The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Former Highlandtown Library Site at 3323 Eastern Avenue in East Baltimore, behalf of the City of Baltimore.
The site, at the southwest corner of the Eastern Avenue/Highland Avenue intersection, is located in the Highlandtown Main Street District and is part of the Highlandtown Urban Renewal Area in close proximity to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Bayview Medical Center, I-95 & 895 and Patterson Park.
The neighborhood includes businesses and attractions including the new Southeast Enoch Pratt Free Library and The Creative Alliance at the Patterson Theater. Recent and current redevelopment projects in the area encompass the Baltimore Medical Systems, Inc. headquarters and parking garage, the Southeast Anchor Library and the Patterson Theatre's conversion into the Creative Alliance.
The building, which was constructed in 1920 with 7,224 enclosed square feet on three levels with a 3,450 square foot footprint, is zoned B-2-2.
The goals of the City in offering the Former Highlandtown Library Site include, but are not limited to the following: A) The redevelopment of the site in a manner that integrates the project into the surrounding neighborhood and business district B) A project that positively impacts the City, including: quality jobs, increased tax revenues, community stabilization, opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBE) and women business enterprises (WBE), and contributes to the City's long-term economic growth objectives and C) A high quality architectural and streetscape design that must conform to the conditions and stipulations outlined in the Design and Rehabilitation Standards found in the Highlandtown Urban Renewal Plan. The site is offered in "as-is" condition.
BDC will hold a pre-proposal conference on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at its offices (36 South Charles Street, Suite 1600). Notification of attendance is required.
To obtain further information regarding this offering, contact Nick Rudolph, BDC Business District Specialist, Baltimore Main Streets Program, at 410-837-9305.
Closing date for receipt of proposals is 12 noon on Monday, January 4, 2010, accompanied by a $300 non-refundable fee. The RFP can be downloaded from BDC's website at www.baltimoredevelopment.com.
Source: Baltimore Development Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins