commercial real estate : Development News

Hampden residents have received an early present for the holidays! The Dogwood, one of the neighborhood's favorite restaurants, will reopen on Dec. 17.

According to Galen Sampson, co-owner, the financial issues that saw the restuarant shutdown in August have been resolved. He and Bridget, his wife and co-owner, have redoubled their focus on The Dogwood. And while former regulars will find much that they recognize in the new and improved restaurant, there have also been a few changes.

"We've added a community table. It's 12 feet long and 28-inches wide. It's for single diners or anyone else, and its sort of like a bar because anyone can set there," says Sampson.

Other changes include a new Oyster Bar. Where once the restaurant offered a private dining room, there'll now be a bar serving four varieties of locally grown and caught oysters. "People will be able to look out the window on to the Avenue," Sampson continues.

Fans of The Dogwood's seasonal menu, updated six times a year to coincide with the local growing season, will still focus on serving local, sustainable fare. Popular dishes such as Pan-seared trout served with locally farmed baby shrimp as well as a Sweet Potato Gnocchi top a menu that will also now include more casual fare, including Herefordshire Beef hamburgers.

Now, for the bad news, one major change -- The Dogwood will only be open for dinner and will no longer serve lunch. "We're open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and close at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the Oyster Bar will open at 3 p.m. and we'll close at 11 p.m.

The Dogwood will also continue to offer its job training program for people in transition who want to learn about the restaurant industry.

"We'll have openings for six people. That's really the best number for us to maintain. We train them in the area(s) they're interested in and where they seem to fit," says Sampson.

Sampson adds that he and Bridget have received a terrific amount of support from both Hampden residents and the business community.

"The support has just been great," he says.


Source: Galen Sampson, The Dogwood
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Finding the balance between a neighborhood cafe and an upscale restaurant is the greatest challenge, according to Tim Hofman, co-owner of The Falls, a new restaurant that opened Dec. 3 in Mt. Washington.

"First and foremost we focus our attention immediately on the neighborhood. We aim to be a community place where people can come when they've dropped their kids of at school, come in after church, or can bring their paper when they're headed into work and they can pause for half an hour, drink their coffee and read the paper. Or, bring their laptop because we have free WiFi."

The Falls, located at 1604 Kelly Avenue, is the second joint venture for Hofman and co-owner, Mike Sproge. "Mike opened The Evergreen on Cold Spring Lane. I came to help him run it shortly after he bought it. We also have a coffee shop on base at the Naval Academy in Anapolis. It's called the Coffee Mess," he explains.

The Falls, according to Hofman, has more in common with The Evergreen. "We're trying to make it a little more upscale, less of the college funk that worked really well at Evergreen. We're trying to make the place a little nicer. And, here we have our full liquor license that adds a totally different dimension."

Patrons will be able to stop in for a breaksfast bagel, eggs, or pancakes and a very good cup of joe. The lunch menu includes salads, soups and sandwiches. "That aspect of it is a neighborhood hangout. Teachers can come and grade their papers. Students can come and write their papers. A casual neighborhood place.

As the sun begins to set in the evening, The Falls will undergo a bit of a transformation. "That's our exciting new territory for us. We still want to be a part of the community, but we want to have things here that will be a draw for people across town. Namely our evening menu, which has been exciting to develop, and our wine program has been an important part of what we want to bring to the neighborhood," Hofman explains.

The two owners teamed with Al Spoler, co-hose of WYPR's "Cellar Notes" to develop the restaurants wine list. "We have a small but a full-spectrum wine program that was really exciting to put together. We put a lot of thought into it."

Hofman and Sproge also consider themselves to be beer aficionados. So, the two have built a 10-beer tap system into the bar. The beers will focus on American craft brews based in Maryland, New York, California and the Pacific Northwest. The beers will be available on a rotating basis "so that beer lovers and wine lovers from across the city will find us the spot to go to." he notes.

Though The Falls is currently serving a limited menu, Chef Ian Hommel, who came to the restaurant from Vermont, is a follower of the farm to table movement. "He has a passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We're focusing on a few entrees to start with that are just dynamite."

