The real estate boom in South Baltimore continues as another major residential real estate development is planned for the University Specialty Hospital site in Otterbein at 601 S. Charles St.  A plan for a charter school was rejected for the building last year and the Abell Foundation is now pursuing apartments.  From an article in the Baltimore Business Journal:

Neighbors are expected to support a residential development on the site because it would generate much less traffic than the charter school the Abell Foundation originally proposed, said Baltimore City Councilman William H. Cole IV, who is sponsoring the land use legislation.

Embry (Robert C. Embry of the Abell Foundation) said it’s still too early to discuss project cost, the number of units in the building, or whether major modifications are needed on the site. Asked whether demolishing the former hospital was a possibility, Embry said, “that’s an option, but we’re not assuming that.”

The Abell Foundation also created a lot of headlines in SoWeBo last year for a very unpopular move to purchase 1001 and 1101 West Pratt St. for the relocation of the UMMC Walter P. Carter drug treatment clinic, as well as saving Baltimore Behavioral Health from their foreclosure.

The Armoire Moves to Light Street

Federal Hill consignment shop The Armoire has moved from 735 S. Hanover St. to 905 Light St. at the former home of Coldwell Banker in the Federal Hill Business District.  The Armoire’s slogan is “The Most Happening Consignment Shop in Town.”

Alozio Hair Opens on Light St.

More updates for the highly-active Light St. as Alozio Hair has opened at 920 Light St., the former (brief) home of Happy Times. This location is part of the recently renovated cluster of properties at 916-924 Light St.

Brightside Boutique Adds Online Sales

The popular Federal Hill boutique, Brightside Boutique & Art Studio, at 1133 S. Charles St. has launched a new website, ShopBrightside.com. Shoppers can now purchase the boutique’s items online.

Five Points Tavern Closes

Locust Point’s Five Points Tavern at 1120 E. Fort Ave. is currently closed  as a liquor license issue is posted on the front door.  We’ll keep you posted on the business and location.

Waterfront Promenade Could Soon Feature Cycling

Baltimore Business Journal is reporting that the Department of Transportation is requesting to study the addition of bike paths along Baltimore’s seven-mile waterfront promenade from Canton to Locust Point.  From the article:

The city’s Department of Transportation is requesting $43,627 to study implementing bike paths along the city’s waterfront promenade, an almost seven-mile stretch that runs from the Museum of Industry in Federal Hill to Canton Waterfront Park.

The study, which will be funded by a 2012 grant of $50,000 from the Maryland Bikeways Program, will compare Baltimore’s waterfront promenade to cities with similar conditions.

Sowebo Arts Release: 

2013 Sowebo Arts and Music Festival:
May 26, Memorial Weekend Sunday, Noon-8pm; rain or shine

The 28th annual music, visual arts, food, beverage, arts & crafts, and all-around fun extravaganza is all set for Sunday May 26. It surrounds the historic Hollins Market and environs.  There’s something for everybody.

We have three stages with great line-ups of bands. We have over 70 creative artists bringing their unique fashion gear, photography, jewelry, hats, artwork, leather work, one of a kind clothing, candles, body oils, and gifts. All affordable and yours to take home!

As always, we will have our not for the faint-of-heart, non-juried Salon Style Art Show. For one day only, enjoy the work of some of the Baltimore area’s talented painters, photographers, printmakers, sculptors and multi-media visual artists. Work is displayed at the: Sowebo Festival Art Show Gallery 18 S. Schroeder St.

Sowebo Interactive Arts, sometimes call children’s activities, but for the kid in us all, will again feature sail painting and hat making.

There will be plenty to eat and drink while you enjoy your favorite local bands, people watch, and

checkout the wares of our arts and crafts vendors.

Visit our festival webpage for more information.

The Taste Of Two Cities
To Flame Healthy Competition Between Baltimore-D.C. Food Trucks
Second annual food truck competition to take place June 1
Helps local United Ways tackle food insecurity

Baltimore, MD (May 20, 2013) – On June 1, A Taste Of Two Cities will return to Baltimore’s Rash Field to unite at least 40 Baltimore and District of Columbia food trucks over a healthy competition benefitting the local United Ways’ efforts against food insecurity.

