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The HCSA is pleased to present our monthly "E-News" with information on news and upcoming events taking place in the Charles Street district.
July 2010
HCSA Sponsored Events
Trolley Meeting
Wednesday, June 30 3pm HCSA members are invited to the Tremont Grand to hear a presentation from Trolley Committee officials on the proposed fixed rail Trolley for the Charles Street area. HCSA has been asked to endorse the Trolley project and we need member input. Presenters include Tom Noonan of Visit Baltimore; David Funk of The Charles Street Trolley Corporation; Ed Myers of Kittelson & Assoc.; Paul Pattison of URS Corporation and HCSA's "founding father" Jimmy Rouse. We strongly encourage you to attend or, at the very least, send a representative to this very important meeting. Contact michele@charlesstreet.net or 410-332-4144.
1st Thursdays in Mount Vernon Park
Thursday, July 1 5:30 to 8pm Kick off the holiday weekend by joining thousands of music lovers for the next installment in this free concert series. Joshua James is a rising star on the Americana scene. His 2009 album, Build Me This, landed on numerous year-end, best-of lists on the strength of standout tracks like 'Coal War' and 'Magazine.' Baltimore's own Paul Masson kicks off the show at 5:30 p.m. His vocal stylings and intensity have garnered comparisons to Ray LaMontagne. And his songwriting harkens back to the era of Neil Young's Harvest. For more information, go to http://www.wtmd.org/. Beer, wine and food provided by HCSA member restaurant establishments.
HCSA Happy Hour for Members
Tuesday, July 20 5:30pm HCSA members are invited to The Prime Rib at 1101 N. Calvert St. to get together and meet new people. Cash Bar with discount drink specials and great hors d'oeuvres. Business Casual. Call Michele at 410-332-4144 or write michele@charlesstreet.net for more information.
Save the Fall Date LET'S EAT Charles Street
Saturday, October 23 12 noon to 5pm The 2010 Fall LET'S EAT Charles Street will be held on Read Street between Charles and Cathedral Streets. The street will be closed off to traffic for local merchants to sell food and retail items. This event is free and open to the public. If you are interested in participating as a vendor, contact michele@charlesstreet.net for more information.
Community News
Circulator Purple Route successfully launched
The Tremont Grand was the site for a reception on June 23rd for the historic Charles Street business community to welcome the Purple Line Charm City Circulator Bus Operators. Guests were treated to great food and refreshments in a lovely setting, thanks to the organized efforts of Julie Brown-Edwards and the Tremont staff.According to Circulator officials, after only three weeks daily ridership on the purple line had far surpassed expectations with a record number averaging 1900 including visitors, office workers and residents. The purple route, having launched June 7, services the Charles Street corridor connecting Federal Hill, City Center, Mount Vernon and the Station North area. Area businesses will certainly benefit because office workers, residents and tourists will be able to "get up the hill" much easier. It is clean, quiet, convenient, comfortable and FREE. You've got to try it if you haven't already! Please go to http://www.charmcitycirculator.com/ for more information. Also try http://www.nextbus.com/ that allows you to monitor the real-time locations of the circulator vehicles using GPS technology.
HCSA is coordinating efforts with Circulator officials to schedule a "Ridership Appreciation Day" in the fall for area establishments along the route to promote their business. Brochures and schedules are available at the HCSA office. Contact michele@charlesstreet.net for more information.
ZipCar now available in historic Charles Street district
On June 29 a press conference was held with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Mark Norman, President and COO of Zipcar, to formally launch Zipcar in Baltimore. Baltimore residents and businesses now have access to a cost-efficient and convenient alternative to car ownership through this popular car sharing company.ZipCar works on a membership basis. Individuals or companies can join and will have access to different types of cars that will be parked throughout Downtown. Where they're parked depends on demand. Zipcar has just set up new parking sites within the HCSA borders at 222 N. Charles St., 576 N. Charles St., 101 W. Read St., 1300 Maryland Ave (UB), 1501 St. Paul (Penn Station) and 10 Light Street. The service has already been operating with success near the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus in Charles Village. Visit http://www.zipcar.com/ for more information about this service and its many benefits.
HCSA has new liaison for the Charles Street National Scenic Byway in the Heritage Area Office
As recently as last fall, historic Charles Street was designated as a National Scenic Byway. Jeffrey Bucheit, Director of The Baltimore National Heritage Area (BNHA) in the Office of the Mayor is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Trails and Byways Manager, Jason Vaughan. In this capacity, he will serve as the Byway Manager for the Historic Charles Street National Scenic Byway. Overall responsibilities include the development of new walking trails, the adaptation of new technology to current trails, and the overall maintenance and sustainability of the current trail system. Jason is expected to start around August 2 and he'll be able to be reached at 443-984-3089 or Jason.vaughan@baltimorecity.gov. For more information on the designation of historic Charles Street as a National Scenic Byway, go to http://www.baltimorecity.gov/OfficeoftheMayor/MayoralOffices/BaltimoreNationalHeritageArea.aspx
Free Things to do in the Neighborhood
Throughout July The Friends of Mount Vernon Place has put together a fun Summer series of events in Mount Vernon Place Parks including fitness, music and movie that are free and open to the public on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings!