Examples of the type of cuisine The Falls serves includes a Buffalo Flank Steak from the Gunpowder Buffalo Farm in Monkton, MD. "It's American but draws on different culinary traditions."

"We're trying to find the right balance between upscale and unpretentious. Mike and I would never put on airs. We're trying to make a nice place, but its not a fancy place," Hofman concludes.

The Falls is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Their website is under construction, but you can reach them at 410-367-7840.

Source: Tim Hofman, The Falls
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) says that, it will enter into negotiations with the development team of Seawall Development Company, owned by Donald and Thibault Manekin, and Cormony Development LLC, owned by Samuel Polakoff, for the Parkway Theatre Redevelopment Project located at 1820 North Charles Street, 1 West North Avenue and 3 West North Avenue--the former Parkway Theatre.

Baltimore's Parkway Theatre was designed by Oliver B. Wright and patterned after the West End Theatre near Leicester Square in London. The theatre was acquired in 1926 by the Loews organization and extensively remodeled. Movies remained the mainstay until the theatre was acquired and closed in 1952 by the Morris Mechanic organization. It reopened in 1956 as the Five West Art Theatre, continuing that operation into the mid 1970's when it again closed and remained so until the early 1990's when an attempt was made to open commercial office space in the rear orchestra level. The theatre has remained vacant since 1998.

Seawall and Cormony have proposed a $12.2 million mixed-use project, featuring a 26,189 square foot build-out that incorporates the three properties into a seamless development that celebrates the arts. The team's design incorporates a performing arts venue, bar, a museum and related support space.

The Parkway will undergo an historic renovation, becoming a multi-faceted theatre able to accommodate a wide variety of entertainment. While the focus will be on live music, other options are expected to include community theatre, children's shows, comedy, movies, lectures, and a catering hall.

The existing building at 1 West North Avenue would be replaced with new construction in order to achieve a vibrant, illuminated corner. The new structure will feature a lobby and office for the theatre on the lower levels and commercial uses on the upper floors. Meanwhile, the fa�ade of 1820 North Charles Street will be retained. Each floor in this building becomes an extension of the space on the same floor in 1 West North Avenue. The first floor will house the kitchen for the theatre.

"This proposal and this development team provide a great opportunity to revitalize a historic structure and reinvigorate the most critical area in the Charles North community," says BDC President M.J. "Jay" Brodie. "We are confident that this project will serve as a catalyst for more private investment throughout the community."

The proposal is the result of a Request for Proposals issued in May 2009,  in which the BDC offered the three properties, located within Charles North, the Station North Arts and Entertainment District and the City's Enterprise Zone, for redevelopment. BDC received just two responses to the RFP.

Both a community-appointed Advisory Panel and BDC's Project Review and Oversight Committee unanimously approved the Seawall/Cormony proposal. Subsequently, the Board of Directors of BDC endorsed the proposal and Mayor Sheila Dixon approved the Board's recommendation.

Source The Baltimore Development Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Indianapolis firm, Simon Property Group, Inc., has agreed to purchase the Baltimore-based Prime Outlets Acquisition Company and its Prime Outlet outle shopping malls for approximately $2.325 billion, including the assumption of Prime Outlets' existing indebtedness and preferred stock.

Under the terms of the agreement, Simon will pay equity consideration of approximately $0.7 billion for the owners' interests in Prime Outlets. The equity consideration to Prime Outlets' owners will generally be comprised of 80% in cash and 20% in SPG common operating partnership units, which will be based on a ten day trading average of SPG common stock shortly before closing, subject to a 10% collar.

Prime Outlets is a leading owner, manager, operator and developer of outlet centers in the U.S. The Prime Outlets portfolio includes 22 high quality outlet centers located in major metropolitan markets such as Washington D.C., Baltimore, MD and San Antonio, TX and popular tourist destinations such as Orlando, FL and Williamsburg, VA. As of June 30, 2009, Prime Outlets' centers were 92 percent occupied and generated annual sales per square foot of approximately $370.

Commenting on the transaction, David Simon, SPG Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, states "Prime Outlets is an excellent opportunity for Simon as it represents a strong strategic fit for our existing Premium Outlet portfolio and enhances our leadership position in the outlet business. Following the completion of this transaction our outlet portfolio will have 63 centers comprising approximately 25 million square feet."

Simon intends to fund the cash portion of the equity consideration using its existing sources of capital. Simon was advised in this transaction by UBS Investment Bank and JP Morgan and was represented by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP.

Source: Simon Property Group
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Merritt Construction Services, a division of Merritt Properties, has landed two new projects.

Mars Supermarkets has chosen Merritt Construction Services to handle construction on its new headquarters at 9627 Philadelphia Road in Rosedale. With a planned move-in date of January 15, 2010, the 30,000-square-foot Mars office building is on an extremely aggressive schedule. Merritt was selected for the project in mid-November and has begun converting the one-story flex space into offices, a training facility and meeting space.

Mars has 16 grocery stores in Maryland and nearly 1,700 employees. The company is currently headquartered at 3401 E. Federal Street in Baltimore.

The second project, for client Ridge Engineering, is a 15,000-square-foot addition to Ridge's headquarters at 3897 Hampstead Mexico Road in Hampstead. Ridge, which handles large-scale precision machining and sheet metal fabrication, is currently housed in a 67,500-square-foot facility.

Phase I, which is already underway, is a 13,000-square-foot manufacturing floor addition with a mezzanine. Phase II, which will connect the manufacturing floor to new office space and add a new two-story entrance, is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2010.


Source: Merritt Properties
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Opening small specialty stores during the holiday season has been going on at malls for years. This year, however, the phenomenon has taken a different form and hit Harbor East's Legg Mason tower. Dubbed pop-up stores, the short-lived boutiques are a trend out of New York City where restaurants and a variety of shops spring up in one location one week and then disappear, only to pop-up in another.
 
Dresscode by Gita, Patrick Sutton Home, Shine Collective, Doubledutch and Di[e]ce (pronounced "deece") will take up temporary residence in the lobby of the Legg Mason tower at 199 International Drive. Dresscode and Patrick Sutton opened Dec. 4 and will remain open until Christmas Eve. Di[e]ce will stay open until New Year's Eve. Shine Collective will also hold a Pop Up Party Kick-Off on Thurs. Dec. 10. from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Source: Patrick Sutton Home
Writer: Walaika Haskins

With a new heating system to keep its patrons toasty warm despite the cold weather, Woody's Rum Bar and Island Grill, a summertime favorite in Fells Point, is now open all year long.

According to Bill Irvin, owner, it was a simple matter of economics and a view that was wasted for several months out of the year. "The real reason we reopened was that we have that space up there and not utilizing it is obviously an opportunity that's passed on. We have what are probably the best views in Baltimore and probably the only rooftop view accessible to the public in Fells Point," he says.

Regularly booked with parties of 200 or more people for Woody's downstairs neighbor, Slainte's Irish Pub, that take up the entire two-floor restaurant, using the second and third floors would mean the first floor could remain open to the general public.

Open Thurs., Fri, Sat., and Sun., Irvin says they are still working out the kinks on the Tiki-esque cocktails and food menu comprised of small bites. Sat. and Sun. the restaurant will also serve brunch.

Located at 821 S. Broadway at Thames, Woody's will be available for parties and will be open New Year's Eve. "It's one of the best spots for fireworks, especially on New Year's. We're going to be open and trying to come up with ideas now. I think we're going to make it costumed-themed and a limited number of people, around 40, with an all-inclusive cocktails."

But, even without a special occasion, party or even much advertising, according to Irvin the word has spread about Woody's new hours and even though it was snowing on Saturday, the rooftop bar was "packed." The rooftop bar is open to Slainte's customers as well, who can just walk on up to there, Irvin says.

Source: Bill Irvin, co-owner
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Mayor Sheila Dixon has approved the recommendations of the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) of three projects hat will use the city's Recovery Zone Facility Bonds. BDC, on behalf of the City of Baltimore, will enter into 90-day Exclusive Negotiating Privileges with each of the development teams.

The first project is a hotel, Inn at Penn Station, that will transform the vacant, upper floors of Baltimore's historic Penn Station into a 77-room boutique hotel. The hotel will occupy second and third floors and the majority of the fourth floorm though Amtrak will continue to occupythe remainder of the fourth floor. The developer, Penn Station Hotel, LLC, is an entity comprised of Hospitality Partners, LLC, James M. Jost & Company, A&R Development, Inc. and Summit Associates, LLC.

The development group has requested $8.1 million of Facility Bond proceeds; total project costs are estimated to be $12,438,000.

BDC estimates the direct City benefits from this project to be 89 construction jobs, 27 permanent jobs, and over $8.9 million in total new taxes over a 20-year period. In addition to the quantitative benefits, the Inn at Penn Station project will leverage the other redevelopment efforts undertaken and investment made by the City and other public, non-profit and private partners in the Station North Arts and Entertainment District.

Marketplace at Fells Point will be a  a mixed-used project comprised of two buildings totaling 126,500 square feet, including 160 apartments, 28,500 square feet of ground level commercial/retail space and 118 structured parking spaces. The project is located in the east and west blocks of 600 South Broadway, two blocks north of the corner of Broadway at Thames Street.

The Marketplace at Fells Point developer is South Broadway Properties, LLC, a partnership comprised of David Holmes and Daniel Winner as managing members. South Broadway Properties, LLC is requesting $8 million of Facility Bond proceeds; total project costs are estimated to be $52,046,508.

BDC projects the direct City benefits from the Marketplace at Fells Point project to be 300 construction jobs, 285 permanent jobs, 100 new City residents and over $15 million in total new taxes over a 20-year period.

The final project is the Curtis Bay Energy/Mid-Atlantic Integrated Sustainable Service Center for Healthcare Systems. The project entails construction of a new commercial laundry facility with high efficiency washers, dryers, and processing equipment that will be powered100 percent  by steam created by the nearby Baltimore Regional Medical Waste Treatment Facility. The project is located at 3300-12 Hawkins Point Road in Curtis Bay. Curtis Bay Energy, Inc. is owned by Himmelrich Associates, Inc., (Samuel K. Himmelrich, Jr.), the project developer.

Himmelrich Associates owns and manages the Baltimore Regional Medical Waste Treatment Facility, an existing facility for safe and efficient destruction of regulated medical waste.

As a byproduct of the treatment facility's operations, 4.29 MWh of electrical power is produced, and is currently largely unused. The energy byproduct of the treatment facility can be captured and used to power the Laundry Project, providing a clean, renewable energy source.

Himmelrich Associates is requesting $14 million of Facility Bond proceeds; total project costs are estimated to be $29,286,272.

Direct City benefits from the Laundry Project have been estimated by BDC as 95 construction jobs, 150 permanent jobs, and more than $12.9 million in total new taxes over a 20-year period.

Recovery Zone Facility Bonds are a new category of tax exempt private activity bonds authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The ARRA allocates $30.8 million in facility bonds within the City of Baltimore Recovery Zone that was created by an Ordinance of the City Council in July 2009.

"That BDC received so many proposals is a healthy sign that development activity is beginning to pick up in Baltimore," says Mayor Dixon. "We are particularly pleased with the diversity of the three projects selected and their potential to stimulate neighborhood and economic development efforts."

"We were pleased with the array of projects submitted," says BDC President M. J. "Jay" Brodie. "The Recovery Zone Facility Bonds will stimulate our economic development efforts and will help create three projects generating jobs and taxes for the City."

The BDC'sAdvisory Panel (consisting of representatives from the Baltimore Economic Recovery Team � BERT, the Baltimore City Departments of Finance and Housing and Community Development, and BDC, with McGuireWoods LLP and Municap Inc. serving as consultants for legal and financial advice). reviewed the 19 proposals, narrowing them down the three recommendations.

Source: Baltimore Development Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Sinai Hospital broke ground last week on its new Children's Hospital wing. The new wing and associated upgrades and changes that will enhance the quality and efficiency of care, including all private rooms and family sleeping areas.

These additions support the very heart of a family centered care program where the family is recognized as the constant in a child's life. For this reason, family centered care is built on partnerships between families and health professionals during and after a child is treated for a diagnosed illness. Most importantly, family centered care improves and enhances clinical outcomes for children with special needs and provides more support for their families as they deal with the challenges and joys of raising a chronically ill child.

