter.

Socialyser also frequently does giveaways on its website.

Monk wants the events during the stay-at-home order to support local businesses and organizations in need.

Monk, who has been throwing a pasta party at his Federal Hill home for 25 years, got the itch to do more events after hosting a karaoke night at Rowan Tree in which 200-plus people attended.

Socialyser has a team of 10 volunteers who help out and assist Monk, Gail Roska, and Elizabeth Schreiter, who are the team leaders planning the parties. The team is planning on hosting events out in the community again this fall.

Socialyser is working with Locust Point’s MindGrub on its technology. Ken Rochon from the Keep Smiling Movement is helping Socialyser with photos.

“We’re just trying to mobilized people and party with a purpose,” said Monk.

Monk said they changed the company’s name to Socialyser (pronounced social-wiser) because they want to be socially wise and socially conscious. “The Y is why you want to party with us,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Socialyser

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/20/local-event-company-moves-parties-online-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 4/4/20 – 4/10/20:

Ridgely’s Delight

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, APRIL 05, 2020 12:00 6XX MELVIN DR STREET

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

NONE

Sharp-Leadenhall

BURGLARY (FORCE) TUESDAY, APRIL 07, 2020 20:00 12XX S HANOVER ST LAUNDARY/CLEANERS

Federal Hill

MURDER SATURDAY, APRIL 04, 2020 02:44 11XX S CHARLES ST APT/CONDOMINIUM

From Councilman Eric Costello:

HOMICIDE UPDATE: 1100 block of S Charles St

On early-Saturday, April 4th, at approximately 2:51am, a 24 year old male was shot and killed inside a property on the 1100 block of S Charles St. The victim did not live here, but was renting out a short term rental for a “game night” he planned to have with his friends. Two individuals entered the property and announced a robbery and subsequently shot and killed the victim. BPD Detectives are actively investigating.

*** I have no other info on what a “game night” is.

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 3/29/20 – 4/3/20:

Federal Hill South/Riverside

NONE

South Baltimore Neighborhood

NONE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

NONE

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

AGG. ASSLT.- CUT FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2020 14:00 12XX SARGEANT ST STREET

BURGLARY (FORCE) SATURDAY, APRIL 04, 2020 10:00 13XX SARGEANT ST

BURGLARY (FORCE) TUESDAY, APRIL 07, 2020 09:57 6XX WYETH ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, APRIL 05, 2020 09:25 21XX HAINES Street Unknow

STOLEN AUTO TUESDAY, APRIL 07, 2020 19:15 16XX WICOMICO ST STREET

Hollins Market

STOLEN AUTO WEDNESDAY, APRIL 08, 2020 05:00 12XX W LOMBARD ST STREET

Union Square

AGG. ASSLT.- GUN FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2020 15:48 14XX W LOMBARD ST STREET

From BPD:

Southern District Shooting Investigation

On April 10, 2020 at approximately 3:53 P.M., officers responded to the 1400 block of W. Lombard Street for a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers found a 28 year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach.

The victim was transported to an area hospital and is in serious condition.

Southern District shooting detectives are investigating this incident and are asking anyone with information to call (410) 396-2499 or call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7lockup.

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/16/south-baltimore-crime-updates-178/

Monday’s Storm Knocks Down The Cross and Star at St. Mary Star of The Sea

Monday’s hail and wind storm, which caused some damage around South Baltimore with downed tree branches and broken windows, knocked down an iconic symbol at St. Mary Star of The Sea Catholic Church in Federal Hill – the steeple’s cross with a lighted star in the middle.

St. Mary Star of The Sea opened in 1868. In the late 1800s, the cross with the star was erected and served as a beacon to ship traffic to the Inner Harbor and was an official landmark on mariners maps of the Port Baltimore. It was originally lit by candles and later using electric power.

Pastor Josh Laws and his team at the Catholic Community of South Baltimore were able to get a crane contractor out yesterday to  have the cross removed from the top of the steeple.

