Federal Hill Archives - Baltimore Fishbowl https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/category/regions/baltimore-city/federal-hill-neighborhoods-2/ YOUR WORLD BENEATH THE SURFACE. Fri, 04 Oct 2024 19:01:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-baltimore-fishbowl-icon-200x200.png?crop=1 Federal Hill Archives - Baltimore Fishbowl https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/category/regions/baltimore-city/federal-hill-neighborhoods-2/ 32 32 41945809 Galactic Guitar Exchange opens in Federal Hill https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/galactic-guitar-exchange-opens-in-federal-hill/ https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/galactic-guitar-exchange-opens-in-federal-hill/#respond Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:33:51 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=196948 Galactic Guitar Exchange relocated from Joppatowne to Federal Hill. The buy, sell, trade, and repair guitar shop opened this month.Buy, sell, trade, and repair guitar shop Galactic Guitar Exchange opened this month at 1133 Light St. in Federal Hill.]]> Galactic Guitar Exchange relocated from Joppatowne to Federal Hill. The buy, sell, trade, and repair guitar shop opened this month.

Buy, sell, trade, and repair guitar shop Galactic Guitar Exchange opened this month at 1133 Light St. in Federal Hill. Galactic Guitar Exchange relocated from Joppatowne and fills a vacant space that was previously Minuteman Press.

Owner Ryan Ellis started Galactic Guitar Exchange three years ago at the Joppa Grand Market. Ellis has a background in jazz music and plays standup bass and guitar.

Read more at SouthBmore.

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Stunning Federal Hill Home – Open This Sunday, September 29 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/stunning-federal-hill-home-open-this-sunday-september-29/ https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/stunning-federal-hill-home-open-this-sunday-september-29/#respond Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=196864 OPEN HOUSESunday, September 29 • 12:00pm – 1:30pm, hosted by Cindy Conklin, Sally Pfaeffle & Brandon Golueke 206 E. Montgomery Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 3 beds | 3 baths | 2,440 sq. ft.Listing Price: $695,000 Listing agents: Cindy Conklin, Sally Pfaeffle & Brandon GoluekeMonument Sotheby’s International Realty Cindy Conklin | Cell: 443-629-0152cindy.conklin@monumentsothebysrealty.com  Sally Pfaeffle | Cell: […]]]>

OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, September 29 • 12:00pm – 1:30pm,
hosted by Cindy Conklin, Sally Pfaeffle & Brandon Golueke

206 E. Montgomery Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

3 beds | 3 baths | 2,440 sq. ft.
Listing Price: $695,000

Listing agents: Cindy Conklin, Sally Pfaeffle & Brandon Golueke
Monument Sotheby’s International Realty

Cindy Conklin | Cell: 443-629-0152
cindy.conklin@monumentsothebysrealty.com 

Sally Pfaeffle | Cell: 410-404-2491
sally.pfaeffle@monumentsothebysrealty.com

Brandon Golueke | Cell: 443-618-5090
brandon.golueke@monumentsothebysrealty.com

Welcome to 206 E. Montgomery Street – located on one of the premier blocks in the Federal Hill Historic District, steps from Federal Hill Park and the Inner Harbor. This stunning property offers the perfect blend of modern luxury, including an attached GARAGE and an ELEVATOR, with historic charm and hardwood floors throughout. Step inside to an open main level featuring a custom made wooden spiral staircase highlighted by the skylight above. This floor contains a living/dining area with a wood stove; a large galley kitchen with custom cabinetry and access to the main deck; and a study with a wood burning fireplace.

Up one level you will find the primary bedroom with an en-suite bath and access to the 2nd floor deck. This floor is also home to the 2nd bedroom equipped with a Murphy bed allowing the room to be multi-functional and a hall bath. The top level offers a large family room with a wood burning fireplace and an additional space with a wet bar and access to the 3rd floor deck(views getting better & better as you ascend) making it perfect for entertaining! The lower level doesn’t disappoint, offering another bedroom, hall bath, huge storage room with laundry, and access to the attached garage. This home is the perfect balance between historical architecture, modern amenities, and outdoor access. It is also conveniently located close to the newly renovated Cross Street Market, I-95, Camden Yards/M&T Bank Stadium, the MARC train for easy travel to Washington DC, and BWI airport.