The facility will bring the number of inpatient medical and post-surgical single occupant pediatric patient rooms to a total of 26, including an isolation unit for oncology/high risk patients, with nurse stations and support areas as well as an in-room capacity to accommodate parents/family members. 

The hospital's Children's Diagnostic Center will gain three pre-operative beds, two procedure rooms with sedation/anesthesia capacity, and three recovery/post-anesthesia bays, including one isolation bay, with nurse station, support areas, and family waiting areas. And the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit will add six PICU beds, including 2 private single occupant isolation rooms for high risk patients and four semi-private rooms, with nurse station and support areas. In addition, the Pediatri Hematology and Oncology Unit will gain a total of six exam room rooms and six infusion bays, with nurse station, support areas and a family waiting area.

The new wing was made possible with a lead gift of $4 million in 2007,  and Sinai has raised a total of over $17 million, including $5 million from the State of Maryland, to date.  The following changes and upgrades are planned:

Source: Sinai Hospital
Writer: Walaika Haskins

New Age Dine and Dance (NADDS) is just what Mt. Vernon needed, according to Ron Singer, owner. "Mt. Vernon is a great cultural and entertainment district and the one thing it lacked was a stage. We now have a stage, instruments, a movie theater, the whole shebang."

He believes that if he builds it, they will come. "I have a complete stage. Musicians don't even have to bring their instruments, we already have them on the stage."

Singer sees NADDS, located at 227 W. Chase Street, as a neighborhood destination offering great food and nightly entertainment.
"Mondays we have draped figure drawing and artists can come in and do their sketching. Tuesday we do indie film. Wednesday is comedy night and spoken word. That's our busiest night so far. It's really doing well. Thursday are open mike music. Fridays are DJ night. Saturday we have live music and Sunday is jazz night. We start with a buffet brunch at 11 a.m. and we have a gentleman playing music during that and then it just goes into jazz all night long."

When it comes to food, Singer says he's trying to appeal to both neighborhood residents as well as attendess of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera House.

"We have a raw bar. We have a very heavy seafood menu and then we have a prime rib special and everything down to a veggie burger and pub grub. We have a 6-page menu because we want to be able to offer college kids who don't have the income to spend a lot of money as well as someone who wants a calamari appetizer or cavier bruschetta something," he says.

A buider by trade, as soon as Singer learned that building housing Tyson's Place and Leon's of Baltimore (located at 870 Park Avenue) was available he jumped at the chance. "I had been looking for some place in Charles Village, Mt. Vernon and Locust Point. When I heard that this building was available and I came and looked at it, I knew in 10 minutes what I was going to do."

The two businesses, formerly connected by a single hallway, are joined by an open lounge area. Singer plans to add a rooftop deck and a second floor to Leon's where patrons will be able to play pool.

"Leon's is the oldest continuous gay bar in the country. We are making small changes, updating the bathroom and opening up the second floor, adding a shuffle board, a dart board to give the guys something to do and a place to talk. I'm really into preserving Leon's," he says.

Though Singer acknowledges that he's taken a little bit of flack over the NADDS acronym, he asks potential clients to stop in and give the restaurant a try. "Tell us what you want. We're really open to ideas and I think people will be very surprised at how good our food is. People should give us a try to see if we're what they're looking for."


Source: Ron Singer, owner
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Fans of Nicholas Batey who shed a few tears when his South Baltimore restaurant, The Bicycle, closed its doors earlier this year now have a reason to rejoice. Batey is back in the kitchen. This time, however, he's left behind the global theme and instead has chosen to concentrate on his take on Italian cuisine.

Ullswater, located at 554 E. Fort Avenue, may not sound like the name of an Italian restuarant, says Saundra Batey, co-owner, and that's because it isn't.

"Ullswater is a place in England. You'll see paintings of it around the restaurant. When [Nicholas] was at culinary school, looking at the picture calmed him. He was all alone and could only afford that one painting. He'd go and stare at it when he was lonely. So, he decided that Ullswater was a unique name. We know it doesn't sound Italian," she explains.

The former site of the Sly Fox bar, Batey says she, her partners Monique, Mary and Michael Faulkner, and her husband chose the location because they wanted to create a neighborhood restaurant that was affordable. "We've always loved the area. When we went looking for a restaurant we wanted to keep it in the neighborhood. We noticed that this building was empty and when we walked in it was perfect."

The Bateys and Faulkners completely renovated the two-floor restaurant. "We tore out the back part of the building and redid that, added crown molding. We changed everything. It's basically a brand new restaurant with a brand new bar. The bar is the main attraction."

Ullswater, which opened officially on Nov. 16, will seat up to 100 people. "We didn't want to make it overwhelming and chose to kept it small and intimate," Batey notes.

The restaurant is geared towards families and offers family-style dining for parties. The menu is what anyone familiar with Nicholas Batey might expect. "It's his take on Italian food. One favorite, so far, has been Batey's mozzarella sticks. Forget the frozen and breaded nightmares that are a bar mainstay. These are made with mozzarella, prosciutto, basil, wrapped in phyllo dough and served with a pomodoro sauce.

Another hit is Ullswater's Shrimp Trio. Shrimp prepared three ways, wrapped in pancetta, fried and chilled, served with a sundried tomato cocktail sauce.

"His meatballs in bolognese sauce are very popular and his green bean salad," Batey says.

The menu is changing a bit as the restaurant gears up to begin serving lunch. "We're starting to serve burgers and paninis and will be open for lunch starting next week."

For those who lament the the loss of Bicycle, the Batey's plan to add some of their loyal customers' favorite dishes to the menu. "They aren't Italian but we want to cater to our Bicycle clientele."

Source: Saundra Batey, co-owner
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Drive around Baltimore's Seton Hill and you'll see plenty of businesses, a few hairdressers, and of course Maryland General Hospital. What you won't find are many -- read: any -- non-fast food restaurants where residents and area workers can get a bite to eat and hangout for a while.

So, when Coconuts bit the dust earlier this year, Lisa Markiewicz, who owns the building, figured it was her chance to fill a vital gap in the neighborhood. "That area is surrounded by some great neighborhoods, but that particular spot there isn't anything within walking distance that offers decent food, an inexpensive wine list, a nice variety of flavored beers in a casual loungey setting. I think that it's long overdue for that area."

Markiewicz says she's always liked the area because of its arts and culture and that now she's adding to the neighborhood by offering affordable food for all comers - the Maryland General crowd, State Office Building employees and area residents. "I'm excited to cater to the neighborhood. I really am."

Waterstone Bar & Grille, located at 311 W. Madison Street, will officially open "by the end of the week." The restaurant, open at 3 p.m., will feature a small plate menu that will include lamb chops, seared Ahi Tuna, stuffed grape leaves, mini burgers, vegetarian dishes and salads. "We'll have a nice variety because we want to cater to all crowds," Markiewicz explains.

The restaurant, styled along the lines of a European bistro, will seat about 50 people. According to Markiewicz, Waterstone will have weekly specials including $5 small menu items on Mondays, chef specials on Tuesdays, 1/2 price wine bottles on Wednesdays, $5 Martini Night on Thursdays, and daily "Happiness" happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with $3 beers, $4 wines and martinis and a $5 menu. The weekends will feature live entertainment.

"Our tag line is 'eat.drink.lounge.Waterstone." We want you to come in eat, drink and lounge. We even have a small lounge area. I envision people coming in have wine and our cheese and fruit trays and relax after their day," she says.

Source: Lisa Markiewicz, owner
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Baltimore Development Corporation recently released details on four proposals it has received for the historic Senator Theatre. Located in Northeast Baltimore, the theatre site is 20,517 square feet and the building measure 17,868 square feet. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the single-screen theatre opened in 1939 and seats about 900.

The first proposal, dubbed The Lofts at the Senator Theatre, would turn the theatre into loft apartments. The proposal from JR Owens Corporation would create a mixed-use development that would include the renovation of the existing movie theatre along with the new construction of 24 two bedroom, two bath rental apartments on three floors as well as 27 secure parking spaces in the basement of the new construction and existing retail space.

