South Baltimore Business Roundup

Phillip Michael Studio Closes 

Hair salon Phillip Michael Studio has closed at 1500 Riverside Ave., Suite #7. The salon operated in Federal Hill/Riverside for many years.

There is currently a ‘now leasing’ sign on the storefront.

Former Tommy’s Downtown Tavern in Pigtown Now an Office Space

The former Tommy’s Downtown Tavern space at 839 W. Cross St. in Pigtown is now an office space. The entire double-wide building was renovated in recent years after Tommy’s closed in 2013.

Former Leon’s Bar Being Renovated 

Leon’s Bar closed at 1740 Light St. in 2011 and the first-floor space has been vacant since. Leon’s was part of a double-wide, three-story building that had apartments on the second and third floors.

The entire building is currently being renovated, but SouthBMore.com does not have any additional information on the project at this time.

Barfly’s Now a Leeds United Bar

Barfly’s co-owner Michael Leeds has been a fan of English professional soccer team Leeds United due to the common name. Leeds United has spent recent years in English Football League Championship, the second-highest league in England, but earned a promotion to the top-tier English Premier League after finishing in first place this year.

Michael Leeds vowed to make Barfly’s a Leeds United supporters bar if the team ever made it to the Premier League, and now that day has come. The league gets started in September and the games will be aired at Barfly’s.

Long & Foster Closes in Federal Hill 

Real estate brokerage Long & Foster closed its office at 1210 Light St. This is the second Long & Foster office to close on Light St. in recent years, but the brokerage still has an office in Fells Point.

1210 Light St. currently has a ‘for lease’ sign on the building. The office space was renovated in recent years.

Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel Sells for $80 Million

The Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel at 202 E. Pratt St. has been sold for $80 million to The Buccini/Pollin Group. The hotel has 622 rooms, 30,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space, and three food and beverage outlets plus waterfront restaurant Watertable that overlooks the Inner Harbor.

Renaissance is part of the Marriott brand of hotels.

“We know and love the Renaissance brand. Renaissance invites business and leisure travelers alike to discover the unexpected. Coupled with the hotel’s unparalleled Inner Harbor location, Baltimore Renaissance Harborplace guests will experience the best that Baltimore has to offer,” said Dave Pollin, president of The Buccini/Pollin Group in a press release. “We are very proud to be expanding our commitment to Baltimore, a city on the rise.”

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/30/south-baltimore-business-roundup-174/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 7/18/20 – 7/24/20:

Ridgely’s Delight

BURGLARY (FORCE) THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020 00:54 4XX RUSSELL ST GAS STATION

BURGLARY (FORCE) SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2020 03:10 6XX EISLEN ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2020 16:00 5XX S PACA ST STREET

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

NONE

Sharp-Leadenhall

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020 12:25 10XX S HANOVER ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020 14:35 1XX W CROSS ST APT/CONDOMINIUM

ROBBERY – FIREARM TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020 01:07 1XX W CROSS ST APT/CONDOMINIUM

Federal Hill

BURGLARY (FORCE) WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 14:00 1XX E HAMBURG ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Federal Hill South/Riverside

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020 07:00 12XX WILLIAM ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 15:30 14XX WILLIAM ST YARD, RESIDENTIAL

LARCENY- FROM AUTO THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020 19:00 4XX E GITTINGS ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020 13:30 15XX COVINGTON ST Unknown

South Baltimore Neighborhood

NONE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

NONE

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

AGG. ASSLT.- CUT TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020 17:00 11XX NANTICOKE ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020 02:25 8XX W PRATT ST CONVENIENCE

BURGLARY (FORCE) SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020 21:53 13XX HERKIMER ST SCHOOL

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020 21:00 12XX BAYARD ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020 18:00 12XX W PRATT ST OTHER-INSIDE

ROBBERY – FIREARM WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 23:55 9XX S CAREY ST STREET

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020 22:57 15XX RUSSELL ST RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Hollins Market

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020 12:43 8XX HOLLINS ST OTHER-OUTSIDE

Union Square

NONE

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/28/south-baltimore-crime-updates-192/

BMORE LICKS Opening a Federal Hill Location

Popular Canton ice cream shop BMORE LICKS is opening a second location at 901 Light St. in Federal Hill. The business owners and married couple Barbara Maloney and Kimberly Proctor bought the three-story building, which also includes three apartments, earlier this year. The 1,000 sq. ft. storefront was the former home of Pitilis Cleaners which closed in recent months.

Maloney and Proctor are currently under construction on the ice cream shop space and hope to open in late summer. Maloney said they were hoping to open earlier, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project.

Ice cream is a family business for Maloney who grew up in Massachusetts. Her family has served ice cream for 20 years and all three of her brothers have ice cream shops. BMORE LICKS uses some of the family ice cream recipes as well as comes up with its own new creations.

BMORE LICKS celebrated its three-year anniversary in Canton last week. Maloney joked she can now talk business when she gets together with her brothers.