CINDY CONKLIN | Monument Sotheby’s
International Realty
Cell: 443-629-0152
cindy.conklin@monumentsothebysrealty.com 

SALLY PFAEFFLE | Monument Sotheby’s
International Realty
Cell: 410-404-2491
sally.pfaeffle@monumentsothebysrealty.com

BRANDON GOLUEKE | Monument Sotheby’s International Realty
Cell: 443-618-5090
brandon.golueke@monumentsothebysrealty.com

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‘The Smoothie Garden’ now open in Federal Hill https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/the-smoothie-garden-now-open-in-federal-hill/ https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/the-smoothie-garden-now-open-in-federal-hill/#respond Wed, 11 Sep 2024 12:41:36 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=195909 The Smoothie Garden is now open at 905 Light St. in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood. Photo by Kevin Lynch/SouthBmore.New smoothie shop The Smoothie Garden has opened at 905 Light St. in Federal Hill. The retail space was previously a vape shop.]]> The Smoothie Garden is now open at 905 Light St. in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood. Photo by Kevin Lynch/SouthBmore.

New smoothie shop The Smoothie Garden has opened at 905 Light St. in Federal Hill. The retail space was previously a vape shop.

The Smoothie Garden is a new business from Montana Logan who previously owned childcare centers. She described herself as someone who “starts diets and doesn’t finish them.” Understanding the need for more healthy and all-natural foods, she had a vision for her new business after seeing the available storefront in Federal Hill. Logan also wants to see kids eating healthy foods at a younger age.

Read more at SouthBmore.

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Canton’s OneDo Coffee Roasters will expand to Rash Field Park in spring 2025 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/cantons-onedo-coffee-roasters-wil-expand-to-rash-field-park-in-spring-2025/ Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:16:10 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=193467 OneDo Coffee Roasters' menu includes coffees, teas, sandwiches, and salads. Photo courtesy of OneDo Coffee Roasters.Serving up coffees, teas, and more in Canton since 2019, OneDo Coffee Roasters will open a new location in Rash Field Park in spring 2025.]]> OneDo Coffee Roasters' menu includes coffees, teas, sandwiches, and salads. Photo courtesy of OneDo Coffee Roasters.

Baltimore caffeine fiends will have a new spot to grab a cup of coffee near the Inner Harbor next year.

OneDo Coffee Roasters is set to open a new location in Rash Field Park in spring 2025.

Serving up coffees, teas, sandwiches, and salads in Canton since 2019, the neighborhood favorite will expand to the Pavilion space at Rash Field.

The Pavilion has remained largely unoccupied since the park opened in 2021, with the exception of Made in Baltimore’s Home Run Accelerator Pop-up event hosted by the Baltimore Development Corporation.

“We’re overjoyed to be opening our new location in the Rash Field Park café space,” said OneDo Coffee Roasters owner Gloria Hwang in a statement. “We believe that the park’s vibrant atmosphere, and our dedication to quality coffee and customer service will create a perfect match. We look forward to becoming a part of this dynamic community space.”

The BDC and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks supported the selection of OneDo Coffee Roasters to fill the Pavilion based on the business’s “appropriate menu, solid business plan, sufficient capital, and keen understanding of what’s needed to succeed in this space,” reads a news release.

“We are proud to welcome OneDo Coffee Roasters to Rash Field, a valuable amenity addition that will undoubtedly enhance the park experience for local families and visitors alike,” said Dan Taylor, Managing Director of Business and Neighborhood Development at the BDC, in a statement. “This partnership highlights BDC’s continued role in the Inner Harbor’s evolution, our commitment to the ongoing development and revitalization of Rash Field Park, and our unwavering support for local minority-owned businesses.”

Like its Canton cafe, the new OneDo Coffee Roasters location in the park will offer coffees using beans they have roasted themselves, as well as teas, sandwiches, and salads.

The Rash Field cafe will provide “Baltimore residents and visitors with high-quality beverages in a picturesque waterfront setting,” reads the news release.

“We’re thrilled to partner with OneDo to provide a great café experience on the waterfront,” said Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore President Laurie Schwartz in a statement. “With the significant increase in Rash Field Park’s daily visitors, this partnership is essential in enriching the waterfront experience for everyone who comes to enjoy this community space.”

The second and final phase of redevelopment at Rash Field Park is slated to begin construction later this year. That phase will include recreation, wellness, and leisure elements, such as a lawn for games and events, gardens, a beach, and walking paths.

Changes already made during phase one include children’s play areas, native wildlife gardens, and Jake’s Skate Park.

While waiting for OneDo Coffee Roasters to open its Rash Field Park location next spring, patrons can visit their Canton cafe at 913 S. Lakewood Ave.

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48,000 sq. ft. Federal Hill office building hits the market for $5 million https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/48000-sq-ft-federal-hill-office-building-hits-the-market-for-5-million/ Fri, 12 Jul 2024 20:23:47 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=191592 A Federal Hill office building is on the market for $5 million. Photo courtesy of Jim Chivers.A 48,000-square-foot office building at 814 Light St. in Federal Hill has hit the market for $5 million.]]> A Federal Hill office building is on the market for $5 million. Photo courtesy of Jim Chivers.

A 48,000 sq. ft. office building at 814 Light St. in Federal Hill has hit the market for $5 million.

The two-story brick building, which sits in the heart of Federal Hill at Light St. and E. Henrietta St. just two blocks from the Inner Harbor, was constructed in 1986. It was previously occupied by Salvation Army and served as the organization’s Central Maryland headquarters.

The property is listed by Jim Chivers, senior vice president of Gold and Company.

Read more at SouthBmore.

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1111 Light Street in Federal Hill converting some office space to apartments, adding convenience store https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/1111-light-street-in-federal-hill-converting-some-office-space-to-apartments-adding-convenience-store/ Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:56:26 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=191176 1111 Light Street in Federal Hill.The 1111 Light Street apartment, office, and retail complex in Federal Hill is going through some changes as it navigates the current real estate market. ]]> 1111 Light Street in Federal Hill.

The 1111 Light Street apartment, office, and retail complex in Federal Hill is going through some changes as it navigates the current real estate market. The fourth floor of the office building is getting converted to six “loft-style” apartments, and a new convenience store will open in the former 7-Eleven.

The fourth floor was formerly the home of Betamore, a technology incubator and co-working space that is now in East Baltimore. It will be replaced by six approximately 1,000 sq. ft. apartments. The apartments will have high ceilings, large windows overlooking Federal Hill and the stadiums, and an “industrial chic” vibe, according to Dominic Wiker of WPM Real Estate Management, the company that manages the complex.

The apartments will be ready for lease on August 1st. Tenants will have access to the amenities in the attached apartment building.

Read more at SouthBmore.

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‘Retrospect Vintage’ opens in Federal Hill https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/retrospect-vintage-opens-in-federal-hill/ Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:13:23 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=190857 Baltimore Orioles hats. Photo courtesy of Retrospect Vintage/Instagram.Retrospect Vintage recently opened in Federal Hill, filling the former storefront of Glow to Go Skin Bar, which closed last year.]]> Baltimore Orioles hats. Photo courtesy of Retrospect Vintage/Instagram.

Retrospect Vintage opened in recent weeks at 906 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. The shop fills a storefront that was the longtime home of Glow to Go Skin Bar before it closed last year.

Retrospect is owned by MJ Broderick, who has been in the vintage clothes business for five years. He was a partner on a shop in Crofton, MD, has been doing pop-ups and online sales over the past year, and opened Retrospect in April. Broderick’s focus is on sportswear, and Orioles gear is his “bread and butter.” He does a drop of Orioles items every Saturday and often gets customers showing up before Retrospect opens at 11am.

Broderick also tries to bring in a lot of Ravens gear, and sells items such as NASCAR shirts, Harley Davidson gear, Olympics apparel, jean shirts, alcohol and cigarette brand clothes, and nature shirts. He also focuses on ugly sweaters around the holidays.

Read more at SouthBmore.

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‘Batter Up Diner’ Coming To Cross Street Market https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/batter-up-diner-coming-to-cross-street-market/ Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=185469 An oriole bird dressed in Baltimore Orioles baseball uniform with "Batter Up Diner" written on the chest. The bird leans on a baseball bat on top of a stack of pancakes. The pancakes sit on a plate with "Cross Street Market" written on it.Batter Up Diner will open this week at Cross Street Market in Federal Hill, taking over the space that was previously Velleggia’s.]]> An oriole bird dressed in Baltimore Orioles baseball uniform with "Batter Up Diner" written on the chest. The bird leans on a baseball bat on top of a stack of pancakes. The pancakes sit on a plate with "Cross Street Market" written on it.

Batter Up Diner will open this week at Cross Street Market in Federal Hill. The diner will take over the fully-enclosed 2,000 sq. ft. space on the Light Street end of the market that was previously Velleggia’s. Batter Up Diner is a concept from hospitality industry veterans Kara McCarthy and Saaby.

The name Batter Up is a play on words that honors Baltimore’s love for sports (the Orioles in this case) and pancake batter as pancakes are “the star of the show” at this new restaurant. The decor will be baseball-themed, and the staff working the counter will have umpire-themed uniforms.

