Development : Development News

The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is reviewing a proposal submitted by the Southeast Community Development Corporation (SCDC) received in response to its RFP (Request for Proposals) for the former Highlandtown Library Site at 3323 Eastern Avenue in East Baltimore.

If the BDC and city government approves the proposal, it will clear the way for the SCDC to undertake a $1.2 million renovation of the entire building in order to provide 5,045 square feet of office or classroom space on the second and third floors and 2,933 square feet of ground floor retail space.

The SCDC has facilitated a number of community revitalization projects in Highlandtown, including the move of the Creative Alliance to the former Patterson Theatre, and the construction of the Southeast Anchor Library at the site of the former Grand Theatre. Along with many partners, the Southeast CDC operates the Highlandtown Main Street program and the Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District.

Wolfe Street Development, a wholly owned subsidiary of the SCDC, plans to develop, construct and operate the building. Other team partners include: General Contractor � Hostetter Construction; Architect � RM Sovich Architecture; MEP Engineer � Min Engineering; and Structural Engineering � Carroll Engineering. Wolfe Street Development proposes to purchase the property from the City of Baltimore, which has been vacant since 2007.

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 Johns Hopkins Hospital, Bayview Medical Center, I-95 and 895.

Source: Baltimore Development Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

If you've noticed that Hampden's Avenue seems a little less bright this week that may be because the Shine Collective has left its long-time home on 36^th Street for a new space in the Clipper Mill Complex.

"I know it seems illogical for a retailer to move from a retail street. But, really, for us I think it was more that we get the opportunity to use this beautiful space. It's rare in the city and still within a mile of the avenue," says Campbell.

The new store, located at 2010 Clipper Park Road, in a former artist's loft behind Woodberry Kitchen, will enable owners Jamie Campbell and Melissa Kirby, to do more.

The boutique's new home has huge windows in an area surrounded by nature � a rarity in any city. It has "super high ceilings" and much more space that will allow Campbell and Kirby to better showcase their designer accessories and clothing. "It's a beautiful part of the city. There're train tracks and there's a river over there and trees everywhere. The architecture of the Mill is so inspiring."

"What made me feel this was the right thing is all the talented people that came out of the woodwork to help us. Carpenters and artists and friends that said, 'you guys are doing something special here. We want to be a part of it, too. It was really kind of amazing," she says.

"We also wanted to shift our focus a little bit toward our website. We came to this crossroads. We have the store. We have a following, but we don't have the right kind of space to work on the photography and the product and the website. We're building backwards in a way, forming our headquarters and building out from there," Campbell explains.

Though the shop has moved from a rowhouse to a loft-like space, shoppers will find a sort of bohemian and homey �lan at the new location.

"It was a rather rough artist studio that we've softened up with paint, our color scheme and adding some homey touches to it. We put in a mantel we found at Houseworks. It feels like a living room in somebody's loft apartment. I had a friend to Venetian plaster in our dressing rooms. It's really nice and doesn't feel cold like a modern loft. It's kind of funky," she says.

The location is not the only thing that is changing at Shine. Campbell says that they will continue to offer a wide variety of accessories and jewelry, adding new jewelry and bag lines in the spring.

"We're definitely going to focus more on key pieces instead of volume. We're going to keep some of the clothing lines, but shift to focus on dresses and pieces you can add to your wardrobe that are going to be essential but not basic."

Shine will no longer carry denim. "We're finding that our customers really want a top or a dress that no one else has. We want to stay on our original course trying to find pieces you can't find anywhere else."

"We really appreciate how far along Hampden has come. [Melissa] set started a new thing. She was the first person to open a boutique like this in Hampden. She grew out of her old space on Roland [Avenue] and moved to the new space on the Avenue. Now we feel like we're changing and growing again. This is just the next step in our evolution. We like being pioneers in that way."

