Harbor East, Baltimore

Harbor East is a relatively new mixed-use development project in Downtown Baltimore, Maryland. Harbor East, in the 21202 zip code (which encompasses most of Downtown Baltimore’s Inner Harbor)is recognized as “one of the most successful urban renaissances in the country.” [cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Blast Off | date=2008-03-01 | publisher=Penton Media Inc. | url =http://retailtrafficmag.com/mag/retail_blast_off_0312/index.html | work =retailtrafficmag.com | pages = | accessdate = 2008-07-14 | language = ]

History

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor waterfront was filled with decaying warehouses from the industrial boom in the 1900’s. In 1983, Baltimore city officials hired a planning team for Inner Harbor East renewal area; this planning team included Stan Eckstut of Cooper Eckstut Associates. Three years later, in 1986, John Paterakis was approached by then Governor William Donald Schaefer to purchase a piece of land. Schaefer had instructed John Paterakis to buy the land for $11.4 million dollars from Michael Silver with the idea that the city would re-purchase the land from him within the year at an interest and tax adjusted price of $13.4 million. [Paterakis, John. Personal interview. 7 July 2008.]

Design

The initial plan stressed both sidewalks and streets to connect residents and visitors to the waterfront. “The public space system was highlighted by a convert|2000|ft|m|sing=on waterfront promenade that acts as a link to the Inner Harbor and to other nearby residential areas; bikers, joggers, and leisurely strollers bustle along this waterfront space."Inner Harbor East Baltimore, MD." [The American Institute of Architects. 2000. AIA. 1 July 2008 .”]

The idea was to decrease the height of the buildings near the waterfront to create views of both the waterfront and the city, incorporated aspects of Mount Vernon Place with those of Fells Point and Little Italy. Harbor East would not only be a mixed-use area utilizing additional space for retail shops and restaurants.

Harbor East Today

Harbor East has had a significant impact on the community and is continuing development. Legg Mason is currently in the processes of moving their headquarters from the tallest building in Baltimore, the USFG building to Harbor East. The new Legg Mason building is being built directly next to a Four Seasons Hotel, which is also in the construction process.

“The development of Inner Harbor East maximizes the existing history, culture, tradition, and economic health of the Inner Harbor. The dense urban development uses less land, is more pedestrian-oriented, and creates more value for the existing area. ["Inner Harbor East Baltimore, MD." The American Institute of Architects. 2000. AIA. 1 July 2008 .] ”

Shop at Harbor East

• Arhaus • AT&T • Benjamin Lovell Shoes • Bin 604 • City Sports • Gaines McHale Antiques & Home • Glarus Chocolatier • Handbags and the City • Harbor Bank of Maryland • Harbor Cleaners • Harbor News • Kashmir Imports • PAD • South Moon Under • Spa Sante • Urban Adventure Company • Urban Chic • Whole Foods Market

Restaurants at Harbor East

• Charleston • Chui's Sushi • Cinghiale • Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar • Grille 700 • Haagen Daaz • James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant • Kosmo's Lounge • Lebanese Taverna • The Oceanaire Seafood Room • Pazo • RA Sushi • Rigano's Bakery and Deli • Roy's • Starbucks • Taco Fiesta

Residences

• 850 Aliceanna • The Promenade at Harbor East • Spinnaker Bay • The Vue Harbor East

Hotels at Harbor East

• Baltimore Marriott Waterfront • Courtyard by Marriott • Hilton Garden Inn • Homewood Suites

References