The menu will feature pancakes with bourbon green apple and maple bacon, grilled cheese pancakes, coconut pancakes, carrot cake pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, and more. Batter Up will also serve dippers, which are breakfast meats dipped in pancake batter, fried, and drizzled in maple syrup.

Read more at SouthBmore.

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‘South Baltimore Music Academy’ coming to Federal Hill https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/south-baltimore-music-academy-coming-to-federal-hill/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:30:00 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=183588 Erik Franklin and Joshua Espinoza. Photos courtesy of Patterson Park Academy of Music.South Baltimore Music Academy, a sister location of the Patterson Park Academy of Music, will open on April 8th in Federal Hill.]]> Erik Franklin and Joshua Espinoza. Photos courtesy of Patterson Park Academy of Music.

South Baltimore Music Academy, a sister location of the Patterson Park Academy of Music, will open on April 8th in Federal Hill. South Baltimore Music Academy is a co-tenant of the 740 Light St. office building with The Therapy Stop and The Well.

Patterson Park Academy of Music was launched in 2021 by Joshua Espinoza and Erik Franklin. Espinoza is a pianist and teacher by trade. Franklin was a clarinetist in an Army ensemble at Fort Meade and is also a composer.

Espinoza started teaching piano lessons from his home in Upper Fells Point, soon had a waiting list, and saw the need to build a music school. Espinoza partnered with Franklin and they launched the Patterson Park Academy of Music using rooms at a community center at 100 S. Washington St. in 2021. It has grown to about 150 students.

Patterson Park Academy of Music started getting inquiries from families in South Baltimore and Espinoza and Franklin spent the past two and a half years looking for a space to open a second academy.

Read more at SouthBmore.

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Otterbein feline Squeegee Boy hopes to claw his way to the top of America’s Favorite Pet contest https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/otterbein-feline-squeegee-boy-claws-his-way-to-top-20-in-americas-favorite-pet-contest/ https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/otterbein-feline-squeegee-boy-claws-his-way-to-top-20-in-americas-favorite-pet-contest/#comments Wed, 14 Feb 2024 20:23:57 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=180842 Cat with miniature pumpkins around him and his tongue sticking out.A Baltimore cat named Squeegee Boy has made it to the top 20 in the feline category of the America's Favorite Pet contest -- and he's in the running for top 15! Fans of Squeegee can vote online with one free vote per day, or more votes with a donation.]]> Cat with miniature pumpkins around him and his tongue sticking out.

If this Baltimore Squeegee Boy becomes famous, the magazine cover on which he’ll appear might surprise you.

Squeegee Boy is ready for his closeup, and if he wins the 2024 America’s Favorite Pet contest, he will appear on the cover of Modern Cat magazine. The magazine partners with PAWS.org to run the contest. As of publication time, he is ranked 1st. (Of course there is a Modern Dog magazine and corresponding dog contest as well.)

NOTE: The Squeegee from Baltimore is the gray and white male cat with the tipped ear, not the black and white female cat that shares the same name.

Baltimore resident Emma O’Donnell has been chosen by Squeegee Boy to tend to his every need, though the process was indeed gradual.

Squeegee used to be a neighborhood cat in the Federal Hill/Otterbein area, and O’Donnell told Fishbowl that he was not universally beloved. She chalks that up to Squeegee being discerning in his choice of humans on which to bestow his favor, saving his valuable affection for the neighborhood residents who would set out breakfast for him, and two women in particular who’d also serve him dinner.

Who mew?

“For some reason, he really, really took a liking to me and my house, and he would come to my front door and my windows, and he would just plow his entire head into the window and just squeegee back and forth and back and forth,” O’Donnell said. “It was about seven to nine months of him just squeegeeing my windows. He would slam his little head into it, and with his forehead he would just kind of squeegee back and forth.”

Squeegee Boy singing the song of his people. Photo from King_Squeegee_ IG account.

That’s how Squeegee Boy announced his name to O’Donnell. The way in which he began claiming her territory/home as his own involved a minor catastrophe: he fell off someone’s deck! O’Donnell’s career is in the veterinary medical world, so while his paw needed to heal, she and some of the others in the neighborhood agreed she should keep him inside for a few days.

She kept him in the basement and slept on the floor with him for a few nights, soaking his paw, cleaning the wound, and generally taking round-the-clock care of him when she could, completely unaware that his plot was taking hold. “I think he knew exactly what he was doing because the rest is history,” O’Donnell confessed.