Source: Jamie Campell, Shine Collective
Writer: Walaika Haskins

A consortium including Healthy Neighborhoods, the city's Department of Housing and Community Development, Saint Ambrose Housing Aid Center, Druid Heights Community Development Corporation and Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity as well as the for-profit partnership with Telesis Baltimore Corporation, has been awarded $26,092,880 in NSP2 funds.

The group will use these funds to address stagnant and declining housing markets across targeted areas in 12 census tracts. Addressing the blighted properties in these targeted areas will stem decline and build value in the city's real estate market. The consortium will acquire, rehabilitate and resell or rent more than 350 vacant or foreclosed properties and will also provide financing mechanisms in the form of gap financing, second mortgages and closing cost assistance for 981 units. 

A portion of the funds budgeted for acquisition-rehab activities will be used to support a "homestead" model to stabilize neighborhoods by attracting young urban pioneers. The hope is that these activities will attract new homeownership in the neighborhoods, strengthen the real estate market and support active residential involvement. Neighborhood stabilization will be further maximized by the leveraged commitment of $7,429,472 in other funds.

"The award of these funds reaffirms the strength of our neighborhoods and Baltimore's history of effective partnerships with neighborhoods, lenders, non profits and the city government," says Mark Sissman, President of Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

Made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), this round of NSP grants is being awarded competitively to applicants who developed the most innovative ideas to rebuild local communities by purchasing vacant, foreclosed properties and putting them back into productive use, while demonstrating that they have the capacity to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. There were 482 applicants, requesting over $15 billion in support. These two agencies were the only recipients of funding in the state of Maryland.

"This is wonderful news for Baltimore City and its neighborhoods," says Mayor Sheila Dixon. "I want to thank all those individuals inside and out of City government who collaborated, breaking down silos, to produce two visionary and highly competitive applications."

U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also awarded another $5,289,216 to Chicanos Por La Causa Inc. to support efforts by Mi Casa Inc. in Johnston Square in Neighborhood Stabilization Program II funds.

"Mi Casa is very excited to receive this funding which serves as a testament to the partnerships established with the Baltimore City Housing Department and Chicanos Por La Causa. The NSP2 funds will allow us to develop a significant number of vacant houses for low and moderate income households and support the ongoing redevelopment of the Johnston Square community," said Fernando Lemos, Founding Executive Director, Mi Casa Inc.

The federal government appropriated $2 billion dollars in NSP2 funds on an emergency basis to mitigate the impacts of foreclosures and abandonment on communities around the country. The proposed neighborhoods in Baltimore where work will be focused are: Belair-Edison, Better Waverly, Coldstream Homestead Montebello, Reservoir Hill, Patterson Park/McElderry Park, Barclay/Old Goucher, Johnston Square and Ednor Gardens.

"It is extraordinary that two NSP2 applications from Baltimore received awards. We have wonderful neighborhoods that were turning around and poised for continued long term investment before the foreclosure crisis," said Housing Commissioner Paul T. Graziano. "This support will ensure that those investments will not be in vain."

The award also requires housing counseling for families receiving homebuyer assistance funds through NSP. In addition, it will protect homebuyers by requiring grantees to ensure that new homebuyers under this program obtain a mortgage from a lender who agrees to comply with sound lending practices.

Source: Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

After several months of delay construction has finally begun on Turner Development's Westport Waterfront. Workers have started the first phase of public improvements for the $1.2 billion, 50-acre transit-oriented, mixed-use development, located on Baltimore's Middle Branch of the Patapsco River, including construction of a living shoreline

"I'm very pleased that we've been able to come up with the financing and are finally able to begin work on this project," says Patrick Turner, president of Turner Development Group.

Monies awarded by the Maryland Department of the Environment, a total of $620,500 in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (stimulus) funding, will be a portion of the funding used to reconstruct the shoreline and create the waterfront tidal wetlands

The intertidal wetland project will include the installation of an environmental cap and wetland sill as well as a floating boom to minimize floating debris in the wetland. Once the wetland reconstruction is underway, construction of new utilities, roads, landscaping and bike paths will commence in the spring of 2010. Construction of a luxury apartment building by the Landex Companies will begin a year later in 2011.

"The shoreline reconstruction is the first step in making 25 acres of the Westport Waterfront site ready for building construction," says Turner. Our master plan goes beyond a traditional mixed-use community. We're targeting platinum certification under the US Green Building Council's LEED for Neighborhood Development program and the soft shoreline will enhance our efforts." wetland along approximately 900 linear feet of the Patapsco River.

The wetland reconstruction is part of Turner and Baltimore City's strategy to restore the ecology of the Middle Branch, which is home to abundant populations of fish, birds and other wildlife but has suffered from degradation due to decades of industrial development. Restored wetlands improve water quality by filtering contaminants while also providing important habitat for juvenile fish that provide food for larger fish and birds. Wetland restoration in the Middle Branch is a key priority of Baltimore City as it focuses on the redevelopment of the Middle Branch watershed as Baltimore's "green harbor." Turner is planning additional wetland areas in Phase II of his project as part of the development's overall green infrastructure.

Although the recession meant it took a little longer than originally expected to raise the money to start the project, Turner says he expects the project to continue without any additional delays.

"[Now that we've begun] we expect the project to continue to develop. We've still got some hurdles to get through because it's a very complicated financing mechanism to do these types of projects. There are hurdles to get over but every time we accomplish one the next one is easier. The first one is always the most difficult, so as we progress it gets easier," he explains.

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company will act as construction manager for the shoreline reconstruction, wetland installation and infrastructure construction.

Source: Patrick Turner, Turner Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The University of Maryland College Park has opened the new $30 million home for the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. 

The state-of-the-art John S. and James L. Knight Hall includes 53,400 square feet of high-tech classrooms, multimedia labs, offices and space for professional journalism centers, bringing together all of the college's programs under one roof. The new journalism school features abundant open space, glass and light, to echo the transparency of necessary for good journalism. Knight Hall is also the first "green" building on U of MD's campus. Students begin the spring semester there on Jan. 25.

"The state-of-the-art Knight Hall is one of the most exciting new centers for the study and teaching of journalism in the nation. This is a transformational event in the life of our college and our university," says Dean Kevin Klose, a former Washington Post editor, National Public Radio chief and broadcast executive who came to Maryland last year. "We are indebted to the visionary leadership of President [Dan] Mote, and the Maryland legislature, and the generous support of the Philip Merrill family, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and scores of other charitable foundations, alumni and private citizens."

The building is nearly twice the size of the old Journalism Building, built in 1957 for $350,000, which had never undergone a major renovation despite an increase in enrollment from the 100 students who comprised the the facility's first residents to the 650 undergraduate and graduate students there today.

Knight Hall offers many architectural gems that were the brainchild of former Dean Thomas Kunkel, including the Great Hall, which he called the family room or "hearth" of this new home. The two-story-high lobby extends the length of the building, with front and back doors. Groups of couches, flat-screen TVs, a snack bar and stools at a cyber caf�-style counter for computer workstations are designed to make this the building's primary gathering space. It overlooks the East Lawn, a landscaped new courtyard that physically ties the journalism college to the Benjamin Building and Tawes Building and provides a common green space.

Knight Hall is expected to be the first building at the university to earn a LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, gold rating. It features a high percentage of recycled content in its construction materials as well as regional materials, plumbing fixtures designed to reduce water use by 40 percent, an underground rainwater-collection system that will irrigate the property, and natural daylight providing more than 75 percent of its lighting.

The small and large seminar rooms offer video cameras and microphones that instructors can control to stream their lectures online. The Richard Eaton Broadcast Theater goes a few steps further, with 70 seats, a retractable whiteboard, rear projector, four robotic cameras and field cameras and a control room; it can be used as a classroom or studio.