BMORE LICKS will have a similar menu in Federal Hill as it has in Canton, except it will not serve snowballs. It will serve 30 to 35 flavors of housemade hard ice cream, three vegan hard ice creams, a variety of soft serve options, sundaes, flurries, cookiewiches, and tacos. BMORE LICKS makes hand-dipped waffle cones each day. “We want to make sure we have something for everyone,” said Maloney.

Just like in Canton, BMORE LICKS will have a large ice cream mural on the Light St. facade of the building, which is popular for taking social media pictures. Federal Hill is a CHAP historic district and Maloney and Proctor were given permission for this mural after support from the community. There will be a front entrance along with three carryout windows on the side. Maloney said the carryout windows in Canton have been “a lifesaver” during the pandemic.

Maloney and Proctor had been eyeing Federal Hill for expansion for a while. Proctor grew up in South Baltimore and they both like the tight-knit, walkable neighborhood that reminds them of Canton and Patterson Park. They also like being a couple blocks from Federal Hill Park as the Canton location is adjacent to Patterson Park. Maloney said the community has felt “warm and inviting.”

BMORE LICKS will likely be open 12pm to 9pm each day and will likely extend closing until 10pm in the summer. Maloney said many of the employees are teenagers, so they try to get them home at a decent hour. The shop will have about 15 to 20 employees.

“We are really excited to be in the Federal Hill community and to expand in Baltimore,” said Maloney.

Federal Hill will have three of the biggest names in Baltimore ice cream as BMORE LICKS will be joining The Charmery, which opened on Cross St., and Taharka Bros., which is opening in Cross Street Market. With the other competition Maloney said, “great minds think alike” and “it’s good to have choices.”

Maloney said with the building purchase they are in it for the long haul and hope to have deep roots in Federal Hill. They are already looking to get involved in local programs that support youth and the arts.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/28/bmore-licks-opening-a-federal-hill-location/

Bmore Licks to open new location in Baltimore’s Federal Hill

Bmore Licks, the popular ice cream shop near Patterson Park in Southeast Baltimore, is expanding to a second location in Federal Hill.

via https://www.baltimoresun.com/food-drink/bs-fo-bmore-licks-federal-hill-20200727-cdii2bveijehpmb4uscs6hl3gq-story.html#ed=rss_www.baltimoresun.com/arcio/rss/category/latest/

Atlas Restaurant Group Breaks Ground on Seafood Concepts at Cross Street Market

Atlas Restaurant Group announced today the company’s two concepts at Cross Street Market—Watershed and Atlas Fish Market—are now under construction. Watershed is a Maryland seafood restaurant taking over the 5,200 sq. ft. space on the west side of the market that was once Nick’s Inner Harbor Seafood. Atlas Fish Market will be an adjacent oyster bar and retail seafood market situated across the interior walkway from Pizza di Joey.

Watershed will have a large rooftop deck and it will seat 125 people indoors and 185 people outdoors. Atlas described Watershed as “both a hip, everyday spot for locals, as well as a destination restaurant for visitors of Baltimore’s historic Federal Hill scene.” The rooftop deck will have a covered bar, outdoor patio, and game area. Renderings of the indoors show a large horseshoe bar in the middle of the space and booth and table seating along the walls. This design is described as “a funky warehouse feel with a spacious open dining room featuring warm, weathered wood banquets and maritime-inspired lighting.”

The menu at Watershed will include local seafood dishes and hard shell blue crabs.

To accommodate the new rooftop deck, Atlas will completely demolish the interior of the space besides the three exterior walls. The roof will be torn out as the existing roof is not strong enough to support the new deck. A new level concrete slab will be poured to eliminate the current slope, and the interior will have structural columns added to support the roof. There will be a one-and-a-half foot step-down between the rest of the market and Watershed as a result of the new flat surface that will be flush to the sidewalk at S. Charles St.

Large HVAC units currently located on top of Watershed’s future space will be relocated.

The exterior design features a painted Watershed sign with a fish logo on the S. Charles St. brick facade, along with graphics for Watershed, Cross Street Market, and Atlas Fish Market along the north and south facades of the space. The S. Charles St. facade will continue to have signs for Cross Street Market.

The exterior stairwell to the rooftop deck will go on a sidewalk on the north side of the market. The stairwell will be in an enclosure that will also have storage. A new sidewalk will replace surface parking on the south side of Watershed’s space.

Atlas Fish Market will include a full-service bar with 16 seats. It will serve a variety of east and west coast oysters, as well as have a small menu of fresh selections from the raw bar. In addition, Atlas Fish Market will be a seafood retailer selling items such Maryland crab meat, Chilean sea bass, Scottish salmon, Portugese octopus, Gulf shrimp, Chesapeake rockfish, and more.

“As we break ground on Watershed and Atlas Fish Market, we are excited for what the future holds and grateful for the opportunity to expand our footprint to the historic Federal Hill neighborhood,” said Atlas Restaurant Group Founder and President Alex Smith in a press release. “We are proud to be a part of Baltimore’s community and our commitment and investment in this city’s future is unwavering. We will continue to strive to provide new, exciting dining options for its residents.”

Atlas worked with BCT Design Group on the design of the two concepts. F.M. Harvey is the general contractor on the project.