Once healed, Squeegee would appear upstairs for dinner. “He’s only in the living room. It’s really no big deal,” O’Donnell thought, oblivious to the cat’s power. Then when temperatures outside dropped, she brought him inside overnight, thinking, “I’m just gonna let him stay the night like a couple nights a week. He’s not gonna STAY. It’s not my cat. It’s not my cat,” O’Donnell recalled of her succumbing to Squeegee’s spell.

Was Squeegee Boy a balabusta in a previous life? Photo from King_Squeegee_ IG account.

Eventually it was a nightly routine. Squeegee popped out of the bushes when she came home from work, squeegeed her windows until she let him in, stayed the night, and according to O’Donnell, when she left for work, Squeegee left for work, too.

Squeegee’s job involved patrolling the neighborhood, making sure his peers weren’t littering, and hanging out with his (sadly, late) best friend Miss Raven. The all-black cat was a mother figure to Squeegee and taught him how to interact with humans.

During COVID-19, Squeegee executed the final phase of his plan and moved in with O’Donnell full-time. She was moving to an apartment in 2021 just two blocks from her house, and she said, “Oh, Squeegee’s coming with me.” Check, and mate.

The cat has raised O’Donnell and her boyfriend of three years, Jake, using jiujitsu psychology on them to make them think they are raising him. O’Donnell says Jake is a father figure to Squeegee. “Arguably, I think he loves Squeegee more than he loves me, which is understandable,” O’Donnell admits.

The cat is not out of the bag on the contest winner, yet. Screenshot from King_Squeegee_ IG account.

She describes Squeegee now as semi-retired, but always working and vigilant. “Aware of his surroundings, but he’s not going to do anything about them.” He is, after all, around 6 years old. He does spend lots of time on Instagram, though, which O’Donnell encourages. “It helps him stay in touch with some of his city folk a couple blocks away,” she said.

The outdoor cats in the Federal Hill/Otterbein area are part of Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS) Trap, Neuter, and Release program. They’re all vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and their ears are “tipped” so rescuers can tell on sight if they’re healthy and part of the program.

The voting for this round (Top 15 in each group) of America’s Favorite Pet ends Thursday, Feb. 15 at 10 p.m. EST. Squeegee is currently in 1st place as of publication. Voting once per day is free, a $10 donation buys 10 votes, $25 buys 25 votes, and more. On Wednesday, Feb. 14, however, vote totals are doubled, so voters get two votes for every dollar donated. So, $10 buys 20 votes and so on. This promotion ends at midnight EST.

Cat with miniature pumpkins around him and his tongue sticking out.
Squeegee Boy executing the perfect blep. Photo from King_Squeegee_ IG account.

All donations to PAWS.org support their mission to help sick, injured, and orphaned animals, and are tax-deductible.

In addition to being featured on the cover of Modern Cat/Modern Dog magazine, the winning feline and canine will each receive $10,000. If Squeegee wins the cat competition, O’Donnell has committed to donating half of the winnings to BARCS, which helped care for Squeegee during his recovery.

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Owner Henry Shofer seeks to raze former Shofer’s Furniture Clearance Center in Federal Hill to make way for an as-yet unspecified redevelopment project https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/owner-henry-shofer-seeks-to-raze-former-shofers-furniture-clearance-center-in-federal-hill-to-make-way-for-an-as-yet-unspecified-redevelopment-project/ https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/owner-henry-shofer-seeks-to-raze-former-shofers-furniture-clearance-center-in-federal-hill-to-make-way-for-an-as-yet-unspecified-redevelopment-project/#comments Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:56:52 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=172435 The former Shofer's Furniture Clearance Center, at 107-113 S. Charles St. in Federal Hall, is targeted for demolition by its owner. Photo by Ed Gunts.The former Shofer’s Furniture Clearance Center in south Baltimore would be demolished to make way for an as-yet unspecified development project if Baltimore’s preservation commission approves owner Henry Shofer’s application to tear it down.]]> The former Shofer's Furniture Clearance Center, at 107-113 S. Charles St. in Federal Hall, is targeted for demolition by its owner. Photo by Ed Gunts.

The former Shofer’s Furniture Clearance Center in south Baltimore would be demolished to make way for an as-yet unspecified development project if Baltimore’s preservation commission approves owner Henry Shofer’s application to tear it down.

Shofer is seeking permission from Baltimore’s Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) to raze five structures in the city’s Federal Hill Historic District that once housed a clearance center affiliated with the former Shofer’s furniture store at 930 S. Charles St.  

The former Shofer's Furniture store, at 930 S. Charles St., is on the market. Photo by Ed Gunts.
The former Shofer’s Furniture store, at 930 S. Charles St., is on the market. Photo by Ed Gunts.

