Pinpointing the start of Baltimore’s revitalization
June 16, 2008
I came across a post this morning on the East Coast Bias blog called “Baltimore Orioles, City Reinvents Self,” that remarked on how much the city has changed in the past decade or so.
Without a doubt, much of the development that brings the after hours crowds and the weekend tourists to Baltimore wasn’t here 20 years ago (the Camden Yards Sports Complex and all of Harbor East to name a few). But a PBS documentary that aired last week on Maryland Public Television reminded us that Baltimore’s revitalization began much earlier than that.
Nearly 50 years ago, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor was one of the city’s “worst areas, full of rotting, rat infested piers and trash,” according to the documentary “Global Harbors: A Waterfront Renaissance.” But then a group of city planners came along with the goal of turning it into a waterfront destination that would once again breathe life into the city.
The model would be followed years later by Sydney, Australia, and other waterfront cities looking for a business and tourism renaissance. But, the documentary said, there were some bumps along the way, such as the late 1970s protests to building Harbor Place on open space that was enjoyed by many.
Today large retail stores like Best Buy and Bed, Bath and Beyond are moving in, but parking is an issue for those who might want to shop downtown.
Baltimore’s hospitality industry is also growing, and the city visitor’s bureau is bringing more conventions here to fill up the hotel rooms that are being added. But at a panel discussion last week, members from that industry expressed concern that both the slowing economy and competition from the Washington area would cause a growth plateau period for Baltimore’s hotel occupancy rate for the next couple of years.
Do you think the city’s tourists and weekend shoppers will be able to support the continuing renaissance in downtown? Or are there things you dislike about the expansion — then and now — and think the city ought to pay more attention to preserving some of the open space?
LIZ FARMER, Business Writer
Sphere: Related ContentComments
2 Responses to “Pinpointing the start of Baltimore’s revitalization”
Got something to say?
-
Business
Business postsLaw
Law posts- Garrett closer to getting a judge
- Can’t do the canned food drive
- Is Harrell the new Cathell?
- Uphill climb for gas-leak plaintiffs
- This week in Maryland Lawyer
- ‘Generally happy’ with billable training
- Law blog round-up
- Possible Enzyte trouble for Venable?
- Eiswert, Sherbin seek Garrett bench seat
- Blogger arrested for leaking songs
Recent Posts
- Bowie Baysox made the playoffs - if anyone noticed
- Garrett closer to getting a judge
- Wound up about design
- Loyola gets a nod for its tech offerings
Recent Comments
- Russell D. McGeorge: Don’t they still feel pressured to meet what they know to be the recent standard? If I...
- BeagleMom: I truly think it depends on each individuals situation and financial stability. With the economy...
- Kathleen Cook: Jeff is right. Not a proud moment. This one is doubly not proud. As the $1.5 mill wife, I was not an...
- Ginger Wassum: I was another unfortunate person who was traveling from another state on a quiet Sunday morning to...
- tfr: Yes. I have seen a deer in the City. Foxes too.
On Commenting
We ask that our readers follow a few guidelines, noted below.Please do not post any personal attacks, profanity, spam or other advertisements — they will be removed. Also, please post using only one name or pseudonym, as this consistency helps establish a sense of community. We will delete posts if they are signed with different names but originate from the same IP or email address. And if you’re going to comment using a proper name, please make it your own. Deliberate misrepresentations will be removed.
Wait…a Bed Bath and Beyond is in the works for Baltimore?
Brandon, thanks for pointing that out. BB&B isn’t that great of an example because it’s further outside the city. A better example of the shopping development would be the Whole Foods Market by Fells point or the Banana Republic near the Best Buy.