The "news bubble," also on the first floor, dubbed the "students' playground." Open around the clock, the multimedia lab offers capabilities for graphic, text and audio creation around a serpentine table that allows students to work together.

The building's third floor houses offices and the professional centers: the Journalism Center on Children & Families, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, National Association of Black Journalists and American Association of Sunday and Feature Editors. The trade magazine American Journalism Review has moved next door to Tawes Hall, where UMTV will remain. Fiber lines connect the university's TV station to the control room in the Eaton theater.

Studio C, or the "garage band space," on the top floor is a giant area where students can collaborate on multimedia production. It includes a section of audio recording sound-conditioned booths, a computer lab/classroom and a video studio. It will open later in the spring semester.

The state contributed $16 million to the building, with the rest coming from private donors. The building is named for the brothers who founded Knight Newspapers (forerunner of Knight Ridder), and later the Miami-based Knight Foundation. The foundation has given the university more than $21 million, including $5 million for the journalism school's new home.

Source: University of Maryland College Park
Writer: Walaika Haskins

East Baltimore Development Inc. (EBDI) has picked Allen & O'Hara Development Co, a subsidiary of Education Realty Trust (ERT) to design, develop and manage graduate student housing for nursing students, medical students and fellows from the adjacent Johns Hopkins Medical Institute (JHMI) and other students from Universities in close proximity to the new housing.

Though Johns Hopkins University currently provides limited housing for the graduate students on the medical center campus, the state-of-the-art 20-story high-rise apartment building will house the more than 4,000 students currently enrolled at the JHMI schools will be the primary residents of the new state of the art 20-story, high-rise apartment community. A portion of the current housing will be taken out of service when the new project opens.

"Education Realty Trust and its subsidiaries are delighted to have been chosen to execute all the aspects of this graduate student housing project for the prestigious Johns Hopkins Medical Institute," says Tom Trubiana, Chief Investment Officer for ERT. "Being an integral part of the major urban re-development project untaken by EBDI is very exciting and gratifying as well. It requires a significant amount of collaboration and cooperation to develop quality housing at affordable rents. We couldn't be more pleased with the efforts of all of our partners to make this project a reality."

The graduate student housing project is just one component in the EBDI's 88-acre urban redevelopment that will include 1.1 million square feet of life science technology space, 400,000 square feet of office and retail space, 2,100 mixed income housing units, parking and a seven-acre campus with a pre-kindergarten to eighth grade public school. The Graduate Housing Project will be located at the corner of Ashland Avenue and North Wolfe Street, across from a three-acre open green space park.

The graduate student high-rise will include 321 apartments (572 beds) in a unit mix of primarily 1-bedroom/1-bath, 2- bedroom/2-bath and efficiency units in proportion to indicated demand levels. The project will also feature various amenities for residents including a green roof for socializing and gathering, a fitness center, as well as meeting and study rooms. The units will have hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, along with washers and dryers in each unit and high speed internet access linked directly into the University computer system. Allen & O'Hara will seek LEED's Silver certification for the project.

Allen & O'Hara has selected Marks, Thomas Architects as the lead firm on the architecture and design of the project, and Clark Residential as the general contractor. Both companies have extensive experience in the development of projects in the Baltimore area. Local developer, The Otis Warren Company, has been chosen to assist Allen & O'Hara in the development process. Site entitlements have been obtained, design is well underway and construction is scheduled to begin in June 2010 for a June 2012 opening.

Commencement of construction is subject to execution of final definitive agreements and the ability to securing acceptable financing from several options that are currently being evaluated.

Source: Education Realty Trust
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Jasmine Asian Bistro, the popular Pikesville restaurant, has opened a second location in Timonium at 2141 York Road, just across from the fair grounds. According to John Phang, manager, the owners chose the area because of customer demand.

"We have a lot of customers there and we chose a really good location with a party room large enough for 50 people."

