Future BARCS Location and Topgolf Both Moving Forward

The BDC then identified the site on Giles Rd. for a BARCS replacement facility and it was approved by the Board of Public Works.

Topgolf’s facility will be 65,000 sq. ft. on more than six acres. Topgolf’s building features a large sports bar and driving range bays that will front Warner St. on Lot J. The 215-yard driving range will span eastward across the property through the current BARCS site.

Adler said that Topgolf is working through the typical approval and planning process for a new Baltimore building along with working with the Maryland Department of Environment. He noted that its waterfront location does make it a bit more complicated. Construction is expected to begin next year and the facility is expected to open in 2020.

Topgolf’s main attraction is its point-scoring golf games using microchipped balls that instantly score themselves, showing players the accuracy and distance of their shots on a TV screen in their hitting bay. It is designed for players of all skill levels.

Topgolf COO Craig Kessler said that the sports bar will be one of the best places around to watch televised sports. Topgolf will also host live music and events for all ages. It will also have a “chef-driven menu and top-shelf drinks.”

Topgolf will create 500 full- and part-time jobs. It expects about 450,000 visitors a year. Topgolf operates 41 venues around the world, attracting 13 million visitors annually.

Topgolf will be part of an entertainment-focused mixed used development by CBAC along Warner St. which connects Horseshoe Casino Baltimore to M&T Bank Stadium.

CBAC acquired 1400 Warner St., a 41,193 sq. ft. building on a 1.476 acre property in May. CBAC acquired the four-story, 91,744 sq. ft. building at 1300 Warner St. in January for $4.8 million. The long-vacant building on 1.3 acres was built in 1920. It sits directly across Ostend St. from M&T Bank Stadium. CBAC also purchased the 31,377 sq. ft., 1.26 acre property at 1301 Warner St. in 2016 for $3,222,500.

CBAC has not yet released a vision or announced any additional partners for this mixed-use development. “There are lots of meetings and concepts, but nothing ready to talk about quite yet,” said Adler.

CBAC officials met with Baltimore City officials last week to look at some streetscape improvements in the district.

The Ravens and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore announced an official partnership last week which includes co-marketing and a Ravens-themed bar in the casino. Baltimore Ravens Senior Vice President of Corporate Sales and Business Development Kevin Rochlitz said that the Ravens are looking into opening a team store or hall of fame in this district.

Stadium Area has become a hotbed for investment and redevelopment with its close proximity to Horseshoe Casino and the $275-million, mixed-use Stadium Square development by CVP. The Topgolf site is across the street from The Parker Building at 333 W. Ostend St. which underwent a conversion to a 50,000 sq. ft. office building with wedding venue. A block east at 175 W. Ostend St. is be the new 10,000 sq. ft. Checkerspot Brewing Company brewery and tap room. Adjacent to 1300 Warner St. is 1300 Russell St. which is the future home of Hammerjacks, a 48,000 sq. ft. music venue and club. Hammerjacks recently began construction. The Ravens are also underway on an $120-million renovation to M&T Bank Stadium.

Future BARCS site

MedMark Treatment Centers Cherry Hill’s new location at 1801 Cherry Hill Rd.

Lot J

BARCS

Properties under the control of CBAC. Additional investments in the area marked with text and logos. Screenshot courtesy of Google Maps (click to enlarge)

1400 Warner 

1300 Warner St. on the right and 1301 Warner St. on the left