Baltimore’s Harborplace pavilions will get seven new temporary merchants by summer with help from the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and its Black Owned and Operated Storefront Tenancy (BOOST) program.
MCB Real Estate, the owner of Harborplace, and the Downtown Partnership this week released the names of seven merchants who will each sign license agreements permitting them to be tenants at Harborplace for two years.
MCB has long-range plans to demolish the two retail pavilions at Pratt and Lights streets and replace them with a $500 million mixed-use development that includes two residential towers, shops, restaurants, offices and green space.
To activate the pavilions and help draw visitors to the Inner Harbor while it firms up its long-range plans – which need voter approval in the November election — MCB is filling vacant storefronts in the existing pavilions with tenants who agree to occupy space on a short-term basis and move out when the developer is ready to proceed with construction.
MCB disclosed plans last year to work with the Downtown Partnership and create a Harborplace version of its BOOST program. In the past, the program has been used to help businesses find bricks-and-mortar locations with the idea that they would be permanent additions to the retail mix downtown. For the Harborplace version, applicants were told from the start that there would be a time limit to their tenancy but they would otherwise get the same degree of support, technical assistance and coaching as merchants chosen in previous rounds of the program.
Five of the selected merchants will occupy “suites” in an area of the Light Street Pavilion that will be called The Baltimore Boutique. They are:
- Cuples Tea, a premium loose-leaf tea company curating a collection of teas and tea accessories. It will be the second location for the business, operated by husband and wife owners Eric and Lynnette Dodson.
- Milton’s Daughters, a shop providing authentic waist beads and cultural accessories as well as crystals, herbs and spiritual tools, owned and operated by Amanda Hynson.
- Pandora’s Box by Monesha Philips, featuring “a unique selection of the latest trends, jewelry, gifts, home decor, and personal accessories.”
- Storybook Maze, a literacy community outreach movement by Araba Maze that seeks to eliminate book deserts by installing free public book vending machines.
- Yele Stitches, an African Luxury brand creating custom and handmade dresses, tops, bridal gowns, and more owned and operated by designer Abisola Omoyele “Yelé” Oladeinde.
Merchants that will occupy space in the Pratt Street pavilion are:
- MoreLife Organic Juice, a family-run juice company from Toluwaloju Runsewe and Nicole Scott, focused on making organic juices, herbal teas, and raw vegan snacks.
- Motion Athletics, an athleticwear brand with a fashion and streetwear focus owned and operated by Idris Coleman.
The Downtown BOOST Harborplace Incubator was made possible by MCB Real Estate and the Office of Mayor Brandon Scott. It brings to nearly 20 the number of merchants selected for the BOOST program since it was launched in 2021. Five were selected in 2021 and five more in 2023.
Organizers had planned to announce the new Harborplace tenants during a press briefing at the Light Street Pavilion on Wednesday morning, but it was postponed because a member of the program tested positive for COVID-19.
According to information provided before the event was postponed, the BOOST business owners are expected to begin their storefront buildouts this month, after they sign their license agreements.
Each tenant will be able to use up to $25,000 in grant funds to support their physical space needs, as well as technical, legal, marketing, zoning and permitting services, and accounting support. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held this summer, once the storefront buildouts are completed.
“We are thrilled to have all of these incredible businesses sign these agreements to activate our historic waterfront shopping center, finding exciting ways to re-energize and stimulate Harborplace just in time for Baltimore’s high tourism season,” said Downtown Partnership president Shelonda Stokes, in a statement.
“This Incubator Program is designed to support and accelerate growth of local and minority entrepreneurs by exposing them to new customers, while seeding them with a full complement of resources in an environment supported by other BOOSTers,” she said.
“At its best, Harborplace represents the beating heart of Baltimore – bringing together people from all walks of life to recreate, shop, and enjoy our city’s extraordinary waterfront,” said MCB Real Estate managing partner P. David Bramble, in a statement.
“Harborplace is where I celebrated holidays, birthdays and special occasions with friends and family to create cherished memories” Bramble said. “For decades, Harborplace has inspired wonder and excitement across the world, attracting legions of tourists and admirers.
“As we look to reinvigorate the heart of our city, we couldn’t be more excited to continue the amazing momentum of our Local Tenancy Plan with the addition of seven BOOST businesses who will open this summer. We are proud to provide space and funding for these home-grown businesses and hope all of Baltimore will support these amazing entrepreneurs by visiting them at Harborplace.”
More information about the BOOST Program and the Downtown Partnership’s other initiatives is available at GoDowntownBaltimore.com/.
The Baltimore chapter of the American Institute of Architects is presenting a panel discussion about the history and future of the Inner Harbor, entitled “Inner Harbor 2024: A City Planning Conversation,” at the Baltimore Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, 202 E. Pratt Street, on May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.
What a waster of time. Until crime is under control, which it won’t be, I still wouldn’t go to the harbor and I live here.
I don’t think this list of stores will bring people to Harborplace. Sounds a little boring and sad they can’t come with stores that appeal to the masses. I’m sad that this continues to be unimaginative!