Pastor Laws told SouthBMore.com in an email: “We are talking with contractors about getting the cross and star back up on the steeple as soon as possible. They will likely use scaffolding and take a thorough approach to the repairs which provides us with an opportunity to address some other structural repairs on the steeple itself. This is work that needs to be done and I’m confident our community will rally to get our cross and star back up and shining for many years to come.”

While removing the cross, the contractors found two bags filled with envelopes inside the base of the cross. On the envelopes were the names of everyone who had contributed to a restoration project in the 1960s or 1970s. Pastor Laws said they are figuring out what to do with the envelopes, but said they could go back into the foundation when the cross is reinstalled, together with the names of a new generation of parishioners.

Photos courtesy of Catholic Community of South Baltimore 

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/14/mondays-storm-knocks-down-the-cross-and-star-at-st-mary-star-of-the-sea/

Baltimore City Takes Additional Measures to Keep People Off Playground and Fitness Equipment

The City of Baltimore has taken extra measures to keep residents off equipment at City parks. From Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young:

Today, Baltimore Recnparks will begin securing playgrounds and exercise equipment at all Baltimore City parks. After seeing people use this equipment despite the need to practice social distancing while in public, I asked Director Moore to secure these locations. Our staff will continue to make every effort to ensure residents can stay fit and active. Last week, Baltimore Recnparks launched alternative recreation options through its Virtual Rec Center: https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/virtual-rec.

At Riverside Park, the rims were removed from the basketball courts, the swings were taped to the top bar, and the playground and exercise equipment was closed off with construction fencing.

At Federal Hill Park, the rims were removed from the basketball courts and the playground equipment was wrapped with construction fencing.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/14/baltimore-city-takes-additional-measures-to-keep-people-off-playground-and-fitness-equipment/

Work Begins on ‘Alta Federal Hill’ Apartment Building on Hanover Street

Work is now getting started on Phase I of the Alta Federal Hill project on the 1800 block of S. Hanover St. in South Baltimore. Phase I is a six-story, 267-unit apartment building with a 367-car garage and 1,000 sq. ft. of retail by Wood Partners.

The 1800 and 1900 blocks of S. Hanover St. were acquired by developer Caves Valley Partners (CVP). The properties were previously occupied by Middleton & Meads, which took up the entire 1900 block of S. Hanover St. and a portion of the 1800 block, and a former one-story warehouse that was most recently the home of a hauling company. Middleton & Meads relocated to Carroll-Camden Industrial Area last year.

CVP demolished the former industrial properties in recent months and sold the 1800 block to Wood Partners last month. Wood Partners is planning a Phase II on the 1900 block which will be a six-story, 258-unit apartment building with 370 parking spaces, a garage, and 1,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail. Wood Partners will acquire the 1900 block from CVP before construction begins. Wood Partners said in January that it hopes to begin construction Phase II this year.

Wood Partners is hoping its new Phase I building will help calm down a very “vehicular-centric” S. Hanover St., which is also known as Route 2, a highway that continues south through Annapolis. Wood Partners will line S. Hanover St. with lush plantings, as well as the property’s borders of W. Barney St., a new street that will be created between the 1800 and 1900 blocks of S. Hanover St., and the western edge of the property up against train tracks.

The middle part of the property on the 1800 block of S. Hanover St. will have have a setback that will serve as a courtyard, and will lead into the interior courtyard and amenity spaces of the building. This section of the facade will be a divider between the sections of the building facing north and south, which have different design elements. This setback will also have a second-story deck that engages with S. Hanover St.

The building’s first-floor amenity space will have a gym and a co-working-style atmosphere.

There will be a rooftop amenity space at the northeast corner of the building that looks out towards Downtown. The garage will be wrapped along the new street, but will be exposed facing the train tracks. There will be an 1,000 sq. ft. retail space facing the Phase II building and its retail space.

The facade will be gray and white with a mix of brick and additional materials. It will have walk-up stoops facing the rowhomes on W. Barney St. that resemble the character of Baltimore stoops.

Wood Partners architect on the project is Design Collective.