Shofer is not seeking to tear down the former furniture store, which closed in early 2021 after 106 years in business and is on the market with Cushman & Wakefield as the listing agent.

The buildings Shofer wants to tear down are at 1007 S. Charles St.; 1009-1011 S. Charles St.-front; 1009-1011 S. Charles St.-rear; 1013 S. Charles St.-front and 1013 S. Charles St. rear. The structures facing Charles Street date from the late 1800s and are part of a continuous street wall that stretches along the full block.

Shofer’s application triggered a two-step hearing process that CHAP follows when it receives demolition requests involving buildings in local historic districts such as Federal Hill.

In the first hearing, CHAP considers whether the buildings targeted for demolition are contributing structures to the historic district. If they aren’t, CHAP won’t block the issuance of a demolition permit. But if they are deemed contributing structures, CHAP holds a second hearing to give applicants a chance to discuss their plans for a property and why preserving the buildings in question would pose an economic hardship for them or make redevelopment economically infeasible. 

CHAP held its first hearing on Shofer’s application on Tuesday. Two Shofer representatives, Saul Ewing attorney Thomas Prevas, and Cap Ex Advisory Group executive Tim Pula, told the commissioners that the buildings have been vacant for years, are in poor condition, have lost much of their architectural integrity, and would be very expensive to rehab. They noted, as did a CHAP staff report, that the building at 1007 S. Charles St. was originally taller but its roof collapsed, an upper floor was removed and only the shell of a one-story structure remains.

Prevas read a letter from City Council member Eric Costello, who represents Federal Hill and supports Shofer’s demolition request. Chris Hyde, director of the Baltimore Preservation League, said he believes the structures contribute to the Federal Hill historic district and urged the panel not to approve Shofer’s application.

“The Shofer application must be denied,” Hyde said. “The properties under review today are historically significant and should be preserved.”

According to preservation planner Tyriq Charleus, CHAP’s staff recommends that the panel find that three of the buildings – 1007 S. Charles and the rears of 1009-1011 and 1013 S. Charles – do not contribute to the historic district.  Charleus said the staff recommends that the panel find that the front structures at 1009-1011 and 1013 S. Charles do contribute to the historic district and should be preserved. The panel voted to follow the staff’s recommendations.

The vote means that CHAP will not block Shofer’s efforts to tear down 1007 S. Charles Street and the structures at the rear of 1009-1011 and 1013 S. Charles St., although he still needs a demolition permit from Baltimore’s housing department. But Shofer does not yet have CHAP’s permission to tear down the front buildings at 1009-1011 and 1013 S. Charles Street and must come back for a second hearing before CHAP if he wants to do so.

Shofer said he will ask for a second hearing with CHAP. He said after the vote was taken on Tuesday that he doesn’t have a specific proposal for the site but that whatever is built will be designed to fit in with the rest of the block and area.

“I understand the historic significance of the neighborhood,” he said. “I’m going to replace [the existing buildings] with something that’s going to appear like it’s been there for 100 years.”

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Celebrate the return of Baltimore’s Most Festive Weekend at the waterfront this Saturday and Sunday https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/celebrate-the-return-of-baltimores-most-festive-weekend-at-the-waterfront-this-saturday-and-sunday/ Wed, 29 Nov 2023 17:25:54 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=171062 crowd of people walking at night along a promenade lit with holiday lightsCelebrate the holiday season with the return of Baltimore's Most Festive Weekend at the waterfront on Saturday and Sunday.]]> crowd of people walking at night along a promenade lit with holiday lights

Get ready for Baltimore’s Most Festive Weekend all along the waterfront!

Waterfront Partnership will celebrate the holiday season on Dec. 2 and 3 with Winter on the Waterfront to delight Baltimoreans of all ages. There will be more than 10 ways to kick off the winter fun, with festivals, art, ice skating, so much more.

Districts all along the waterfront, including Fells Point, Harbor Point, Harbor East, and the Inner Harbor will be decorated, lit up, and overflowing with art and holiday wonder.

There will be ice skating at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink, open Saturday from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 – $15, and good for the entire day!

For all you runners (and walkers) and reindeer riders, there is a Reindeer Run 5k at Rash Field Park on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 9:00 am.

Fells Point Old Thyme Christmas will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Broadway Square in Fells Point. Santa will arrive by tugboat at the Broadway Pier, where you can get photos with the big guy and see the lighting of the Christmas Tree. There will be Mensch on a Bench Storytime, crafts, and visitors will be treated to a great view of the Lighted Boat Parade.