The new restaurant is larger than the original and features a first for Baltimore two tatami rooms - Japanese style dining room - where diners may remove their footwear and relax against a bevy of pillows at the tables that rise just a foot or so above the floor. Each room can seat up to 10. The sushi bar is also larger, seating up to10.

Although the menu still includes many of the favorites fans of the Pikesville restaurant enjoy, there have been a few changes.  "We still sell the best of the best of Asian food - Chinese, Japanese sushi, Thai and Vietamese, but we've made a few additions," Phang says.

Business at the new location, which opened Dec. 14 has been picking up, attracting more customers. "We're doing pretty good now. We even have plans to open new location," he says.

Milan, will officially open on Jan 15, welcoming guests for drinks, small plates or multi-course dinners seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.with extended bar and late dining hours until 1 am.
 
"We are excited to be a part of Baltimore's developing culinary scene and to be able to share the talents of Chef Carey with customers" explains Peter Mooradian, General Manager at Milan.

Dubbing itself, a unique dining destination "where food meets fashion," the restuarant, located at 1000 Eastern Avenue on the cusp of Little Italy and Harbor East will offer its guests an blend of modern Italian cuisine infused with Mediterranean flavor prepared by Executive Chef Stephen Carey. The innovative menu includes fresh grilled steaks, hand-made pastas, bruschetta, flatbreads and Italian-inspired sushi ("sushi Italiano"), as well as top-rated Italian and world wines and blended cocktails inspired by world-renown fashion designers.

Milan's menu was inspired by the Italian and Mediterranean travels of its owner, Smitty. "Everything he saw and tasted while traveling which he documented in a journal, we've used to try and recreate that with this menu. We've created menus that showcase traditional Italian recipes with modern technique," explains Stephen Carey, Executive Chef at Milan. "We're bringing something fresh and innovative to the Baltimore dining scene."

A selection of appetizers, antipasti, bruschettas, flatbreads and salads are available for guests including a selection of three ($12) or five ($19) cured meats and fresh cheeses; Aragosta Pasta e Caci, lobster mac and cheese with chiocciole pasta, smoked gouda b�chamel, white truffle essence, and citus pistacio gremolata ($12); and Caprese di Fungi, portabella mushroom, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, fresh basil and an imported balsamic reduction ($7).

Perhaps the most unusual item on Milan's menu is its "Sushi Italiano," or Italian sushi, an infusion of both Italian and Japanese cuisine. Similar to Crudo, delicate slices of raw fish typcally served with olive oil in Italy, are recreated at the restuarant, and are served with either three ($9) or six ($17) varieties of fresh fish and include Salmon with lemon caper aioli, Hiramasa with a blood orange balsamic glaze, Arctic Char with a basil pesto, Hamachi with roasted red pepper puree, Yellowfin Tuna with red pepper oil and sea salt and White Tuna with lemon oil and pine nuts.

"Crudo is very traditional Italian food, but just hasn't made much over to the U.S. yet. We're the first place to do it in Baltimore. In Italy it's the freshest fish you can have, but raw. I paired each one with a different sauce that would complement that dish. We do sushi rolls by taking the fundamental Japanese sushi and fusing it with Italian and Mediterranean ingredients. We do the rice and nouri but the inside of the rolls are anything but Japanese," says Chef Carey.

Other selections of sushi Italiano include Uva Fogliame Con Salmone, seared salmon, fresh mozzarella, saut�ed mushrooms, sundried tomato, grape leaves and lemon caper aioli ($12) and Milan Rotolo, Avocado, sun dried tomato, fried calamari, nori, seasoned rice, white tuna, yellowfin tuna, basil pesto, and blood orange balsamic glaze ($18).