The second annual A Taste Of Two Cities presented by The Gathering is a premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Baltimore’s and D.C.’s food truck dining community. The competition brings a new and exciting dimension to the food truck festival experience—highlighting an outstanding culinary community of mobile food vendors and foodies.

The delicious array of food served at The Taste Of Two Cities will be complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family—including volleyball and corn hole tournaments, a kids’ play space, an outdoor marketplace, and much more. Participating bands include Brooks Long and the Mad Dog No Good, Old Man Brown and Bosley.

A Taste Of Two Cities
June 1, 2013
12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Rash Field
www.tasteoftwocities.com

The event will feature at least 20 Baltimore City food trucks and 20 from Washington, D.C., and the trucks will be judged by ten local personalities. The winner of the competition will be presented The Mayor’s Cup Trophy by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and in an effort to raise awareness of the need for accessible healthy food for all people, United Way of Central Maryland’s Healthy Food Ambassador Molly Shattuck will present United Way’s Golden Carrot Award to a food truck with the healthiest item on its menu. Also awarded will be the People’s Choice Award. Judging for The Mayor’s Cup will be based on several categories including best dessert, best BBQ, best crab dish and most innovative creation.

“Expanding access to the right food doesn’t simply stave off hunger,” said UWCM president and CEO Mark Furst. “Nutritious food contributes to overall health and well-being, and supports academic success in children. United Way of Central Maryland is grateful to be a beneficiary of this year’s A Taste Of Two Cities and we are excited to be able to unite the local food community around one of the most dire needs in our area: food insecurity.” United Way of Central Maryland’s focus is to bring financial stability, good health and ultimately self-sufficiency to central Marylanders facing poverty.

The event aims to raise awareness of United Way of Central Maryland’s Access to Healthy Food Initiative, and all attendees are encouraged to bring a healthy non-perishable food item to donate. Those who donate a healthy food item will receive a $2 discount on admission. A portion of the proceeds from the event will also benefit United Way of Central Maryland.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness will launch the day’s activities with a 5K Vision Walk around the Inner Harbor, ending at Rash Field. The gates of The Taste Of Two Cities will open at noon. In addition to food delights from the food trucks, beer, wine and mixed drinks will be available to those older than 21 throughout the day. Admission to the festival costs $5 per adult and free for children 12 and under. VIF (Very Important Foodie) tickets are available for $50 and include food and drink tickets as well as covered seating.

Admission may be purchased in advance at www.tasteoftwocities.com.

To learn more about A Taste Of Two Cities, please visit www.tasteoftwocities.com.

To learn more about United Way of Central Maryland, please visit www.uwcm.org.

To learn more about Foundation Fighting Blindness or to register for the Walk, please visit http://www.fightblindness.org.

Hi, my name is Joker!  At around a year old, I’m still just a puppy and very eager to please.  And I don’t mean to brag, but I’m a Playgroup all-star!  I love playing with the other dogs at the shelter just as much as I love giving kisses to the humans who walk me.  I’m pretty calm for such a young pup, and I’m also smaller than my picture looks – only about 35 pounds!  My gentle and friendly demeanor would make me a wonderful addition to your home!  I’ve been at the shelter for far too long, and no one knows why because I’m such a good boy.  Won’t you please come down to BARCS to meet me?

Sasha

My name is Sasha, and I’m a sweet and gentle girl!  I’m a 2 year old beautiful terrier mix.  I’m very cuddly, and I love when it’s my turn to go for a walk because I can sneak in some cuddle time, too.  I walk well on a loose leash.  The trainers say I’m food motivated, which means I’m very trainable.  Well, who doesn’t like treats?!  I also like toys – you can watch me chase a tennis ball in my video on the BARCS webpage.  I also listen well, love to lay down to have my belly rubbed, and know sit!  I think I would make a great addition to your home – please stop by and see me very soon!

Vizzle

Hi, I’m Vizzle! I was adopted from BARCS but had to come back because my adopter had to care for his elderly mother and didn’t have enough time for me.  That made me very sad, but I’m hoping that I find a family that will love me forever, because I have a lot of love to give!  I’m housebroken and I love people!  I enjoy taking long walks and making new friends. I love to play with the other pups in play group – I’m a play group all-star!  If you look at my profile on the BARCS webpage you’ll see more photos of me having fun.  The trainers say that I’m so silly in play group and just shrug it off if other dogs are rude.  I’m also very polite with shy dogs.  Please come down and meet me today!

