The official newsletter of The Historic Charles Street Association - Issue 45 The HCSA is pleased to present our monthly "E-News" with current information on new business openings and exciting projects taking place in the Charles Street district. September 1, 2008 Façade Improvement Program - The purpose of the Façade Improvement Program is to encourage and assist property and business owners to restore and improve the appearance of the facades of their buildings. Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Inc. provides reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 for eligible improvements. The following are a few examples of projects covered by the Façade Improvement Program: Exterior cleaning and painting; Removal of old signs, security grates, awnings and other obsolete fixtures; Installation or repair of signage, Installation of awnings, canopies or shutters; Replacement/installation of doors and windows; Repair or restoration of architectural detailing; Handicap accessibility improvements (exterior only); and Installation of permanent planters or landscaping attached to the building (flower boxes, etc). If you are interested in applying, contact Downtown Partnership by email at facade@dpob.org or call 410-244-1030. Streetscape Project - Recent construction has focused on the installation of granite curbs and duct banks in the 1300 and 1400 blocks of North Charles Street and a paver base will soon be placed in the 1200 and 1300 blocks. Pedestrian lighting has begun to be mounted throughout the project. Please contact Kristin Speaker at 410-659-7706 or Frank Culotta at 443-418-8805 for additional information. The Mechanic Theater - The newest plans for the Mechanic by Washington DC based architects Shalom Baranes, involve the theater's shell to be preserved in a mixed-use development with ground level retail, underground parking, and a 30-story tower with residential and hotel components. Superblock Project - The city has picked Lexington Partners LLC to begin a $250 million redevelopment of a portion of the superblock including retail, residential, and hotel components. Planning for the project at 201-221 Lexington Street is currently underway. My Sister's Place Women's Center - The Women's Center at 17 West Franklin is anticipated to open in early October. It will provide women and their children access to a wide range of services. The success of the Women's Center will depend on the involvement of Catholic Charities' many wonderful community partners and volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Jackie Reid at 410-261-6762 or email jreid@cc-md.org. For more information visit http://www.ccmd.org/MSPWC/GetInvolved.html. Leaders and Legends - The Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University, will be featuring a new speaker series which will showcase prominent leaders and allow them to share their experience and thoughts on current, relevant topics and issues facing the global economy. The audience of business professionals, faculty, students and the media will number between 100-150 attendees. The meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month at The Hopkins Club on the Homewood campus of the University starting September 18, 2008. For more information email Susan Hilger at s.hilger@jhu.edu. A New Public Art Display in Station North - Station North Arts & Entertainment, Inc. and Shanklin Outdoor Media announce a new public art display in the Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Two 20' x 20' reproductions of original works by area artists are now on public display: "Grand Finale" by Brady Starr and "Station North" by Daniel Stuelpnagel. The large reproductions are mounted side-by-side on the back of the large billboard on the northwest corner of Charles and Lanvale Streets and can be seen by pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists from nearby sidewalks, streets and highways. The works will be on display through this fall; new works will be featured at this location on an ongoing, rotating basis. For additional information visit http://www.stationnorth.org/. Be a Tourist for a Day - Start your exploration at the Inner Harbor Visitor Center and head north on Charles Street. From Charles Center to Mount Vernon Place, from the B&O Railroad building to the Peabody Institute, Baltimore's rich cultural landscape rises from the Chesapeake and is unmistakable on this Cultural Walk. This free, daily walking tour through October 31, 2008, takes you though one of America's premier cultural districts, connecting 24 historic sites and museums, as well as restaurants and shops. For more information call 443-984-2369 or visit http://www.starspangledtrails.org/ Car Sharing - The Parking Authority of Baltimore City is working to bring car sharing to Baltimore. Car sharing is a relatively new concept that has taken root in some larger cities to help alleviate parking demand, traffic congestion and improve air quality. A car sharing page has been added on the Parking Authority of Baltimore City's webpage where individuals can share their interest in the program. All positive feedback is welcome because it will show potential funders that this is a viable program with users who will be able to make it successful. Additionally, it will have an impact on decisions about pod locations (where the vehicles will be placed) in the future. For more information visit http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us/government/parking/car_sharing.php. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED The HCSA is committed to being the driving force behind many of the key initiatives to improve our community and ensure the Charles Street district remains safe and vital. These initiatives include advocating and problem solving for the businesses along Charles Street, addressing issues related to safety and security and filling empty storefronts. One of the primary responsibilities of The Historic Charles Street Association is advocacy and problem solving on behalf of its members. We are pleased to report the following: Plans to enhance the Verizon red doors in the 300 block of North Charles Street with colorful graphic designs is scheduled to begin in the fall. IN THE WORKS 1. In conversations with area restaurants to create a cafe environment in front of the Verizon building in the 300 block of North Charles Street. 2. On-going removal of overflowing trash in back alleys. 3. Meeting with local restaurant owners and the City to bring a valet program to Charles Street. 4. The HCSA has formed a retail committee to address the number of empty storefronts along the Charles Street corridor and to bring new retail concepts to the area. What can we do for you? COMING SOON TO CHARLES STREET... 413 North Charles Street - Joss Cafe, a new sushi restaurant is planning to open October 2008. The building is currently undergoing extensive interior and exterior renovations. When the project is complete, plans call for a sushi restaurant on two levels of the building, and three apartments on the upper floors. 904 North Charles Street - Marie Louise Bistro is nearing completion and is anticipating a September opening in the former Gampy's Restaurant location. The large interior restaurant space will have 18-foot high tin ceilings. Plans also call for additional outdoor seating. REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES If you are interested in buying or selling commercial or investments properties, contact Byrnes & Associates: 410-528-1236 or email kempbyrnes@verizon.net If you have available retail space for lease, email Nan Rohrer, Downtown Partnership's Retail Development Director: nrohrer@dpob.org For information on residential properties for sale and residential units for rent, retail and office space for lease, visit: MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, LLC - http://www.mackenziecommercial.com/ Corridor Reznick LLC - http://www.corridorllc.com/ About The HCSA The mission of The Historic Charles Street Association is to make Charles Street a distinctive destination for visitors to the city and local residents through the support, retention, and promotion of commerce in our district. We are a tax-exempt charitable organization that serves businesses and property owners in the Charles Street district from the Inner Harbor to North Avenue who share our commitment to a unique and vibrant community. We are a devoted advocate for the betterment of The Historic Charles Street District and depend on the support of our members to continue to make an impact. For membership information please visit our website at www.charlesstreet.net Our members are always welcome to attend our monthly Executive Board Meetings which are held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Downtown Partnership, 217 N. Charles Street. If you are interested in attending, please email robin@charlesstreet.net Resources - (Who to call for what) Broken Glass on the street or sidewalk from Pratt Street to Centre Street - contact the Downtown Partnership (DPOB) at 410-244-1030. Above Centre Street - contact the Midtown Community Benefits District at 410-528-1512 City Services - 311 is Baltimore's new number to call for all city services. All calls to 311 go through a One Call Center, a 75-agent in-bound call and dispatch center manned 24 hours a day every day of the year. Exterior Building Signs or Banners - to begin the approval process for any exterior building sign or banner, a permit application needs to be filed at the permit counter, 417 E. Fayette Street, room 100. For more information call 410-396-3360 Facade Improvement Program - contact LaToya Staten (DPOB) at 410-244-1030 or lstaten@dpob.org Liquor Licenses - for assistance with all liquor license issues contact Bob Dengler (DPOB) at 410-605-0451 Malfunctioning Easy Park Meters - contact Robin Budish (HCSA) at 410-332-4144 Safety Escorts - anyone wishing to receive an escort while walking to their car or bus, or waiting for a taxi after dark should contact 410-244-8778 during business hours or 410-802.9631 after hours. Downtown Partnerships Public Safety Guides are available within the DMA District from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM seven days a week. Safety and Security Issues - for non-emergency situations in the Charles Street district, contact Deputy Major Joseph Conway at 410-396-2410 or email Joe.Conway@baltimorepolice.org Streetscaping above the monument - contact Kristin Speaker (CSDC) at 410-649-2052 The Homeless - for assistance with all issues regarding the homeless from Pratt Street to Centre Street contact Tom Yeager or Bertina Silver (DPOB) at 410-244-1030. Above Centre Street - contact the Midtown Community Benefits District at 410-528-1512 You are a valuable member of the HCSA and we welcome your input. Please send all comments and suggestions to: Robin Budish Executive Director p: 410-332-4144 fx: 410-332-4433 robin@charlesstreet.net