With the addition of these two new businesses, Baltimore-based Atlas Restaurant Group will have 21 concepts across four markets nationwide. The company is also planning a Washington, D.C. market expansion later this year.

Cross Street Market reopened last year after receiving an $8.5-million renovation by Caves Valley Partners. Watershed and Atlas Fish Market will bring the total number of businesses to 20. There will be a total of 23 businesses in Cross Street Market; one of the remaining stalls has been leased, but not yet announced, and two stalls are currently available for lease.

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

SouthBMore.com photo

Renderings courtesy of Atlas Restaurant Group and BCT Design Group

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/27/atlas-restaurant-group-breaks-ground-on-seafood-concepts-at-cross-street-market/

The Book Escape Relocating to Charles Street in Federal Hill

Today on Facebook, The Book Escape announced it is moving, but only a few blocks away. The bookstore, which has been in Federal Hill for 17 years, is relocating from 805 Light St. to 925 S. Charles St.

The Book Escape posted the following:

Happy Monday! Last week we told you we had some Good News/Bad News, and this is it —

We will be leaving our present location in a couple months (that’s the bad news), but we have found a more than suitable new spot, and here is a photoshopped version of the sign, store and critters. We are really excited about it! No, it does not have a courtyard, but that is about the only thing it lacks.
Here is what we liked about it:

–It is on Charles Street, closer to the center of Federal Hill, near CVS, restaurants, and a yogurt shop.

–We have a nice long lease on it, our commitment to staying in the neighborhood and a vote of confidence that we will all get through this!
–A landlord who understands the current situation that the country is going through.
–A certain charm and coziness to the inside with different rooms, angles, and passageways. Even quirky. How about a narrow L-shaped dead-end hallway that ends with … a shower stall. (Well, we will probably either cover that up… or hang a few pictures on the cloudy glass.)
–And – very important to us – wheelchair and stroller accessibility with no front steps. Just wheel it in!
–Along with this, we plan to have one of the rooms devoted to children’s books, a nice feature for all the new moms and dads!

There is more, but that is a short and sweet version why we are making the move. We will be having a MOVING SALE starting soon for our current store, and it will be your last chance to say goodbye to the old The Book Escape as you know it, our home for the last 17 years. More news on the sale coming in a day or so.

The 1,200 sq. ft. retail space at 925 S. Charles St. was the home of SCRAP B-More before it relocated to Pigtown last summer. Prior to SCRAP, it was the home of Protean Books & Records which relocated to a larger space in Otterbein.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/27/the-book-escape-relocating-to-charles-street-in-federal-hill/

Baltimore Makes Its Pitch to FIFA to Host 2026 World Cup

Baltimore-Maryland 2026 World Cup Host Destination Delegation press relase: 

Led by Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford and Maryland Sports Executive Director Terry Hasseltine, the Baltimore-Maryland 2026 World Cup Host Destination Delegation met virtually with representatives from FIFA and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Monday, July 20, to present their plans to secure and execute the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.

“Maryland has a tremendous opportunity to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in Baltimore. From its cutting edge sports venues & world-class attractions, to its diverse population & cultural experiences, Baltimore is the perfect FIFA World Cup™ host city. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to bring this opportunity to Maryland and showcase Charm City to the world,” said Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford.

“The FIFA World Cup™ is a once in a generation event, it’s the biggest sporting event in the world, by far,” said Terry Hasseltine, Executive Director of the Maryland Sports Commission, adding, “For people across the world, the World Cup is their Super Bowl, and right now, Baltimore, Maryland has a chance to host an event of that magnitude. And we’re going to do whatever we can to make that a reality for this City and this State.”

Joining Lt. Governor Rutherford and Hasseltine were Roy Sommerhof, Senior Vice President of Stadium Operations for the Baltimore Ravens, Al Hutchinson, President & CEO at Visit Baltimore, and Michael J. Frenz, Executive Director of the Maryland Stadium Authority.

“As a member of the committee, I was excited to have the opportunity to tell Baltimore’s story to the representatives of FIFA. I believe the recent improvements the Ravens have made to M&T Bank Stadium will serve to strengthen Baltimore’s World Cup bid effort,” said Sommerhof.

“Visit Baltimore is honored to be part of the Baltimore-Maryland 2026 World Cup Host Destination Delegation and presentation to FIFA and the USSF. Baltimore is a proud sports town and with two major league stadiums in the heart of downtown, it’s the perfect destination for sports fans. Visitors can easily immerse themselves in Baltimore’s vibrant culture and meet the locals driving our city’s renaissance through chef-driven restaurants, locally owned boutiques and world-renowned attractions. From most downtown hotels, you are within walking distance of the city’s tourism district and M&T Bank Stadium,” said Hutchinson.

As a result of restrictions and adherence to regulations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the presentation – initially planned to be an in-person site visit of Baltimore City and M&T Bank Stadium – was instead hosted virtually across multiple local and international locations.

“While we would have loved the opportunity to welcome FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation in-person, to show them firsthand how incredible the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland are, we also recognize that with Covid-19 we are facing an unprecedented scenario, and it was up to our entire team to sell the area virtually. I think we did a phenomenal job of that,” said Hasseltine.

