Development News

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

Mayor Sheila Dixon, Col. David E. Anderson, Commander and District Engineer from the Unites States Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District and David Scott, Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW) held a dedication ceremony for the $1.6 million restoration of approximately one-half mile of Maidens Choice Run. The Run is a tributary in the Gwynns Falls watershed.

"This restoration of Maidens Choice has created a more stable and clean environment for not only this community, but everyone who enjoys the Gwynns Falls watershed," says Mayor Dixon. "I want to give special thanks to our entire Congressional Delegation for their commitment to the people and environment of Baltimore."

The project site is located near Beechfield Elementary and Middle School. The upstream drainage area is 2.9 square miles and the length of stream restoration is 2,700 feet. The project included wetland restoration and the planting of 140 trees and thousands of plants native to the Baltimore region. A portion of storm drain was removed to recreate and stabilize the natural stream.

In 1992, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) requested that the City of Baltimore participate in the Baltimore Metropolitan Water Resources Gwynns Falls Watershed Study. A Draft Feasibility Report and Integrated Environmental Assessment presented recommendations for the ACOE to implement aquatic ecosystem restoration projects in the Gwynns Falls watershed in Baltimore City.

A detailed study focusing on Dead Run and Maidens Choice Run determined that two were the most environmentally degraded sub-watersheds of the Gwynns Falls. A major finding of the investigation was that degradation of the aquatic habitat in Dead Run and Maidens Choice Run was directly related to the highly deteriorated condition of the sewer system infrastructure and uncontrolled stormwater runoff.

A watershed-based ecosystem approach was utilized to identify and select ecosystem restoration projects in the Gwynns Falls watershed. The plan focused on evaluating a combination of measures that could prevent or reduce the exchange of flow between the stream system/groundwater and sewer system; control stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces into the aquatic ecosystem; restore wetlands habitat; and restore instream habitat.

Source: Department of Public Works
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Construction to rehab the historic Town Theater location and create a new home for the Everyman Theatre has begun. Vitalto the re-development of Baltimore's Westside, the project will cost a total of $17.7 million, with the city committing $1.4 million. The theater is scheduled to open in 2011.

"We can strengthen and diversify Baltimore's economy by investing in the arts and expanding cultural opportunities for all residents," says Mayor Dixon. "The Everyman Theatre pioneered Station North and as it heads for the Westside it leaves behind a strong cultural foundation around Penn Station on which to build."

Following in the footsteps of the opening of France-Merrick Performing Arts Center and Hippodrome Theater in 2004, the Everyman Theatre will continue to establish Baltimore as a regional and national cultural tourist destination. As progress continues with the development of the Superblock and State Center, the renaissance and renewal of Baltimore's Westside as a vibrant neighborhood to live, work, dine, and play proceeds.

"If the walls of the Town could talk, they tell of a rich Baltimore history in the arts and culture," adds Mayor Dixon. "When the curtain rises again in 2011, we don't know what production will open, but we do know that it will usher in a new era of excellence for the Everyman and the Westside."

Source: Baltimore City
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The U.S. Census Bureau has opened two new offices, one in Catonsville and the other in Rockville. The new Catonsville office is located in the Beltway West Corporate Center on 5740 Executive Drive in Catonsville. The office will serve portions of Anne Arundel county, Baltimore county, Howard county and the cities of Beltsville, Greenbelt and Laurel in Prince George's county.  

The Rockville location will support all field operations in Montgomery County for the 2010 Census Survey, which will be conducted in March 2010. The field office is located at 2400 Research Blvd., Suite 100, Rockville. Each office will employ more than 1,000 people in various positions to support field operations in their given area.

Census data determines how more than $400 billion is allocated each year to local and state governments. The money is used for schools, roads, hospitals, senior centers and other social services in the community.

Census Day is April 1, 2010. Households will begin receiving their census questionnaire beginning March 15, 2010. The 2010 census form is one of the shortest forms in history, and asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. There are 10 questions, which will take about 10 minutes to complete. Individual responses are used for statistical purposes only and all responses remain confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share this information with anyone.