The menu also includes the traditional pasta and dinner entr�e selections including Ravioli Deconstruito, cold water lobster, jumbo lump crab, shrimp, house made pasta, swiss chard, and pink peppercorn cream sauce ($28). Risotto Capasanta, seared scallops, wild mushrooms, fire roasted corn and white truffle essence ($22), Vitello, 14 oz. veal porterhouse with a wild mushroom risotto cake and smoked tomato demi glace ($38); and Bistecca Con L'Osso, Milan's 20 oz. dry rubbed USDA Choice bone-in ribeye with Yukon gold mash and melted leeks ($42).

House made desserts include Torta di Formaggio, honey ricotta cheesecake with a balsamic strawberry compote and candied rosemary ($8); Milan's Tiramisu ($8); Grand Marnier Cr�me Brulee ($8); and Piatoo di Fromaggio, a selection of Italian cheese ($12).

Milan also offers an extensive selection of specialty cocktails, top-rated wines and bottled domestic and imported beers. Original martinis inspired by the finest fashion houses include the Dolce & Gabbana, Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur, Stoli Raz Vodka, a splash of club soda and fresh raspberries ($11) and Gucci Envy, Absolute Apple Vodka, Sour Apple Liquor, and a splash of Midori and pineapple juice ($10). Other handcrafted cocktails include the Passion of Milan, Captain Morgan Passion Fruit, fresh brewed iced-tea, and a splash of lime juice ($8) and a variety of flavorful mojitos ($10-12). Select cocktails will be served at special prices during Milan's happy hour, offered seven days a week from 5-7 pm.

Source: Chef Stephen Carey, Milan
Writer: Walaika Haskins

It's a beautiful news for fans of Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole. The so-called lifestyle center will welcome About Faces Day Spa & Salon as well as Reveal MedSpa to the two million square foot mixed used development that includes restuarants, retailers and services along with office space, luxury condos and apartments. 

Visitors to Maryland planning a longer than usual stay now have a new option. The new Marriott Residence Inn located in Hunt Valley, Maryland is now accepting guests. Developed by Skye Hospitality the hotel features 141 suites.

"We are very excited to introduce the Residence Inn brand to Hunt Valley. The Residence Inn is specifically designed to provide everything travelers need to thrive while on long stays," remarked Bill Bello, Skye Hospitality's president.

The hotel is in the heart of Hunt Valley, adjacent to the Light Rail Station, one block from the Hunt Valley Towne Centre and near the area's largest corporations. Hotel guests, whether on business or leisure travel, are also close to attractions such as Oregon Ridge Park, NCR Trail, Pimlico Race Track - Home of the Preakness, Timonium Fairgrounds, Smithwick Horse Farm, Hayfields Country Club and the Hunt Valley Country Club.

In addition to the 141 suites, the hotel offers guests a small conference room to help serve the corporate community's meeting needs. The lobby features separate nooks offering a semi-private location for impromptu meetings and casual conversations over coffee. Guests will also enjoy luxury bedding, complete in-room kitchens, an indoor pool and complimentary amenities such as WiFi, a breakfast buffet, evening social hours and grocery shopping service.

Source: Marriott Residence Inn
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Shonnette Boone and Tracy Richardson have had a talent for creating trendy accessories since the two were children. "we both had a creative mind for modern fashion trends in the accessory world. We collaborated together to create a chest full of treasures with a twist of honey for the world to taste, says Boone.

So, when the opportunity came to fulfill a lifelong dream and open their own boutique in Federal Hill, the two never looked back. " [Tracy] and I use to call ourselves honeybees when we were growing up, so when we decided to open our business we incorporated the name into our trade name," Boone continues.

Thus Honey's Treasure Chest Accessories Boutique was born. The business, a first for the Baltimore natives, offers accessories designed by Richardson as well as other designers at prices that every woman can afford.

"Treasures for the outerwear such as necklaces, earrings, rings, brooches, handbags, wallets, bracelets, scarfs, and shawls. We are economically friendly, according to our customers. Prices range from $10.00 to $150.00," she explains.