The Baltimore-Maryland Host Delegation has been meeting remotely via video conference over the last few weeks in preparation for the meeting. Hasseltine says the group decided on the theme of “Why Baltimore” as a focus of their presentation, spotlighting specific topics as recommended in previous exchanges and workgroups outlined by FIFA and USSF officials.

“Our main focal point is our venue, M&T Bank Stadium, and how it serves as the ‘Heartbeat’ of Baltimore City. It’s one of a small number of facilities in the running which is located within the limits of its ‘Host City’,” said Hasseltine, adding, “The upgrades to the complex over the last few years – and those in the works for the next decade – ensure that our stadium will remain one of the most beloved venues in all of sports. But more than that, people love M&T Bank Stadium because it’s easy to get to, it’s easy to walk to, it’s easy to reach by the Light Rail system or the MARC train. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s less than 10 miles from BWI-Marshall Airport, with nearly 20,000 hotel rooms around and in between, many of which are within walking distance of the stadium itself.”

The Baltimore-Maryland Delegation placed a great amount of focus on the accessibility and hospitality options around Baltimore City, and their incredibly close proximity to M&T Bank Stadium. Not only are these local businesses within walking distance of the venue, they also allow for incredible flexibility when it comes to potential Fan Festival locations and activation sites.

A major focal point of the meeting was the eclectic and diverse populations that make up the communities within and surrounding Baltimore City. During the presentation, Hutchinson mentioned that Baltimore has more than 250 neighborhoods, with each having their own unique restaurants, shops, culture and arts scene.

Within the delegation’s marketing materials is a distinctively unique messaging brand which pays homage to the area’s vibrant arts community. The branding consists of a teal background with a flamingo, crab and soccer player donning a “Hon-styled” hair do. Hasseltine told FIFA and USSF officials, “The teal background represents sustainability and our commitment to environmental and green initiatives. The soccer player represents the people of the great state of Maryland. The flamingo represents our arts and heritage community, and the crab, of course, represents our waterways, our food, and our traditions”, to which Hutchinson later added, “and of course the best crab cakes in the world.”

“Baltimore, Maryland’s DNA provides a ripe environment to nurture, identify and champion international talent. An opportunity to host a World Cup is something that only comes once in a life and Baltimoreans need to use this as a catalyst for achieving international development goals, increasing business opportunities and for strengthening bilateral relations and its image globally,”said Olubunmi U. Jinadu, Group CEO, Interglobe Entertainment Group/ United Soccer Africa.

There was also discussion about ongoing and upcoming development projects around the Inner Harbor and South Baltimore, as well as current projects underway at both BWI-Marshall Airport and Penn Station, respectively.

Following a short video presentation, FIFA and USSF officials submitted questions to the delegation to be answered at a later date. There was also discussion of a future in-person site visit in either late 2020 or early 2021, depending on travel restrictions in place due to Covid-19.

Baltimore is one of seventeen cities in the United States hoping to be awarded match play for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. The United States is part of the North American United Bid Effort, which also includes Canada and Mexico as sites for match play.

FIFA is expected to choose ten cities in the United States to host match play for the 2026 World Cup™ and three apiece in Canada and Mexico, respectively. That number, however, could be adjusted by FIFA at any time in the selection process.  A date for an announcement of chosen host cities has not been announced.

The FIFA World Cup™was last played in the United States in 1994, two years before the construction of M&T Bank Stadium in Downtown Baltimore.

On Monday, we presented to #FIFA & @ussoccer in hopes of bringing YOU, the people of Baltimore & Maryland, the 2026 @FIFAWorldCup – We left them with this video… We hope you enjoy ⚽️🦀🦩

Music:
Keeping The Moment by Vlad Gluschenko | https://t.co/hIA8vWz9u5 pic.twitter.com/ok7fCQaoRO

— Baltimore-Maryland 2026 World Cup Host Destination (@BaltimoreMD2026) July 24, 2020

SouthBMore.com photo

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/27/baltimore-makes-its-pitch-to-fifa-to-host-2026-world-cup/

Podcast: This Week in South Baltimore Episode 3

On Episode 3 of This Week in South Baltimore, Nate and Kevin discuss some business openings and closings around South Baltimore, including two new vacancies at McHenry Row; expanded outdoor dining in Federal Hill; new COVID-19 restrictions in the area which include schools going virtual and dining rooms shutting down; and the restart of sports news as the O’s and Ravens are facing a reality without fans in the stands, and the Blue Jays could potentially move to Baltimore temporarily.