Saturdays from 9 to 10am Yoga (Bring your own Mat!)
July 7 8pm "Mama Mia!"; July 21 8pm "Where the Wild Things Are"
July 14 7pm Classical Guitarist; July 28 7pm Cellist
Bring your own blanket or lawn chair for the above movie and concert events. For more information go to http://www.friendsofmountvernonplace.org/ or call Cathy Rosenbaum at 410-560-0180 or cathy@ccrrar.comJuly 10 5:00pm to 12:00 midnight Second Saturdays in Station North Free Events at Nine Venues within the Arts & Entertainment District. For more information, contact 410-962-7075 or info@stationnorth.org. Visit the Station North Arts & Entertainment, Inc. website at http://www.stationnorth.org/.
July 16 - 18 Artscape America's largest free public arts festival, Artscape features 150+ artists, fashion designers and craftspeople, including DIY/new wave crafters; visual art exhibits on and off site, such as outdoor sculpture, art cars, photography and the Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize; incredible live concerts on four outdoor stages; a full schedule of performing arts including dance, opera, theater, fashion, film, experimental music and performances by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; family events such as hands-on projects, demonstrations, competitions, children's entertainers and multiple street theater locations; and a delicious, international menu of food and beverages available throughout the site. Mount Royal Avenue at Charles and Cathedral Streets, Station North Arts and Entertainment District Go to http://www.artscape.org/ for more information.
May though October Continuing this season, the Baltimore National Heritage Area is offering tourists free guided walking tours of Charles Street. The Mount Vernon Cultural Walk is offered Monday through Friday at 1pm from the Inner Harbor Visitor Center and weekends at 10am and 1pm (through the end of October). Interested in scheduling a walking tour for your staff or guests? Contact Shauntee Daniels at 443-984-2369 or shauntee.daniels@baltimorecity.gov. http://www.starspangledtrails.org/trail-8.html
Other Events
July 17 CHECKMATE! Medieval People at Play at the Walters. We are all familiar with praying monks, but playing monks? A Book of Hours from Flanders finds them deep in a game of "Blind Man's Bluff," while on the opposite page peasant boys enjoy a rigorous game of hockey. Such delightful images of play are unexpectedly ubiquitous in medieval manuscripts. Neither stodgy nor perpetually pious, medieval people found time for amusement in the margins of their lives and their manuscripts. This exhibition looks at many different aspects of medieval play, including board games, sports, free play, visual ciphers and even games of love. Drawn entirely from the Walters' own stellar collection, the exhibition features 26 manuscripts, original medieval game pieces and a 13th century toy soldier. Through these objects, visitors of all ages can explore a sense of whimsy and fun that is uniquely medieval, yet remarkably relevant to us today. Exhibit through October 10. For more information go to http://www.thewalters.org/ or call 410-547-9000.July 27 6 to 8pm Fundraiser to benefit Mount Vernon Place Parks at 4 East Madison Inn. Come meet Mary Elizabeth Garrett and Thurgood Marshall and listen as they tell you about their lives, their struggles and accomplishments, and what makes them proud. Learn how they opened doors for women and minorities, forever changing history! See actors perform in the first person, in the Chataugua tradition. You'll even have an opportunity to ask them questions (in character)! $28 in advance, $35 at door. Please visit http://www.missiontix.com/ to purchase tickets on-line OR mail a check made out to FMVP to: FMVP tickets and send to 1221 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope and your tickets will be mailed to you. For questions, please visit http://www.friendsofmountvernonplace.org/ call 410-560-0180.
Community Meeting
Tuesday, August 3 6:30 to 8:30pm Midtown Community Benefits District invites you to its second annual National Night Out to Fight Crime gathering in Pearlstone Park opposite the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Many public safety organizations will be present to give safety tips and advice. There will be training to ride Midtown's Citizens on Patrol Segway vehicles, refreshments and entertainment. Call 410 528-1512 or write to info@MidtownCommunity.org for further details, go to http://www.midtowncommunity.org or follow MIDTOWN BALTIMORE on Facebook or Midtown Baltimore on Twitter.
Restaurant Highlights
Feast @ 4 East 4 East Madison Street
Wednesdays through Fridays 11:30am-2:00pm Lunch in the Garden! "Vegan to Carnivore" fresh and local. Inside seating also available. Salads and Sandwiches, served with Sandy's Vegan Potato Salad, $7-$8.