Executive Managing Partner of Wood Partners Scott Zimmerly told SouthBMore.com last year they were attracted to the site due to its proximity to both Federal Hill and Port Covington. The site is a block from Port Covington, where a 235-acre development is getting underway by the Port Covington Development team.

Phase II will have a vehicular entrance and auto court at E. Wells St. The new private street separating Phase I and Phase II will have new on-street parking spaces.

Steve Rolls of Wood Partners said in January he sees the project as an “anchor for Federal Hill” as it’s the first building in the neighborhood after people leave Port Covington and drive underneath I-95. Wood Partners also sees it as a stitch between the two neighborhoods.

Wood Partners is based in Atlanta and has a regional office in Rockville, MD.

Alta Federal Hill is one of the many new investments on the Wells St. corridor in South Baltimore and Riverside. A five-story, 90,000 sq. ft, 820-unit ExtraSpace Storage facility at 1900 S. Charles St. began construction last week. Construction is expected to start soon at Riverside which converts a former slaughterhouse at 1900 Light St. into a 34,500 sq. ft. office and retail building. Riverside Park’s athletic facilities will begin renovations this year. The owners of 1901 Light St. are also hoping to convert the historic five-story, 138,000 sq. ft. building into 140 apartments.

In recent years along Wells St., apartment building 1901 South Charles was built at the site of a vacant industrial property, apartment and retail building 2 East Wells replaced a warehouse, and ZeroFOX renovated the vacant Pabst Castle into an office building. National Federation of the Blind recently renovated parts of its 355,000 sq. ft. facility and is offering up to 100,000 sq. ft. of its building for lease.

Rendering courtesy of Wood Partners and Design Collective

Photos of Wood Partners and Design Collective renderings from the UDAAP presentation

Phase II renderings courtesy of Wood Partners and J. Davis Architects 

Photo from the UDAAP presentation 

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/13/work-begins-on-alta-federal-hill-apartment-building-on-hanover-street/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

From Councilman Eric Costello:

HOMICIDE UPDATE: 1100 block of S Charles St

On early-Saturday, April 4th, at approximately 2:51am, a 24 year old male was shot and killed inside a property on the 1100 block of S Charles St. The victim did not live here, but was renting out a short term rental for a “game night” he planned to have with his friends. Two individuals entered the property and announced a robbery and subsequently shot and killed the victim. BPD Detectives are actively investigating.

*** I have no other info on what a “game night” is.

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 3/29/20 – 4/3/20:

Ridgely’s Delight

LARCENY- FROM AUTO MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 20:30 6XX EISLEN ST YARD, RESIDENTIAL

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

AGG. ASSLT.- CUT WEDNESDAY, APRIL 01, 2020 04:00 8XX W LOMBARD ST APT/CONDOMINIUM

BURGLARY (FORCE) FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020 01:02 7XX RAMSAY ST STREET

Otterbein

NONE

Sharp-Leadenhall

NONE

Federal Hill

NONE

Federal Hill South/Riverside

BURGLARY (FORCE) SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 00:30 8XX E FORT AVE RESTAURANT/BAR

South Baltimore Neighborhood

NONE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

NONE

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 21:30 3XX S POPPLETON ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020 13:00 11XX CLEVELAND ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 22:00 12XX WASHINGTON BLVD STREET

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 19:21 8XX CARROLL ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

ROBBERY – FIREARM SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 07:49 3XX S POPPLETON ST STREET

Robbery with Firearm 

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

NONE

Hollins Market

AGG. ASSLT.- GUN THURSDAY, APRIL 02, 2020 13:05 10XX W LOMBARD ST OTHER-INSIDE

Union Square

LARCENY- FROM AUTO THURSDAY, APRIL 02, 2020 09:00 17XX HOLLINS ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 18:25 1XX S GILMOR ST Unknown

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/07/south-baltimore-crime-updates-177/

South Baltimore Native and Baseball Hall of Famer Al Kaline Dies at the Age of 85

Baseball Hall of Famer, Al Kaline, who grew up in the South Baltimore neighborhood of Westport, died today at the age of 85 at his home in Bloomfield Hills, MI, according to the Detroit Free Press. From the article:

A cause of death was not immediately available. John Morad, a close friend of the family, confirmed the news to the Free Press after speaking with Kaline’s younger son, Mike.