Subscribe here on iTunes (and make sure to give us a 5-star review!): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-south-baltimore/id1522759483

Podcast archive on SouthBMore.com: https://www.southbmore.com/baltimore/podcasts/

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/24/podcast-this-week-in-south-baltimore-episode-3/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 7/11/20 – 7/17/20:

Ridgely’s Delight

BURGLARY (FORCE) SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2020 12:00 6XX WASHINGTON BLVD SHED/GARAGE

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

LARCENY- FROM AUTO MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020 17:00 XX W CONWAY ST STREET

Sharp-Leadenhall

LARCENY- OTHER THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020 19:45 1XX W OSTEND ST STREET

Federal Hill

NONE

Federal Hill South/Riverside

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020 12:51 2XX E RANDALL ST Unknown

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2020 14:00 15XX WEBSTER ST Unknown

STOLEN AUTO SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 15:45 4XX E GITTINGS ST STREET

South Baltimore Neighborhood

LARCENY- FROM AUTO MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020 21:30 16XX OLIVER ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020 18:30 16XX S CHARLES ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 09:00 15XX MARSHALL ST Unknown

LARCENY- FROM AUTO TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020 12:00 16XX CLARKSON ST STREET

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2020 17:55 3XX LIGHT ST Unknown

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 13:30 14XX HAUBERT ST Unknown

Pigtown

AGG. ASSLT.- HAND SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 04:30 8XX WOODWARD ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020 05:24 7XX WASHINGTON BLVD Unknown

BURGLARY (FORCE) TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020 06:00 7XX WASHINGTON BLVD RETAIL/SMALL BUSINESS

BURGLARY (FORCE) FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 14:00 11XX W HAMBURG ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020 15:30 13XX WASHINGTON BLVD STREET

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, JULY 13, 2020 13:15 11XX WASHINGTON BLVD STREET

STOLEN AUTO TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020 19:00 14XX BUSH ST STREET

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

NONE

Hollins Market

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2020 19:00 XX S CAREY ST STREET

Union Square

AGG. ASSLT.- GUN SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 22:26 1XX S GILMOR ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2020 04:50 14XX W LOMBARD ST Unknown

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/23/south-baltimore-crime-updates-191/

New Outdoor Dining in Federal Hill, Including a Partially-Closed Cross Street

As regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased demand for outdoor dining, Federal Hill has rolled out a lot of new spaces for patrons to dine al fresco. In the last couple of weeks the north side of the unit block of E. Cross St. has been closed to vehicular traffic for expanded outdoor dining, and parklets, which are outdoor dining spaces in place of on-street parking, have been added to Cross St., Charles St., and Light St.

The effort has been led by Federal Hill Main Street (FHMS) in partnership with Federal Hill restaurant owners, retailers, residents, and other stakeholders. FHMS received funding and support from the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, as well as pro-bono design from EDSA. It has also worked with The Neighborhood Design Center – Baltimore.

“We want to revitalize the neighborhood and get everyone slowly back on track from the impact of COVID-19,” said FHMS Executive Director Cathy Rosenbaum on SouthBMore.com’s SoBo Spotlight podcast.

A total of 18 restaurants and bars in Federal Hill are participating in the outdoor dining program on the street.

The unit block of E. Cross St. is split in half by Cross Street Market. The north side of the unit block of E. Cross St. is now closed to vehicular traffic. The entrance on Light St. has been blocked off with water-filled jersey barriers. Parklet dining areas have been set up next to the curb adjacent to the restaurants on the north side of street, as well as on the south side of the street up against Cross Street Market.

A traffic pattern has been set up for restaurants to get deliveries and for emergency and sanitation vehicles. Rosenbaum said FHMS was hoping to have the street open some of the time, but the Baltimore City Department of Transportation worried about cars parking on the street, not obeying signs, and having to move while there is a crowd full of people.

The south side of the unit block of E. Cross St. has remained open for vehicular traffic, but parklets have been added in front of some restaurants. Additional outdoor seating has also been added to Cross Street Market.

Parklet dining spaces have replaced parking spaces in front of some restaurants on Light St. and S. Charles St., both of which have maintained two-way traffic patterns. SoBo Cafe has added a paklet on the unit block of W. Cross St. The parklets are protected with the water-filled jerseys walls.

“We really want each restaurant to brand their space it make it their’s,” said Rosenbaum. Some restaurants have added planters and shade sails to the parklets.

When asked about the elimination of parking, which has always been important to local businesses, Rosenbaum said there will be added signage to the West Street Garage and she is encouraging businesses to have employees park outside of the core of the neighborhood.

Rosenbaum said there will be a Phase Two with street art, sidewalk art, string lighting, umbrellas, and permits for live music.

The permits for the expanded outdoor dining are in place until June 2021, unless all the COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants are lifted.

The City and state agencies have relaxed some of the regulations of outdoor seating and have streamlined the permits process in recent months. Rosenbaum said this process would have been very cumbersome and time sensitive during normal times.

“The goal is to use this as an opportunity to see if it is something everyone is really responsive to and to look at traffic impact studies. If we decide this is something we want to do permanently, we’ll put that permit process in place,” said Rosenbaum. “I think this is going to be really transformative for our neighborhood.”

Listen to the full interview here

Cross Street 

Charles Street 

Light Street

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/21/new-outdoor-dining-in-federal-hill-including-a-partially-closed-cross-street/

Baltimore City Public Schools to Start School Year Virtually, Archdiocese to Start In-Person

Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) announced today that it will start the 2020-2021 school year virtually. This comes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the United States and countries around the world.