Adopting a shelter dog is truly saving a life. The shelters cannot save animals without support from the community in the form of adoptions, fostering, volunteering and donations.  If you would like to meet these pups, please contact Joe Miletti at JMiletti@barcsanimalshelter.org. If you are interested in fostering, please contact foster@baltimoreanimalshelter.org.  If you cannot adopt or foster the dogs but would like to help them on their quest to find a forever family, please share their story via social media.

Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is located at 301 Stockholm St., Baltimore, MD. 21230.  For directions: http://goo.gl/maps/rndi.  BARCS is open to the public Monday through Friday 2pm-6pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm.

Visit their website at www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org. For more information about volunteering, fostering or adopting from BARCS, please contact Joe at JMiletti@barcsanimalshelter.org.

Transfer of Ownership at Former Pazza Luna

Pazza Luna located at 1401 E. Clement St. was once one of the more popular restaurants on the South Peninsula but has since seen a carousel of owners and liquor license transfers.  At this time last year SouthBMore.com wrote about a transfer that was submitted for ‘The Cardinal Tavern,’  but a restaurant never materialized. Once again there is an application for transfer, as well as a request for live entertainment, under the name ‘Sweet Caroline’s.’  A public hearing for the Locust Point restaurant will be held on or after May 30th.

Liquor License Transfer Sought for Charles and Cross

There isn’t a more abandoned Federal Hill property in prime real estate than the parking lot and former auto body shop at the SW corner of Charles St. and Cross St. at 1100-1106 S. Charles St.  Several years ago a plan was put together for a restaurant called ‘Federales’ to include Turner’s old liquor license, but a real estate deal was never finalized and the group led by Brian McComas of the Ryleigh’s restaurant group is now focused on Crossbar Der Biergarten.

Now there is an application for the old Rowhouse Grille liquor license, which now owns Corks old liquor license, to 1100-1106 S. Charles St.  under the business name Michael’s Charles Street.

We’ll keep you posted on this development. A public hearing will be held on or after May 30th.

New Mexican Restaurant for Hollins Market

The former location of Baltimore Pho and the Cultured Pearl at 1114 Hollins St. in Hollins Market has seen its share of owners and transfers over the last several years.  A recent attempt at ‘Herb and Soul‘ never came to fruition, but now an experienced Mexican restaurant group will be opening a restaurant at the location. Renovations are currently underway inside and Hollins Roundhouse recently supported their liquor license transfer request.

Zella’s Reopened

The long-anticipated return of Zella’s Pizzeria under its original ownership of Julie Ernst and Cem Ari  is finally here! The restaurant reopened last week at 1145 Hollins St. in Hollins Market.

Ernst and Ari sold Zella’s in 2010 and since opened Toss in North Baltimore.

The Hill to Become Joey B’s Bar and Grill

The new ownership of The Hill has decided to rebrand the restaurant at 1019 S. Charles St. as Joey B’s Bar and Grill.  From a recent article in the Baltimore Business Journal:

Jason Zink, who owns No Idea in South Baltimore, helped new owners Jake Ruppert and his fatherBill Ruppert develop the new concept for the restaurant.

One of the suggestions he fielded included streamlining the menu. Zink said the new owners were taking inspiration from places they liked to dine, such as Thames Street Oyster House and Catonsville Gourmet. In our interview a few weeks ago, Zink said the new owners were leaning toward a seafood-centered menu.

Polock Johnny’s Looking for a New Home

The original Polock Johnny’s on 3212 Washington Blvd. in Southwest Baltimore, famous for its sausages and hot dogs,  recently closed as the adjacent liquor store and property owner decided to expand into their location.  They are looking for a new home and you can vote on their future location with Halethorpe, English Council, Lansdowne, Linthicum Heights or Morrell Park as the options.

Snoasis Closes, Out of the Blue to Open

As news of a major developmenttaking over the property anchored by HarboreQue and Snoais at 1421 Lawrence St. in Locust Point, both restaurants will have to leave the property.  HarborQue is currently searching for a new home and a sign in front of Snoasis reads that you can now get snowballs at Out of the Blue Cafe at 1442 E. Fort Ave.

