BDC To Enter Into ENP For Former Highlandtown Library Site

Baltimore, MD (August 10, 2010) – The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) today announced that, on behalf of the City of Baltimore, it has awarded the former Highlandtown Library Site to the Southeast Community Development Corporation (SECDC) and will enter into an Exclusive Negotiating Privilege (ENP) with the organization for redevelopment of the property at 3323 Eastern Avenue in East Baltimore..

The Southeast CDC plans a 7,978 square foot, mixed-use development that includes 5,045 square feet of first, second and third floor office and classroom space for their organization, along with 2,933 square feet of first floor restaurant space with basement storage.

Commenting on the announcement, BDC President M.J. “Jay” Brodie said, “The Southeast Community Development Corporation’s proposal presents an excellent opportunity to rehabilitate a significant but vacant property in the Highlandtown community.”

SECDC has facilitated a number of community revitalization projects in Highlandtown, including the move of the Creative Alliance to the former Patterson Theatre, and the construction of the Southeast Anchor Library.  Along with many partners, the Southeast CDC operates the Highlandtown Main Street program and the Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District.

The property, vacant since 2007, will be purchased from the City of Baltimore by Wolfe Street Development, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southeast Community Development Corporation.  Wolfe Street Development plans to develop, construct and operate the building.  Their partners include: General Contractor – Hostetter Construction; Architect – RM Sovich Architecture; MEP Engineer – Min Engineering; and Structural Engineering – Carroll Engineering.

The site, at the southwest corner of the Eastern Avenue/Highland Avenue intersection, is located in the Highlandtown Main Street District and is part of the Highlandtown Urban Renewal Area in close proximity to Johns Hopkins Hospital, Bayview Medical Center, I-95 and 895.

The Southeast Community Development Corporation was the lone respondent to a BDC issued Request for Proposals.

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