In a letter to BCPS students and families, CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises explained the decision saying, “All schools in the district will open the 2020-2021 school year virtually, delaying the start of the hybrid in-person option until later this fall. Providing a hybrid learning option remains our goal. However, feedback in the surveys, polls, and virtual town halls made clear that while many families are interested in an in-person option, there is also discomfort among students and families with moving directly to reopening in August.”

She added, “I am proposing to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners that the first day of school for students is Tuesday, Sept. 8, following the Labor Day weekend, to allow additional time before the start of the school year for professional learning for staff. This change would require approval by the Board, so this decision is not yet final.”

Also in the letter:

We will assess the need to bring in small groups of students, as necessary, during the virtual learning period this fall.

City Schools strongly believes some form of in-person learning is critical for a student’s academic success, mental health, and emotional well-being. However, we do not want to rush to act based on your recent feedback as well as health trends in our community and nationally. This moment is a vital time, and preparation for students and families is important. We will keep you updated about what a hybrid in-person learning experience could look like and the health safeguards that would be in place.

Please rest assured that when it is time to transition to a hybrid in-person learning option, there will be a comprehensive and thorough plan to return in place as well as opportunities to orient families and students to what safe in-person learning could look like for their student. As a parent, that is what I would expect to occur, and that is what our students deserve.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is preparing to bring most of its students back into the classroom in the fall. An update from the Archdiocese’s Task Force on reopening schools said, “Although most school facilities will be able to accommodate all students for five day, in-person instruction while safely social distancing; some schools, due to their size, will incorporate a “blend” of in- person and remote learning that maximizes in-person instruction. Families who do not feel comfortable returning their child(ren) to in-person instruction will be able to have their child(ren) participate remotely from home. Detailed reopening procedures will be finalized and shared by July 24th.”

The Archdiocese has many schools in and around Baltimore City including St. Ignatius Loyola Academy in Federal Hill.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/20/baltimore-city-public-schools-to-start-school-year-virtually-archdiocese-to-start-in-person/

Bullhead Pit Beef Opens at Cross Street Market

Bullhead Pit Beef opened its stall today at Cross Street Market in Federal Hill. Bullhead is the first business to occupy its stall which is located on the western side of the newly-renovated market between Old Line Cocktail and Wine Bar and Phubs.

Owner and ‘Chief Grill Master’ Larry Jackson launched the concept in 2010 with a grill and a pickup truck. By 2015, he had grown the brand into a food truck and partnered with Columbia’s Hysteria Brewing Company. Voted Howard County’s Best Food Truck in 2019, Bullhead continues to operate its food truck at Hysteria and at special events around the state.

Jackson’s menu offers pit beef, pit turkey, pulled pork, and pulled brisket, as well as sides such as garlic fries, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese. Bullhead will offer specials such as burnt ends and bacon bites.

Bullhead offers online ordering on its website and is available for catering.

Bullhead is open daily from 11am to 8pm.

“When I was a kid, I would come to Baltimore to buy crabs down on the docks,” said Jackson in a press release. “You could feel the history, the sense of community. It was something that I knew I wanted to be a part of someday. We are proud to join Cross Street Market and look forward to being a part of the Federal Hill community.”

Bullhead is the 18th vendor to open at Cross Street Market since it reopened last year. Taharka Brothers will open next month and the Cross Street Market team of Caves Valley Partners and CAVAdev said a soon-to-be-announced tennant will also open at the market this summer.

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

Photos courtesy of Cross Street Market 

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/16/bullhead-pit-beef-opens-at-cross-street-market/

The Urban Oyster Closes at McHenry Row

The Urban Oyster has announced it is closing its 1,400 sq. ft. restaurant at McHenry Row in Locust Point. The fast-casual seafood restaurant opened in 2019.

The company, which is owned by its chef Jasmine Norton, posted the following message to Facebook and Instagram:

It has come with extreme difficulty to announce that The Urban Oyster will be closing our doors at McHenry Row on July 26th. We have shared and created great memories from drag brunch shows, karaoke nights, @forestpark_culinary pop up, sip and paint night, fundraisers to trivia night and so many more.

We thank all of our customers new and old for always supporting us. Traveling near and far to partake in the U.S. 1st female black owned oyster bar. This is by far not the end of The Urban Oyster but a chance for us to reset, regroup and return better than ever. We will be posting various dates and locations where we will be conducting pop ups until our new permanent location is determined. Thank you again for your unwavering love and support! We love you B’more.

Norton competed on an episode of Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games in May.

SouthBMore.com interviewed Norton in June after the episode aired in part about the impact of COVID-19 on her business. The Urban Oyster has been a farmers’ market and event business since 2017 and all of those opportunities have been canceled during the pandemic.

About the McHenry Row location, Norton said that “things are about as good as possible right now.” She said they were not able to make a profit, but they were able to keep their employees working, which is important to her. She thanked her landlord of 28 Walker for working with her during the difficult times.