The pair chose Federal Hill because of its festive vibe as well as its network of established boutiques that draw in shoppers and cater to them. And, so far, the response to Honey's has been very good with buyers picking up favorites including, jeweled, flower, and sequin bib necklaces, clustered stone, cocktail and pearl rings, drape necklaces, and cleopatra necklaces, says Boone, who adds that it's the boutique's mission to "offer "Red Carpet" trends for all generations at everyday consumer prices." that sets the store apart from other accessory boutiques.

"We specialize in unique accessories, styles and fashion for various occasions, that will make your wardrobe "POP". Our jewelry is fabulous, with a mixture of vintage, costume, and ethnic pieces. We are the boutique that makes a fashion statement, this is the year of the "WOW" accessories. No matter if your wardrobe is old or new, with our selection we are sure to please," she explains.

Boone and Richardson plan to expand the boutique's offerings in the future to include women's clothing. They will include a line designed by Richardson as well as other trendy but affordable fashions.

Source: Shonnette Boone, Honey's Treasure Chest Accessories Boutique
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Sometimes bad news for one neighborhood is good news for another. That was the case when Salamander Used Books' owner Michael Cantor announced that the store would be leaving Hampden. But the Hon neighborhoods loss is Mt. Vernon's gain as the shop once located on 36th Street , a.k.a. The Avenue, will take up residence in its new digs at 519 N. Charlest Street on Jan. 10.

Cantor says its nothing personal against Hampden, he just needed more space in which to do more things for his clientele."We're leaving for a bunch for reasons. We needed a larger store. And, Mt. Vernon is a real cultural hub with the Peabody and Walter's and things like that. We do a heavy business in art [books]," he explains.

Hampden has become a well-known destination for its restaurent scene and is "very gift-oriented now, so it's not as happening during the weekday" when Cantor depends on foot traffic to bring shoppers in his store.

"Mt. Vernon has a much higher density of people working during the day and a lunch crowd," he adds.

Business has been good in Hampden, but Cantor says he'd like to bring in additional inventory, showcase more books and also have space to host book signings and other events.

"I'd like to have space for book clubs and other community-related events and activities. Our space was just too tight here. I get asked all the time by local writers and poets if they can have readings or signings and I just don't have the space in Hampden. This new place should be large enough for that. It's about 40 percent larger in terms of the showroom area," Cantor says.

"We really looking forward to the change. We were very happy in Hampden, but feel that this really will be a place that might work out better for us. We're very sorry to leave. Hampden has been very good to us and hopefully Mt. Vernon will allow us to continue to grow in a positive direction."

Source: Michael Cantor, Salamander Used Books
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The $107 million Frederick gateway project opened in December. The new gateway to Frederick includes a new interchange at MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike)/East Street and I-70 and an extension of East Street. The improvements according to state officials will ease congestion and improve safety through the corridor as well as provide enhanced access to Frederick's MARC train station. Since the project was announced in 2005, roughly 500 jobs were supported during the construction.

"Frederick is the State's second largest city and its vitality is critical to Maryland's economic health," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. "This new interchange has a wide range of benefits. It supports the Bio-Technology Corridor, makes mass transit easily accessible, reduces traffic congestion on area roadways and provides the City of Frederick with a gateway that provides easy access to the downtown business district."

The interchange project is part of a multi-phase improvement project along the I-70 corridor. Improvements to I-70 and its supporting interchanges have been planned since the early 1980s, with SHA initiating several breakout projects over the years to advance the overall corridor improvements.

The I-70 corridor through Frederick County serves 80,000 to 100,000 vehicles each day. That range is expected to reach 100,000 to 140,000 over the next 20 years. With the completion of this major project, motorists will now use the MD 85/East Street interchange to access the City of Frederick from I-70. Over the next few weeks, the Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration (SHA) will open the new roadways and ramps to transition traffic to new traffic patterns.

