The official newsletter of The Historic Charles Street Association - Issue 49 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. January 1, 2009 The Party of the Century - On March 21, 2009 the HCSA will hold its third annual fundraising event, Masquerade on Charles at the beautiful Tremont Grand, 225 North Charles Street. This year's theme is Truman Capote's Black and White Ball of 1966; once noted as the famed "Party of the Century". The proceeds of this event will fund many important initiatives that support the businesses and institutions along the Charles Street corridor. Guests will dance the night away with the sounds of The Junkyard Saints, and enjoy an open bar plus sumptuous foods from Charles Street areas' finest restaurants and caterers. Silent and live auctions will offer historic Baltimore memorabilia, fine gifts, and entertainment packages. Masks are highly encouraged, but not required, with a prize for the most creative mask that evening. Masquerade on Charles will be very exciting with the addition of our Champagne on the Rocks event sponsored by Nelson Coleman Jewelers who will drop 198 Cubic Zirconia's & 2 Diamonds into 200 glasses of champagne (one in each glass). Guests will be able to purchase a glass of champagne at $50 and receive a $100 gift certificate to Nelson Coleman Jewelers. For more information call: 410-332-4144 or visit http://www.masqueradeoncharles.com/. In the News - As reported in the November 2008 issue of our Newsletter, the HCSA has embarked on a five-year branding and marketing campaign designed to promote Charles Street as a destination which will attract more visitors to our restaurants, shops, galleries, cultural and educational institutions. The new brand was unveiled at our annual Members Business Breakfast by Engine Performance, a local marketing communications talent agency, who shared valuable findings from their research on what Charles Street has always been and remains today, uniquely Baltimore. To learn more about this important initiative for Charles Street visit http://wjz.com/video/?id=46533@wjz.dayport.com. Car Sharing Program - The Parking Authority of Baltimore City (PABC) has announced that the Baltimore CarShare initiative is now official. This relatively new concept has taken root in some larger cities to help alleviate parking demand, traffic congestion and improve air quality. The main objective of the initiative is to reduce the overall number of cars used in the city. PABC submitted their articles of incorporation to the State of Maryland in September 2008 and they are now concentrating on getting start up funds to begin placing vehicles on the ground. To date, over 400 residents have "signed up" as interested in car sharing through the Parking Authority's Car Sharing webpage http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us/government/parking/car_sharing.php. For more information call Tiffany James at 443-573-2820. Baltimore Winter Restaurant Week - Back by popular demand, Baltimore's Winter Restaurant Week will give food lovers from across the country the opportunity to explore the region's exciting dining scene. During this weeklong celebration from January 23rd through February 1, 2009, diners can enjoy a variety of three-course dinners prix fixe menus for $30.09 (liquor, tax and gratuity not included). Many will also offer three-course lunch prix fixe menus for $20.09 per person (liquor, tax and gratuity not included). For a complete list of participating restaurants, parking information and information on special events included in Winter Restaurant Week visit http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com/. 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; IN THE WORKS 1. Plans for the five-year branding and marketing campaign designed to promote Charles Street as a destination are on track. The campaign will create an identity for Charles Street that clearly and effectively communicates the unique character and energy of its neighborhoods. It will also evoke an image and emotion that will attract more visitors to our restaurants, shops, galleries, cultural and educational institutions. Look for a spring 2009 launch! 2. The project to enhance the Verizon red doors in the 300 block of North Charles Street with graphic designs featuring Verizon Foundation's key initiatives remains under review. 3. On-going removal of overflowing trash in back alleys. 4. Meeting with local restaurant owners and the City to bring a valet program to Charles Street. 5. The HCSA's retail committee continues 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... 1730 N. Charles Street - From the Chef of recently closed Zodiac and owner of Club Charles, Lost City Diner is expected to open in January 2009. This sci-fi themed restaurant will feature typical diner items with an emphasis on vegan specialties. 105 W. Saratoga - In January 2009 Rolls in the City, a new restaurant specializing in Vietnamese cuisine is scheduled to open. Also, Charm City Signs will be relocating to this location offering full service graphic, display, and signage design. 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