James Cusack, Jr. and Kathleen C. Cusack, owners of the Charles Theatre, with architect Alex Castro, envision a Senator Theatre that would maintain the building as a single screen movie theatre, adding a restaurant and crepe shop. Two alternates would provide for a second screen and an arts education area in the approximate 2,000 square foot triangle to the south of the theatre and a sliding glass door system in the front of the restaurant.

Noch-Noch Productions' The Theatre Project PUPKIDS proposes turning the Senator into a mixture of live performances and cinemaplex attractions simulating a staged Vaudeville Revue to attract interest in puppetry and puppeteers.

Towson University's WTMD submitted the final proposal that would see the radio station relocated to the Senator Theatre. The University with Zigler/Snead Architects and Whiting-Turner contractors would undertake a "historically sensitive renovation" of the theatre's interior. The pland would also build a new addition to the south side of the building as well as an expansion of existing space on the north side of the theatre. The Senator will be home to WTMD's daily operations, as well as a schedule of films, educational activities, concerts and community events designed to reach people from all over the region. The station will connect and promote the events taking place in the theatre.

Source: Baltimore Development Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Baltimore-area visitors have a new housing option during their stay following the opening of the SpringHill Suites of Columbia hotel. Part of the Marriott group of hotels, SpringHill Suits is located in Minstrel Crossing - a 9.1 acre mixed use development near the corner of Snowden River and Broken Land Parkway.

The suites-only hotel offers 117 spacious studio suites, a 600 square foot meeting facility, wireless internet access, a state-of-the-art gym, and a host of other amenities. It adds to the breadth of affordable high-end Howard County hotels available for both business and pleasure.

This is the 235th hotel to open since Marriott started the all suite select service hotel brand in 1999. Owned and operated by OTO Development, it is the third hotel in the country to feature the all new SpringHill Suites interior design.

"OTO is thrilled to be a part of the community," says Johnetta Jordan, SpringHill Suites of Columbia's General Manager. "We have truly had a warm and friendly welcome from every person that we have come into contact with in the community."

All together, OTO Development will bring nearly 60 jobs to both the the 117-room SpringHill Suites hotel and a planned 124-room Hampton Inn Suites on 5.4 acres of the Minstrel Crossing properties. 

On the remaining two lots developer H&H Rock "plans to build a 9,800 square foot one-story retail building which it will retain," said Bradd M. Caplan, Vice President of Commercial Development and Project Manager, H&H Rock Companies. "H&H Rock will develop the site for an Arby's restaurant which will be leased under a ground lease agreement."

Source: Howard County Economic Development Authority
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Children grow so quickly it leaves many parents facing a double dilemma -- how much to spend on their children's clothes and what to do with the clothes they've out grown. Well, two area moms, Portia Romond and Pintet Halasan, think they've found a solution with a new shop in Fells Point, Jack and Immy Children's Consignment.

"We're both moms with young families and we live in the neighborhood and wanted to start our own business. [Pintet] actually came up with the idea of chidren's consignment because its a business we were able to get up off the ground without taking out loans and having a huge financial burden. Also, we thought it was a good time right now with the economy being what it is and its an environmentally-friendly way to shop," explains Romond

The shop takes in brand name clothes from high-end chidren's gear for infants through size 12 from Ralph Lauren, Baby Phat, Nordstrom, Janey and Jack to Osh Kosh, The Gap and Old Navy, and offers a 50/50 deal. Once the clothing has sold, clients can either accept payment for their items via check or store credit.

"We're trying to be pretty high end and high quality. Not super high-end, but name brands and high quality and make sure there's nothing stained or has holes or anything like that. Most consignment shops only offer a 60/40 deal," Romond says.

Because they live in the neighborhood and know how much area moms want to spend, the pair are trying to keep their pricing very moderate. "It's a balance because you want to let the consigners make a little money as well."

The store, located at 2108 Fleet Street, is named after the women's two youngest children, Jack and Imogen and officially opened for business on Nov. 7. It has the feel of a boutique that will appeal to shoppers as well as a play area for children where they can color, read a book and play while their mother or father shops.

Jack and Immy's is open Tues. through Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at 410-732-0195.

Become a fan of  Jack and Immy on Facebook.

Source: Portia Romond, Jack and Immy Children's Consignment
Writer: Walaika Haskins