Kaline played high school baseball at Southern High School in Federal Hill. He grew up playing at Swann Park and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks renamed the park’s baseball field last summer to Al Kaline Field. Kaline is also honored on a monument at Swann Park that recognizes the professional baseball players who played for a 19u amateur baseball team.

Kaline was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and immediately played in the Major Leagues starting in 1953 at the age of 18. He played for 22 seasons for the Tigers and compiled 399 home runs, 1,582 RBIs, and 3,007 hits with a career batting average of .297. He holds the record for the most games played and the most home runs in Tigers history.

Kaline was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/06/south-baltimore-native-and-baseball-hall-of-famer-al-kaline-dies-at-the-age-of-85/

Man Killed Early Saturday Morning in a Federal Hill Short-Term Rental

From Councilman Eric Costello:

HOMICIDE UPDATE: 1100 block of S Charles St

On early-Saturday, April 4th, at approximately 2:51am, a 24 year old male was shot and killed inside a property on the 1100 block of S Charles St. The victim did not live here, but was renting out a short term rental for a “game night” he planned to have with his friends. Two individuals entered the property and announced a robbery and subsequently shot and killed the victim. BPD Detectives are actively investigating.

*** I have no other info on what a “game night” is.

BPD said in a statement the victim was transported to an area hospital where he later died. Homicide detectives are asking anyone with information to contact 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/04/man-killed-early-saturday-morning-in-a-federal-hill-short-term-rental/

34-year-old man fatally shot in Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood, police say

A 34-year-old man was found fatally shot in Federal Hill early Saturday morning, according to Baltimore Police.

Officers were called to the 1100 block of South Charles Street at about 2:44 a.m. and found the man suffering from gunshot wounds to his body, police said. He was transported to a local...

via http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-cr-federal-hill-homicide-20200404-3zl6psfjjzebrpoem3jbg2yjuu-story.html

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 3/22/20 – 3/28/20:

Ridgely’s Delight

NONE

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

NONE

Sharp-Leadenhall

NONE

Federal Hill

ROBBERY – FIREARM MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020 22:30 11XX RIVERSIDE AVE STREET

ROBBERY – FIREARM MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020 22:30 10XX S CHARLES ST STREET

ROBBERY – OTHER WEAPON THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 19:36 XX W HAMBURG ST

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020 22:00 XX E CROSS ST YARD

STOLEN AUTO TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020 21:45 7XX LIGHT ST STREET

Federal Hill South/Riverside

BURGLARY (FORCE) SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 00:30 8XX E FORT AVE RESTAURANT/BAR

South Baltimore Neighborhood

NONE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

NONE

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

MURDER SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 21:39 11XX WASHINGTON BLVD STREET

From BPD:

Southern District Homicide Investigation

On March 28, 2020 at approximately 9:30 P.M., officers responded to the 1100 block of Washington Boulevard for a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located a 27 year-old male who was suffering from a gunshot wounds to his back. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second victim, also a 27 year-old male, was located and was suffering from non-life threatening gunshot wounds to his arm and buttocks. He was transported to an area hospital.

A short time later, a third victim, a 19 year-old male walked into an area hospital suffering from non-life threatening gunshot wounds to his arm and legs.

Also a forth victim, a 16 year-old male walked into an area hospital and was suffering from non-life threatening gunshot wounds to the right leg and hand.

Homicide detectives are investigating this incident and have learned three shooters exited a vehicle and opened fire on the victims.

The shooters fled the location in the vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (410) 396-2100 or call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7lockup.