Wednesday Nights Light Cafe A hybrid between lunch and dinner with entrees only $15. Hearty menu yet healthy and locally sourced. Casual, fixed price. Dinner selections include The Bison Burger with House-Made Tomato Chutney and duck-fat potatoes, Dinner Salads ranging from House-made Pork Belly Confit to Seared Duck Breast to Vegan. Artisinal Cheese Plate with Local Fruit and Bread. Thursdays through Saturdays - regular dinner menu available. Still BYO, so grab your beer or wine from Spirits of Mt Vernon and have dinner with us! Visit http://www.4eastmadisoninn.com/ or call 410-605-2020.
The Prime Rib 1101 North Calvert Street
Every Sunday evening "Special 1/2 Wine List" featuring great values, end of vintages at cost pricing! Every Thursday evening "Lire Fare Menu" in the dining room where all items are $20 or less.
Every night (except Saturdays) $35 pre-fixed RW menu by request 3 Courses/$35.
Live music every night! Fridays are quite good featuring The Prime Rib Jazz Trio" w/Brad Collins on Sax! Call 410-539-1804 or visit http://www.theprimerib.com/.XS 1307 North Charles Street
Mondays 1/2 off coffee all day, espresso included
Tuesdays 1/4 off maki starting at 4pm, dine-in only
Wednesdays 1/2 off cocktails starting at 4pm, dine-in only
Every Day DJ's beginning at 8pm (Thurs-Sat at 5pm) free valet parking. Call 410-468-0002 or go to http://www.xsbaltimore.com/Member Benefits
HCSA VIP Discount Card Program
The Historic Charles Street Association (HCSA) wants to encourage people who are visiting, live nearby and work in the area to buy locally. The VIP Discount Card Program is designed to promote our members and compel people to utilize HCSA member establishments.
HCSA members (retailers, restaurants and businesses) can offer discounts or specials which will be listed on our website, www.CharlesStreet.net/VIPdiscounts. In return, the HCSA is issuing single-use VIP discount cards to local hotels, the Visitor's Center, nearby college campuses and fellow members. These cards have the link to the website printed on them so holders can view who the participating businesses are, and what specials are offered.
The idea is to entice visitors, workers and residents in the area to come out and support the local businesses. With the help of other organizations like the Charles Street Development Corporation, we are hoping to promote this program to get even more people to eat, shop and be entertained along the Charles Street corridor. Please contact michele@charlesstreet.net to learn more.
Welcome New Member!
Cabrera Services, Inc., 103 E. Mount Royal Avenue, is an industry leader in engineering and remediation services for radioactive, hazardous, toxic and MEC/UXO sites. Visit their website http://www.cabreraservices.com/ for more information.
Member News
Maryland Bible Society Dr. Raymond T. Moreland is leaving the position as Executive Director of the Maryland Bible Society after 14 years and retiring from the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church after 43 years. He is being replaced by Mr. David Moyer, previously VP with The Shepherd's Guide in Baltimore. Mr. Moyer has worked extensively with Christian businesses in the Baltimore region and with various groups. He is a Southern Baptist attending the Faith Bible College in Baltimore (founded by Francis Schaeffer). Now that MBS has celebrated 200 years as a State Bible Society and beginning its 201st year as a Bible Society, Dr. Moreland felt it was time to turn over the leadership. He will continue to preach, teach, sing and do sermons in drama, and keep his Adjunct Faculty position at Frederick Community College. It has been a pleasure knowing Dr. Moreland and we wish him the best as he makes his transition into being retired clergy. Visit http://www.marylandbible.org/
Gant Brunnett Architects worked with their landscaping and engineering consultants to complete the newly designed outdoor terrace at the Baltimore Convention Center. The project involved the conversion of the existing terrace structure into a "Green" roof that incorporates trees, shrubs, flowerbeds and an herb garden in a strategy designed to save energy and enhance the environment. The elevated outdoor terrace is located along Pratt Street between Sharp and Charles streets. For more information, contact johnbrunnett@gba-architects.com or visit http://www.gba-architects.com.
About HCSA
The Historic Charles Street Association (HCSA) is a non-profit organization 501 (c) (3), whose mission is to support and promote the businesses, cultural attractions, entertainment venues, restaurants and retail establishments along the Charles Street corridor. HCSA serves as a problem solving and information resource for its members, as well as provides a forum for networking, communication and collaboration.
The Historic Charles Street Association is located at 312 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. For more information about our organization, please contact Michele Coiron, Executive Director, at 410-332-4144 or michele@charlesstreet.net.
Resources Who to call?
Broken Glass on the street or sidewalk: From Pratt Street to Centre Street - contact LaToya Staten at the Downtown Partnership (DPOB) at 410-244-1030, or lstaten@dpob.org. Above Centre Street - contact the Midtown Community Benefits District at 410-528-1512
City Services - 311 is Baltimore's 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 Michele Coiron (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 Avon Mackel at 410-396-2410 or email avon.mackel@baltimorepolice.org
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