The Parade of Lighted Boats will begin at 5:45 p.m. as night falls over the Harbor, and the boats will sail past Fells Point, Harbor East, and the Inner Harbor before returning to Canton.

Saturday (3 p.m. – 8 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m. – 5 p.m.) will see the Holiday Makers Market at Harborplace, with more than 60 homegrown brands and indigenous entrepreneurs displaying their wares for your holiday shopping pleasure. Choose, if you’re able, between Baltimore’s most creative makers showcasing modern streetwear, home goods, self-care products, original art, skate wear, jewelry, and vintage treasures.

On Saturday at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, listen to Baltimore theater icon David DeBoy sing his niche hit single, “Crabs for Christmas,” along with other Baltimore-centric songs at this Saturday afternoon concert! Museum members can enjoy a VIP meet and greet before the concert. Tickets are $5 – $20, and can be purchased by clicking this link. The concert begins at 12:30 p.m.

In addition to these events, visitors can enjoy candle-making workshops, the German American Weekend festivities, music, and so much food! Plan your weekend and learn more about all the activities going on during the return of Baltimore’s Most Festive Weekend by clicking this link.

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Federal Hill Is Back with Festive Holiday Shopping https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/federal-hill-is-back-with-festive-holiday-shopping/ Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=170556 Celebrate on Federal Hill, with lots of “Shop Local Surprises.” Share the joy of the holidays and head to Federal Hill for a little cheer this season. Take a look at some of the upcoming festive events where you can check off that list, shop, dine and enjoy the holiday magic in Federal Hill. Small Business […]]]>

Celebrate on Federal Hill, with lots of “Shop Local Surprises.”

Share the joy of the holidays and head to Federal Hill for a little cheer this season. Take a look at some of the upcoming festive events where you can check off that list, shop, dine and enjoy the holiday magic in Federal Hill.

Small Business Saturday Nov 25th 10am -5pm.
Grab your Small Business Recyclable Tote Bag filled with special offers for the holidays. Stop by the Federal Hill Main Street Visitors Center with a “shop local” store purchase receipt, and get yours before they’re gone! But that’s not all! Showing your receipt will also enter you for a chance to win one of TWO giveaway baskets with local goodies. All the more reason to shop Fed Hill!

Twilight Holiday Madness Friday Dec 1st 4pm – 8pm
Specials that get bigger as the night goes on with goodies & deals in every store. Enjoy progressive sales at your favorite local boutiques. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday night than with a bunch of friends supporting local business while sipping drinks and enjoying charcuterie on site. PLUS, carolers and Santa Claus will be walking around!

Did you know?
Federal Hill is the new ice cream and sweet shop neighborhood with over 12 bakeries, cookies, cupcakes, donuts and Ice Cream Locations. Stop by for a sweet taste of Federal Hill.  

Need gift ideas? Check out Federal Hill’s Gift Guide!

When Shopping Local, we re-invest in our neighborhoods, while helping businesses thrive.

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Bakery ‘Zoe’s Just Dezzerts’ opening in Federal Hill, employs and supports individuals on the autism spectrum https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/bakery-zoes-just-dezzerts-opening-in-federal-hill-employs-and-supports-individuals-on-the-autism-spectrum/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:16:32 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=170569 Photo courtesy of Zoe's Just Dezzerts.Bakery Zoe’s Just Dezzerts opened Thursday at 828 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. The bakery, which focuses on coffee and desserts, is a new business by Jennifer and Adrian Goldzsmidt and their daughter Zoe Goldzsmidt, who has autism.]]> Photo courtesy of Zoe's Just Dezzerts.

Bakery Zoe’s Just Dezzerts opened Thursday at 828 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. The bakery, which focuses on coffee and desserts, is a new business by Jennifer and Adrian Goldzsmidt and their daughter Zoe Goldzsmidt, who has autism.

Jennifer Goldzsmidt told SouthBMore.com they are opening the bakery to give Zoe Goldzsmidt and others on the autism spectrum an opportunity to work. “It’s deliciously inclusive,” said Jennifer Goldzsmidt.

The Goldzsmidt are working with Itineris, a local nonprofit that helps individuals on the autism spectrum find employment, to staff Zoe’s. Jennifer Goldzsmidt will manage the staff at Zoe’s in consultation with Itineris.

Jennifer Goldzsmidt said it’s important for Zoe Goldzsmidt, who will be running the counter at Zoe’s, to interact with people. Zoe Goldzsmidt has a passion for baking, is a lover of chocolate cookies, and also enjoys singing and performing. Jennifer Goldzsmidt described Zoe Goldzsmidt as intelligent, loving, and adorable.

