Four months after city officials evicted its tenants, the Bell Foundry arts building has been put up for sale.
Avenue Real Estate last week listed the property at 1539 Calvert Street for sale for $1 million.
“Development Opportunity – Station North Bell Foundry,” the listing states. “Most recently used as Art studios and home to the Baltimore Rock Opera Society.”
The Bell Foundry housed a variety of artists until Dec. 5, when city officials evicted the tenants due to fire code violations and unsafe conditions. The evictions came shortly after dozens of artists were killed in a fire in an Oakland, Calif., artist building called “Ghost Ship.”
One local tenant, the Baltimore Rock Opera Society, has been allowed to return to the Bell Foundry as a tenant, but it is also searching for a permanent new home.
The city’s action triggered a community debate about the need for safe and affordable housing for artists. Mayor Catherine Pugh formed a task force to create safe living and work spaces for local artists. The group still has several meetings left, but in the meantime, Pugh has issued an executive order directing authorities to let artists remain in buildings found to be in violation of city codes in certain circumstances.
The Bell Foundry is part of the Station North Arts and Entertainment District. It’s a three-story building with 13,000 square feet of space on about three-tenths of an acre. The building dates from 1920. The property does not have off-street parking.
Ware House 518 Has Closed
Ware House 518, the bar and restaurant in the old Louie’s Bookstore Café space on Charles Street, has closed permanently. Owner and chef Ezra Tilaye said the business has been sold and new owners are planning a different concept and are eager to get in the space.
“It is with a heavy heart today that we announce Ware House 518 has been sold and has closed,” Tilaye wrote in Facebook post. “We have enjoyed our many years at 518 North Charles Street, but we have found a wonderful successor for the Mount Vernon community. We would like to leave by saying Thank You!…We bid you farewell, Baltimore.”
Ware House had been at the Charles Street location since 2014. Many people still think of it as Louie’s Bookstore and Café, a business run by Jimmy Rouse. The new concept is a gay-friendly lounge.
Bozzuto and War Horse Collaborate on 47-Home Community in Locust Point
Two developers, Bozzuto and War House, are collaborating to build Alta 47, a 47-unit town house community on a former trucking terminal in Locust Point.
Mayor Catherine Pugh will join developers Toby Bozzuto of Bozzuto and Scott Plank of War Horse for a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday at 9 a.m. The event will be held at 1520 Beason Street, near the Under Armour headquarters on Hull Street.
‘Yappy Hours’ Coming to Harbor Point
Dogs and their owners will get their own event on the harbor this spring when the Waterfront Partnership holds two “Yappy Hours” at Harbor Point.
May 5 and June 2 are the dates for the events, which will be held from 5-8 p.m. at Harbor Point’s Central Plaza, 1310 Dock Street. The event include live music, drinks and food trucks. BFF Waggin’ will be present with dogs and cats available for adoption.
Philly Pretzel Factory is the Newest Tenant at Harborplace
Philly Pretzel Factory opened a shop this spring in the Light Street Pavilion at Harborplace, featuring soft pretzels. This is its first location in Baltimore.
This story has been corrected to reflect the correct name of the realty company that is selling the Bell Foundry, as well as the lot size.
“and are eager to get in the space.”
Oh my … someone who know the difference between eager and anxious! Thank you!
The city doesn’t need affordable housing for artists. They need to get off their artsy asses and find a way to pay rent like the rest of us.