ROBBERY – OTHER WEAPON THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 19:36 XX W HAMBURG ST DRUGSTORE/MEDICAL BLDG

ROBBERY – FIREARM SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 07:49 3XX S POPPLETON ST STREET

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 21:30 3XX S POPPLETON ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020 12:00 14XX WARD ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020 19:00 10XX W PRATT ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 09:13 11XX WASHINGTON BLVD OTHER-OUTSIDE

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 19:21 8XX CARROLL ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

LARCENY- FROM AUTO MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020 13:04 18XX WASHINGTON BLVD RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Hollins Market

NONE

Union Square

NONE

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/01/south-baltimore-crime-updates-176/

Lennar Takes Over Stadium Square Apartment Project, Presents Updated Renderings

LMC, a multi-family development company by national home builder Lennar, has taken over a Stadium Square apartment project on the 100 block of W. Ostend St. from The Hanover Company. LMC presented plans for the five-story, 315-unit apartment building yesterday in a virtual presentation to Baltimore City Planning Department’s Urban Design & Architecture Advisory Panel (UDAAP).

Stadium Square is a $300 plus-million mixed-use development by master developer Caves Valley Partners (CVP) on three blocks of South Baltimore and Sharp-Leadenhall. It is located between Cross St. on the north, Race St. on the east, Leadenhall St. on the west, and both sides of Ostend St. to the south.

Hanover’s first building at Stadium Square, Hanover Cross Street, was completed in 2017 and sits adjacent to the proposed new project site. The six-story building includes 293 apartments, 14,000 sq. ft. of retail, and a 450-car garage.

The 100 block of W. Ostend St. currently has a BMORE Around Town tailgating lot, which replaced industrial buildings that were demolished in recent years. The block, which also faces W. West St., Race St., and Leadenhall St., formerly had several rowhomes, a USPS post office, and the VacPac building.

The new apartment building will share this block with a six-story, 67,000 sq. ft. office building at 160 W. Ostend St. that will occupy the northwest corner of the site. The apartment building and its hidden parking garage will be constructed on the rest of the site and accessed on Leadenhall St. CVP will construct the office building and LMC will develop the apartment building.

CVP does not have a timeline yet for constructing the office building, as it is waiting to secure tenants. LMC is hoping to begin construction this fall, but all timelines are currently up in the air due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new LMC apartment building will have around 315 mostly one-bedroom apartment units, two courtyards, a pool, a gym, club rooms, and a 334-car garage which is fully wrapped and hidden by the apartment units and attached office building.

The exterior of the building will have two different styles of facades. One style will feature red brick which is a nod to the surrounding rowhomes, and the other style will be white which is inspired by industrial properties in the area. The corners and entrances to the building will have a modern design that will serve as a transition between the two styles.

The exterior of the building will also have many balconies attached to the apartment units. Ground floor units on Race St. will have walk-out stoops to complement the neighborhood.

The building will have entrances and lobbies on the middle of the 100 block of Ostend St. and at the corner of W. West St. and Race St.

Hanover is working with architecture firm Design Collective on the design.

The surrounding sidewalks will be lined with trees and plants which will resemble the landscaping around Hanover Cross Street. The main entrance to the building on Ostend St. will also have a small pocket park with landscaping.

LMC Development Manager Drew Dunn said during the presentation that “LMC is really excited to pick up where Hanover left off and to build a great community.”

On the south side of the 100 block of W. Ostend St. is 145 W. Ostend St., which is a 72,000 sq. ft. office building that opened last summer. That building is now 75% leased with tenants including Spaces, Ricoh, Clark Construction Group, Employee One Benefit Solutions, and Janney Montgomery Scott.

Also proposed for the same block as 145 W. Ostend St. is an approximately 180,000 sq. ft. office building with first-floor retail at the site of a current parking lot, and an 840-space parking garage that will be located behind both office buildings.

Another project already completed in Stadium Square is the 2,400 sq. ft. Leadenhall Community Center which opened in August.

CVP is also planning a 30-plus unit affordable apartment building for veterans at the southeast corner of Leadenhall St. and W. Cross St. that would replace five existing rowhomes.

Read SouthBMore.com’s articles detailing the Stadium Square development here.

Renderings from UDAAP presentation from LMC and Design Collective 

Views from Ostend St. 

View from Race St. 

View from W. West St. 

View from Leadenhall St. 

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/01/lennar-takes-over-stadium-square-apartment-project-presents-updated-renderings/