Items at Zoe’s will include cakes, pies, tarts, brownies, cookies, pastries, and more. It will also serve coffee and espresso drinks.

Read more at SouthBmore.

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Southwest Baltimore neighborhoods receive nearly $700k for community projects https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/southwest-baltimore-neighborhoods-receive-nearly-700k-for-community-projects/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:30:00 +0000 https://baltimorefishbowl.com/?p=170534 two people working on repairing the roof of a gazeboSouth and Southwest Baltimore communities are receiving an influx of financial support to the tune of $671,918 in community grants to support projects and programs in multiple neighborhoods, thanks to the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership.]]> two people working on repairing the roof of a gazebo

South and Southwest Baltimore communities are receiving an influx of financial support to the tune of $671,918 in community grants to support projects and programs in multiple neighborhoods, thanks to the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP).

The neighborhoods that will benefit from this grant money include Cherry Hill, Federal Hill, Otterbein, Pigtown, Sharp-Leadenhall, and others. The partnership is governed by a board of directors made up of residents and business owners from the area.

Funding for these grants is provided by the Local Impact Grants generated by video lottery terminals, including at the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore. SBGP was established in 2016 to help administer the funds generated by the terminals so that they improved the communities surrounding the casinos that created the revenue.

The partnership focuses on environmental sustainability, health and wellness, and community development and revitalization in the area southwest of Horseshoe Casino. Since its inception, “SBGP has committed approximately $30.9 million of core intergovernmental Local Impact Grant funds to projects across the SBGP District, ranging from small community grants to large capital projects,” according to the press release announcing the funding.

One program that will benefit is MedStar Harbor Hospital’s Mobile Community Health Center.

“Bringing vital healthcare services beyond hospital walls to historically underserved communities is essential to MedStar Harbor Hospital’s goals for community health in South Baltimore. We’re thrilled to receive support from SBGP, which will allow us to expand access to quality care through our Mobile Health Center,” said Jill Donaldson, president of MedStar Harbor Hospital. “This generous grant will support the funding of a bilingual Community Health Advocate and Mobile Health Center operations as it journeys to locations to deliver health screenings and preventative services. Together with SBGP, we’re making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors.”

Betty Bland-Thomas, president of Historic Sharp-Leadenhall, spoke of programs in her neighborhoods that increase knowledge and access to resources.

“Our mission of community engagement through active resident participation in programs and events will be greatly expanded through this grant funding. We’re looking forward to engaging neighbors with a Heritage Festival, as well as a new website for people to learn more about Historic Sharp-Leadenhall, walking tours, neighborhood resources, and year-round community events,” said Bland-Thomas.

In Federal Hill and Federal Hill South, the funds will help Baltimore Outreach Services continue to provide access to resources for their community members.

“We’re excited that our Shelter Youth Education program has been funded for the 2023 – 2024 academic year,” said Yvonne Terry, executive director for Baltimore Outreach Services. “Our organizational goals include providing the resources and services necessary to increase stability for the families we serve and enhance their quality of life, which includes the children’s education programs. Including support for family quiet time for connection, this grant will also fund after-school programs with individualized, board-certified tutoring support for reading, math, and homework.”

Other programs that will benefit from the newly announced funding include:

  • “Reach High Baltimore” will form a new, year-round program, expanding an existing partnership with Restoring Inner City Hope, Inc. (RICH) that engages Baltimore City School students in the sport of rowing. Funding will be used to cover costs related to staffing, additional equipment, transportation, uniforms, and overhead expenses supporting this program at the boathouse. (Baltimore Community Rowing, Cherry Hill)
  • “Boosting Community Wellness” will support operating expenses to expand existing staff, develop website and communications strategies, and develop a robust infrastructure for community initiatives that address health and wellness, housing, and fitness needs. (Mount Winans Community Association, Mount Winans & Lakeland)
  • The “Pride II: Free Sails for Gateway Communities” program was developed to ensure access to local waters for all Baltimoreans, promote historical maritime education, support health and recreation, and encourage environmental stewardship. During a free, two-hour sail, participants learn about historic tall ship sailing and may participate in raising and lowering the sails. (Pride of Baltimore, Inc., Federal Hill & Pigtown)

A full list of Community Grants awards can be found by clicking this link.

A new round of SBGP Community Grants funding will be available this coming winter in 2024. Visit this link to learn more and apply.

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