Screenshots from the Guy’s Grocery Games episode on Food Network

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/16/the-urban-oyster-closes-at-mchenry-row/

SoBo Spotlight Podcast: Discussing Expanded Outdoor Seating and Street Closures with Federal Hill Main Street

In the first episode of SoBo Spotlight, a podcast featuring interviews with people in South Baltimore, Nate and Kevin talk with Federal Hill Main Street Executive Director Cathy Rosenbaum (taped last Friday). She discusses Federal Hill’s large expansion of outdoor seating that includes the closure of the north side of the unit block of E. Cross St. and parklet outdoor dining areas in place of street parking. She also talks about the work of the business community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo of Cathy Rosenbaum courtesy of Federal Hill Main Street 

Photos courtesy of Federal Hill Main Street 

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/14/sobo-spotlight-podcast-discussing-expanded-outdoor-seating-and-street-closures-with-federal-hill-main-street/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported from 6/27/20 – 7/3/20:

Ridgely’s Delight

NONE

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

LARCENY- OTHER SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2020 16:30 8XX W LOMBARD ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

Otterbein

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 21:40 4XX LIGHT ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 16:28 5XX S CHARLES ST STREET

Sharp-Leadenhall

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM THURSDAY, JULY 02, 2020 20:00 2XX W HAMBURG ST BUS/RAILROAD STATION

Federal Hill

BURGLARY (FORCE) WEDNESDAY, JULY 01, 2020 07:30 10XX COVINGTON ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 00:00 12XX LIGHT ST APT/CONDOMINIUM

Federal Hill South/Riverside

BURGLARY (FORCE) TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 23:00 7XX E FORT AVE PRIVATE GARAGE

LARCENY- OTHER TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 21:00 13XX WEBSTER ST Unknown

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 09:30 12XX BATTERY AVE YARD, RESIDENTIAL

South Baltimore Neighborhood

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 13:48 XX E WELLS ST OTHER-INSIDE

STOLEN AUTO FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 02:00 14XX PATAPSCO ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 09:00 XX E WELLS ST STREET

Key Highway/HarborView

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 00:30 XX PIERSIDE DR RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT

Inner Harbor

ROBBERY – FIREARM TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 13:54 3XX W PRATT ST SCHOOL

LARCENY- OTHER FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 16:10 3XX LIGHT ST Unknown

LARCENY- OTHER MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 13:00 3XX LIGHT ST Unknown

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 13:45 6XX E PRATT ST RESTAURANT/BAR

LARCENY- OTHER WEDNESDAY, JULY 01, 2020 15:20 3XX LIGHT ST Unknown

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

AGG. ASSLT.- OTH. THURSDAY, JULY 02, 2020 10:50 12XX WALLACE ST BOAT/SHIP

Pigtown

ROBBERY – FIREARM FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 15:14 8XX S CAREY ST STREET

ROBBERY – STRONG ARM WEDNESDAY, JULY 01, 2020 20:13 11XX CARROLL ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

BURGLARY (FORCE) TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 16:30 13XX SARGEANT ST ROWHOME/TOWNHOUSE

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 04:00 11XX SARGEANT ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 13:15 12XX W CROSS ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 14:00 12XX BUSH ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2020 05:22 8XX W BARRE ST STREET

LARCENY- OTHER SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 14:15 12XX W PRATT ST OTHER-OUTSIDE

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

LARCENY- FROM AUTO WEDNESDAY, JULY 01, 2020 12:30 15XX RUSSELL ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 12:20 15XX BUSH ST STREET

Hollins Market

LARCENY- FROM AUTO FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 17:00 12XX W LOMBARD ST STREET

LARCENY- FROM AUTO MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 22:00 8XX W LOMBARD ST STREET

STOLEN AUTO FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 02:00 11XX HOLLINS ST STREET

Union Square

STOLEN AUTO THURSDAY, JULY 02, 2020 01:00 13XX W PRATT ST STREET

AGG. ASSLT.- GUN TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 00:37 13XX W PRATT ST STREET

From Baltimore Police Department:

Southern District Shooting Investigation

On June 30, 2020 at approximately 12:37 A.M., officers responded to the intersection of S. Carey Street at W. Pratt Street for a shotspotter alert. Officers were able to locate evidence of a crime scene on the even side of the 1300 block of W. Pratt Street, but located no victim.

Approximately 10 minutes later, officers were notified of a walk-in shooting victim at a nearby hospital. Officers responded and located a 41 year-old male who had been shot in both legs and right arm. The victim told officers that he had been shot on Pratt Street before he was taken into surgery.

Southern District Shooting detectives are investigating this incident and are asking anyone with information to call (410) 39602499 or call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7lockup.