Directed by Fred Genau

Produced and Edited by Kevin Lynch

Starring Kevin Lynch, Fred Genau, Hansel Lynch and Aristocrat Genau

Official Contest Details:

Hi! My name is Darla and I am 3 year old terrier mix. I am quite a sociable lady- I attend regular play group with other doggies at BARCS and also marched in the SPCA’s March for the Animals with some volunteers. They told me I was a very good girl, it was super crowded there with lots of other dogs and people, but I was very cool and nothing bothered me. Plus, I had no problem walking all day- I love walks!! But, what I really would love is my own special human to give me a home. If you think you might be my human, please come to BARCS today and adopt me!

Ariel

Hi, my name is Ariel, and I’m a sweet and gentle girl. I’m a bit scared at the shelter and can’t wait to find my forever home! I participate in play group with the other shelter dogs and I’m starting to become more comfortable with my new environment, but I’d really love a safe and comfortable home to call my own. I’m a gentle soul and love to cuddle. Please come to BARCS to meet me!

Daphne

Hi, I’m Daphne!  I’m a sweet, energetic, 2 year old terrier mix pup that loves life! I participate in play group at the shelter and love playing with all the other dogs. I’ve been told I have a lot of personality and would make a great companion. I can’t wait to meet my forever family that can share my zest for life!

Adopting a shelter dog is truly saving a life. The shelters cannot save animals without support from the community in the form of adoptions, fostering, volunteering and donations.  If you would like to meet these pups, please contact Joe Miletti at JMiletti@barcsanimalshelter.org. If you are interested in fostering, please contact foster@baltimoreanimalshelter.org.  If you cannot adopt or foster the dogs but would like to help them on their quest to find a forever family, please share their story via social media.

Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is located at 301 Stockholm St., Baltimore, MD. 21230.  For directions: http://goo.gl/maps/rndi.  BARCS is open to the public Monday through Friday 2pm-6pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm.

Visit their website at www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org. For more information about volunteering, fostering or adopting from BARCS, please contact Joe at JMiletti@barcsanimalshelter.org.

Sowebo Running & Walking Club of Baltimore Release:

SOWEBO FAMILY FIELD DAY TO BE HELD IN HISTORIC FRANKLIN SQUARE
Free Event Features Family-friendly Activities to Encourage Active and Healthy Play

Baltimore, Maryland:The Sowebo Family Field Day is a free event presented by the Sowebo Running & Walking Club of Baltimore (SRWCB), in partnership with Friends of West Baltimore Squares and Franklin Square Community Association,on Saturday May 18, 2013 from 11am-3pm in historicFranklin Square Park. Activities will include foot races, sack races, pogo sticks and hula-hoops, biking safety workshops, sports clinics, and more. The SRWCB also hosts the Sowebo Landmark 5k run/walk in the fall.

The goal of each SRWCB event is to take strides against childhood obesity by having a presence in the community thatencourages running, walking, and active play for better health, while highlighting the strengths of Southwest Baltimore (SoWeBo). Research has shown that residents of Southwest Baltimore have disproportionately poorer health outcomes and higher rates of unhealthy behaviors when compared to national averages. Tackling childhood obesity is a national and local priority. While a number of government and private initiatives are focused around childhood obesity, none are focused on Southwest Baltimore.

“Sowebo has so much to offer,” says Suz Kashnow, Vice President of the SRWCB. “In addition to beautiful parks and historic squares, we have an active group of citizens dedicated to improving the lives of all of our residents.”  The Club hopes to link efforts with local schools, businesses and health care resources to become not only positive role models for youth but also a model of civil engagement for other communities to follow.

About Sowebo Running & Walking Club of Baltimore
The Sowebo Running and Walking Club of Baltimore aims to unite neighbors, families, schools, and local resources to empower our youth to be active, eat well, and lead healthy lives. Sowebo residents have joined with the Chesapeake Center for Youth Development (CCYD), the Southwest Baltimore Charter School, Friend of West Baltimore Squares, and the Franklin Square Community Association to step up and take action to tackle childhood/teenage obesity and create active healthy communities.