The Census Bureau is now recruiting for census taker positions, who will visit households that did not return a questionnaire. Interested applicants should call 1-866-861-2010 or go to www.2010census.gov.

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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

With the NFL season in full swing, Peope for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has released its annual ranking of teams doing the best job of satisfying their fans' growing hunger for healthy, humane, and Earth-friendly vegetarian options. With more delicious vegetarian food available at sporting events than ever before, the animal-friendly org has had to double its list of winners. Among the stadiums that made the cut - M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens.

Ravens fans have their choice of many meat-, dairy-, and egg-free options (some of which are available only in premium or club seating areas), including meatless burgers, crudit�s, vegetable wraps, vegetable burritos, hummus, and fresh fruit.

"Ravens fans love defense, and there's no better way to defend animals from abuse while defending yourself from heart disease and obesity than to go vegan,"says PETA Director Dan Shannon. "The best way for people to sack potential health problems and hit pay dirt for animals and the environment is to choose vegan foods every chance they get."

Taking first place is Oakland�Alameda County Coliseum, home of the Oakland Raiders, whose spicy Tex-Mex burrito clinched the win. TheSan Francisco 49ers' Candlestick Park came in a close second.

Rounding out the top 10 are the Green Bay Packers' Lambeau Field, the University of Phoenix Stadium home to the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Minnesota Vikings' Metrodome, the Georgia Dome homefied for the Atlanta Falcons, the Pittsburgh Steelers' Heinz Field, and Qualcomm Stadium home of the San Diego Chargers.

Source: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Green building will support 7.9 million U.S. jobs and pump $554 billion into the American economy � including $396 billion in wages � over the next four years (2009-2013) despite the challenging economic outlook, according to a new study from the U.S. Green Building Council andBooz Allen Hamilton.

Researchers also found that green construction spending currently supports more than 2 million American jobs and generates more than $100 billion in gross domestic product and wages. During the eight year period from 2000 to 2008, the economic impact of the total green construction market contributed $178 billion to U.S. gross domestic product; created or saved 2.4 million direct, indirect and induced jobs; and generated $123 billion in wages.

Researchers also looked at the U.S. Green Building Council's 19,000-plus member organizations and found that they generate $2.6 trillion in annual revenue, employ approximately 14 million people, come from 29 industry sectors and include 46 Fortune 100 companies.
The study was released at the USGBC's annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the industry's largest gathering of representatives from all sectors of the green building movement.

"Our goal is for the phrase 'green building' to become obsolete, by making all building and retrofits green � and transforming every job in our industry into a green job," says Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chairman of USGBC. "This study validates the work that the 25,000 people gathered here at Greenbuild, and every member of our movement, do every day."

The study considered the total value of green buildings and the results include workers from the architects who design them to the construction laborers who pour their foundations to the truck drivers who deliver the materials, in recognition of the how extensive the impact of green building is.

"The study demonstrates that investing in green buildings contributes significantly to our nation's wealth while creating jobs in a range of occupations, from carpenters to cost estimators," says Gary Rahl, Officer, Global Government Market, Booz Allen Hamilton. "In many ways, green construction is becoming the standard for development. As a result, it is expected to support nearly 8 million jobs over the next five years, a number four times higher than the previous five years."

The full report can be downloaded at www.usgbc.org/greeneconomy, where one can also find other research, resources, tools and information about green building and its role in the economic recoveries of professionals, businesses and the nation.

Canton residents will soon have a new option not just for lunch and dinner but for breakfast as well. Langermann's, located in the Can Company and scheduled to open the first week of December, will offer diners three squares a day, plus brunch on the weekend.

"We searched for locations all around Baltimore before chosing the Can Company. This is a great location in Canton," says David McGill, managing partner for Langermann's. "We want to give people another option for breakfast. Instead of a pastry or stopping for something quick, you can come here for breakfast, or hold a breakfast meeting," he adds.