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/07/south-baltimore-crime-updates-190/

City Pools to Reopen on July 13th With New Guidelines

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks announcement: 

We are excited to welcome you back to our pools! Due to COVID-19, pool service will look a little different this summer. We’ve made changes including; FREE admission, revised hours, reduced capacity, new health guidelines, code red days and a new registration process. Take a moment to review the 2020 swim season updates:

PARK POOLS: July 13 – September 7 / Monday-Sunday, 11AM-7PM  

50 guests/90-minute session with 30 minutes breaks in between for pool clean up

Locations:

Cherry Hill Splash	101 Reedbird Ave. – 21225	443-984-7308
Clifton Park	2013 Sinclair Lane – 21213	410-396-9330
Patterson Park	148 S. Linwood Ave. – 21224	443-577-2618
Riverside	1800 Covington Ave. – 21230	410-396-8059
Roosevelt Park	3500 Poole St. – 21211	410-396-6487

NEIGHBORHOOD POOLS: July 20 – September 7 / Monday-Sunday, 11AM-7PM

14 guests/90-min session with 30 minutes breaks in between for pool clean up

Locations:

Ambrose Kennedy	1000 Ensor St. – 21202	410-752-7566
C.C. Jackson	4910 Park Heights Ave. – 21215	443-677-1227
Liberty	3901 Maine Ave. –21207	443-677-2558
O’Donnell Heights	1200 Gusryan St. – 21224	410-396-9355
William McAbee	1323 N. Gilmore St. – 21217	410-396-0255

This summer, all guests MUST register online or by phone to secure a pool reservation. Reservations are required to allow for contact tracing by the Baltimore City Health Department.

Registration opens July 6, 2020 at 10AM

Reservation Tips:

• Admission is FREE, all fees are waived for this season
• Spaces are limited, please reserve at least five days in advance
• Phone Reservations: (410)-396-3841, Monday-Friday 10AM-3PM
• Each guest can reserve a maximum of 4 spaces
• Each pool session is 90 minutes with 30 minutes breaks in between for pool clean up

Health Screening:

• Staff and guests will be subject to routine temperature checks and health questionnaires prior to arrival.
• Swimmers are asked to review and sign a health waiver at reservation.
• Anyone with a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F. will not be permitted to enter the pool area.
• Those who refuse temperature checks, waiver signatures or completion of the questionnaire will not be permitted to enter the pool area.
• Residents who have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, are strongly advised not to come to the pool.

Pool Rules:

1. No walkups – everyone MUST pre-register
2. Proof of registration must be shown upon arrival– print or electronic versions are fine
3. Everyone MUST have a temperature check and complete health screening. If they do not agree, they will not be admitted
4. Must sign/initial health waiver
5. Everyone must wear masks while not in the water
6. All swimmers must adhere to social distancing signs and markers while waiting in line, sitting outside of the pool and while on the pool deck
7. Guests must sanitize their hands prior to entering the gates
8. All standard pool rules and regulations still apply

BCRP collaborates with and supports the Code Red response overseen by the Baltimore City Health Department. Pools will continue to serve residents on Code Red days but will not provide extended hours.

This summer nine recreation centers will operate as cooling sites:

• Parkview – 2610 Francis Street 21217
• Cecil Kirk – 900 E. 22 Street 21218
• Patapsco – 844 Roundview Street 21225
• Mary E. Rodman – 3600 W. Mullberry Street 21229
• Coldstream – 1401 Fillmore Street 21218
• Chick Webb – 623 Eden Street
• Carroll Cook – 5061 Eager Street 21205
• Robert C. Marshall – 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue 21201
• James D. Gross – 4600 Lanier Avenue 21216

*Sites have limited capacity

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/06/city-pools-to-reopen-on-july-13th-with-new-guidelines/

The Sweet Shoppe Closes at Cross Street Market, Taharka Brothers to Replace It

After 32 years at Cross Street Market, The Sweet Shoppe closed as owner Pete Pittas is planning to retire. The Cross Street Market team of Caves Valley Partners and CANAdev announced today the candy stall will be replaced by Taharka Brothers, a Baltimore-based ice cream business, this summer.

“It’s bittersweet,” said Pittas in a press release. “I’m going to miss it, but the timing is right; I’ll be 76 [years old] this December! I wish Taharka and the Market all the best.”

The Sweet Shoppe sold Baltimore-made Naron Chocolates, ice cream, milkshakes, lollipops, gummies, and other candies.

Taharka Brothers was started 2008 and sells ice cream to more than 150 Baltimore-area restaurants, grocery stores, and ice cream shops. The Sweet Shoppe previously sold Taharka Brothers.

Along with ice cream, Taharka Brothers is passionate at workforce development and social change.

“We’re excited to continue our growth into the retail space, and present our product within Cross Street Market in a stall that represents our company and what we stand for,” said Chris Barry, director of retail operations for Taharka Brothers, in a press release. “We miss our interactions with customers and are thrilled to build these relationships in Federal Hill.”

A variety of the ice cream flavors previously sold at The Sweet Shoppe, including local favorites Honey Graham and Key Lime Pie, will be available for purchase as well as pints of ice cream, milkshakes, and more.

The stall’s design will feature “clean lines, a neutral color palette, and pops of bright pink, Taharka’s signature color.” The layout will be slightly modified to allow for a larger ice cream case.

Cross Street Market will be the third brick-and-mortar location for Taharka Brothers. The company also has a location in Fells Point Broadway Market and in Hampden.

Pete Pittas photo from 2019

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/07/01/the-sweet-shoppe-closes-at-cross-street-market-taharka-brothers-to-replace-it/