"The number of stores and businesses in Frederick has increased in recent years, along with the number of people and the number of cars on the highway. While this is great for Frederick's economy, it has become increasingly difficult for Frederick's commuters," says Sen. Barbara Mikulski. "This new interchange will relieve congestion and greatly improve the commute along the I-70 corridor. I will continue to make Frederick's transportation needs one of my top priorities and a priority in the federal checkbook."

With the opening of the new interchange, SHA will close the ramps at the MD 355/I-70 interchange. The existing interchange on I-70 at MD 355 has short acceleration and deceleration lanes, very sharp curves and short merging lanes. Closing the existing interchange will improve safety through the corridor and also relieve congestion on MD 355 as motorists using the new interchange will exit I-70 onto MD 85 or East Street.

As part of the project, crews constructed three storm water management ponds and pumping stations to handle surface water. SHA placed synthetic material under the roadbed for added support and a special liner in drainage ponds. These measures help prevent sinkholes, which are common to the area.

A unique feature of the project not currently used anywhere else on state highways is the use of underground sensors to detect ground movement and potential sinkholes. If the ground shifts underneath the road or even the lined pond, an alarm will alert maintenance crews and geologists who will respond immediately to assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Although SHA is opening the interchange, additional work on the project will continue through spring 2010. SHA will not open Monocacy Boulevard extended between South Street and East Street until next year as additional paving and roadway tie-ins cannot be completed during cold temperatures. The contractor, Dewey Jordon of Frederick, will also complete a new railroad crossing at the intersection of Monocacy Boulevard and South Street.

As part of the project, SHA also will construct a new ridesharing lot. The new ridesharing lot located off New Design Road near Harry Grove Stadium will offer 105 spaces and seven handicap accessible spaces. SHA will open the new ridesharing lot next spring, weather permitting.

Source: State of Maryland
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently announced financing of the North Creek Run development in Cecil County and the Perryman Station project in Harford County. The developments will provide much-needed affordable housing in an area expecting an influx of working families through the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

"These developments great examples of how federal, state and local collaboration can revitalize communities and expand affordable housing options for Maryland's hardworking families and seniors," said Secretary Richard A. Skinner. "They also are a boost to the area's labor pool with the creation of an estimated 107 jobs."

Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP) allows state housing finance agencies such as DHCD to resume funding affordable rental housing projects while stimulating job creation in the hard-hit construction industry. TCAP provides grant funding for capital investment in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects through a formula-based allocation to DHCD.

The North Creek Run project financing includes a Bank of America construction-to-permanent mortgage of $2.1 million. DHCD provided $821,050 of Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), which raised equity of $5.4 million through PNC Bank. DHCD also provided $3 million in Tax Credit Assistance Program loan funds and a $132,500 Maryland Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability Grant (MEEHA).

The development, located on Stony Run Creek Road, includes a garden apartment building with eight one-bedroom apartments and 45 two-story family townhouse rental units. The property also will contain a community room, exercise center and computer room. Units will be available for families with incomes between 30 percent and 60 percent of the Area Median Income or $15,600 to $46,080 for a four-person household.

The Perryman Station, located on Perryman Road, project involves the new construction of a senior residential community. The property will consist of 80 units in 3-story apartment buildings, including 37 one-bedroom and 43 two-bedroom units. The units will be available for households with at least one resident being 62 years or older with incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) or $19,700 to $39,420 for a two-person household.

Project financing includes a first mortgage from Bank of America, N.A. for $3,126,900, a $270,643 HOME Loan from Harford County, a $3 million Loan under the ARRA Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP), and a $200,000 Grant through the Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability Program (MEEHA). DHCD also provided more than $816,000 in Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), which raised about $5.7 million in private equity through Bank of America, N.A.

The developer and owner of the project are Stavrou Associates, Inc. and Rellim Development, LLC. The property will be professionally managed by HAI Management, Inc. d/b/a Humphrey Management. The general contractor is Hamel Builders Inc.

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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