Under the culinary guidance of executive chef Neal Langermann, the restaurant will feature Southern-inspired American cuisine. On the menu are Southern staples like Fried Green Tomatoes, Shrimp with Grits and Fried Catfish as well as faves from other regions like Seared Scallops with Mushroom and Sweet Potato Hash and Jumbo Lump Crabcakes with Corn Succotash.

The restaurant will seat 100 guests in the dining room and another 40 around the bar, according to McGill. Langermann's will also offer patio seating in good weather and a mezzanine available for private parties.

"We want Langermann's to be a place where people from the neighborhood come in for a good meal with their family and friends or on their own. It's not a destination, but its a good place to go on your way home from a game," says McGill.

Source: David McGill, Langmann's
Writer: Walaika Haskins

For Phil Osika, Lil Phil's is a dream come true and measure of his ability to make something positive from what could have been a devestating loss.

"Where I was working before, they decided to close it down and transfer everything to another, smaller site. So, I took early retirement, but I'm a little too old to go back in the job market and a little too young to draw my pension. And I've always wanted to own a neighborhood bar, you know, where you live upstairs," Osika explains.

The Canton resident, who once lived above the Green Turtle in Fells Point, says everything just came together for him once he made the decision to open the bar.

"This used to be Wee Peter's Pub, a place I went when I first moved from Fell's Point to Canton. I'd go there and shoot pool. I'd gotten to know a lot of people down here and was lucky to be in the right place at the right time. And, the name Lil Phil's is sort of take off of Wee Peter's Pub," he says.

Osika sees Lil Phil's, located at 706 S Broadway, as a neighborhood bar for locals who want to escape the hordes of college-aged drinkers and the theme bars that have become common in Fells Point and enjoy a game of pool. "I already have a good number of regulars and its starting to become a little like 'Cheers' where everybody knows your name and the bartender knows what you're drinking, right off the bat."

Drinks include six beers on tap, including Stella Artois, Blue Moon and Yuengling. Osika has just started a daily Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. week nights during which 24 ounce drafts are the same price as a pint.

In December, according to Osika, hopes to open the kitchen and begin serving light bar fare.

"This is something I'd always looked at doing. Now, I have the opportunity and don't have to wonder 'what if'"

Source: Phil Osika, Lil Phil's
Writer: Walaika Haskins

BAR, a Fells Point staple since the end of prohibition in the 1930s located at 1718 Lancaster Street, has reopened following renovations to replace the aging floor and spruce the place up a bit.

Back in business since August, aside from the new floor, the bar got a fresh coat of paint, updated draft system, new bathroom facilities and other new equipment.

"They took the whole floor out and dug it down until it was level. They replaced all the 200-year-old wooden joices with new ones. While we had the floor out, we repaired the walls, repainted so that its fresh because the nicotin had turned it kinda brown and now we have it back to a creamy color. It's not totally complete, but we're open for business," says Carol, the owner.

The bar offers 6 draft beers, with two changing periodically, as well as more than 20 bottled beers, including Stella Artois. BAR is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday.

"If you see the lights on, come on in," Carol says.

Source: Carol, BAR
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Federal Hill residents recently welcomed a new neighborhood bar and restaurant. Hideaways, located at 1400 Key Highway, has replaced Tavern on the Key.

"We chose the Federal Hill area because it's an incredible area. The number of bars and restaurants, the location and the people there, it's hard to find people like that anywhere else in Baltimore. It's just a great tight-knit community," says Dave McGill, co-owner.

This is the first bar/restaurant for the Catonsville native and his partner. "Right now, we're a bar slash restaurant, but in a few weeks we'll have the kitchen open and begin serving dinner specials Friday and Saturday nights and bar food. We're expanding it slowly."

Hideaways, at just 1100 sq. ft. or so, features a full-sized bar and a few tables. Currently, the bar only offers bottled beers as they install a new tap system.

Source: Dave McGill, Hideaways
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