Topgolf Baltimore to Start Construction in the ‘Coming Weeks’

The long wait for Topgolf to begin construction is about to end as the company announced yesterday it will break ground in the coming weeks and that it plans to open next year. Demolition will begin next week at the former Animal Control and Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) site at 301 Stockholm St., which is part of the project site.

Topgolf is part of the Warner Street District between Horseshoe Casino Baltimore and M&T Bank Stadium. The master developer for this new entertainment district is Horseshoe Casino Baltimore’s owner CBAC Gaming, which is a partnership of Caesars, Rock Gaming, and Caves Valley Partners (CVP).

In March 2017, Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Animal Control and BARCS site, which required finding a new home for the facilities. Topgolf and CBAC Gaming was the lone bidder. CBAC identified the site at 2490 Giles Rd. in Cherry Hill and prepped the site for BDC to construct a new facility for Animal Control and BARCS, which opened last year. CBAC and Topgolf purchased the project site for $7.5 million which went towards the new Animal Control and BARCS facility.

Part of the Topgolf agreement with BDC is a plan for improvements to the adjacent trail and park located behind the casino’s parking garage and along the Gwynns Falls Trail and Ridgely’s Cove. Topgolf’s contractors began soil work on this project in January.

The new Topgolf will be a three-level, 65,000 sq. ft. building with 90 hitting bays that front Warner St. The driving range will move east and end at the Light Rail bridge. Topgolf is on a six-and-a-half acre site that also includes the Lot J that used to serve M&T Bank Stadium. Topgolf Baltimore will feature a first-of-its-kind design for the company as it will have a sky-lit central atrium.

Topgolf features point-scoring golf games in outdoor hitting bays, “chef-driven” menu items, top-shelf drinks, music, and year-round programming for all ages. Additionally, Topgolf will offer private event rooms for corporate meetings, celebrations, and more.

Topgolf Baltimore will have more than 500 employees. Topgolf operates 69 venues around the world.

“We’re thrilled to kick off the development of Topgolf Baltimore and look forward to unveiling this state-of-the-art venue in the fall of 2022,” said Topgolf Chief Development Officer Chris Callaway in a press release. “This exciting development will not only allow us to entertain the community, but also further revitalize South Baltimore by serving as an anchor in Charm City’s next great entertainment district.”

“The addition of Topgolf to the Warner Street corridor will provide more job opportunities for Baltimore City residents, broaden the city’s tax base and serve as another source of entertainment for families around the area,” said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott in a press release. “This is an exciting moment for Baltimore, and I look forward to the project’s formal groundbreaking later this spring.”

“This landmark project has already delivered considerable value to the city and laid the foundation for future development in the Southern Gateway,” said BDC President and CEO Colin Tarbert in a press release. “I’m proud of the partnership we have established with Topgolf and our ability to collaborate on an innovative development agreement that benefits the company, the city and local taxpayers.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Topgolf as our newest neighbor,” said Horseshoe Baltimore Senior Vice President and General Manager Randy Conroy in a press release. “The addition of this world-class brand to the Southern Gateway is a key component of our longstanding plan to transform the Warner Street corridor into a highly diversified entertainment destination that attracts both local and out-of-town visitors to this burgeoning community.”

The Warner Street District will also have the Paramount Baltimore at 1300 Warner St. Demolition began last year to make way for the the project. The master plan also has a 320-room hotel built at the site of bar Game; a 30,000 sq. ft. bar called Yards Social Bar which will replace an industrial building at 1301 Warner St.; and 34,620 sq. ft. of additional retail.

Rendering courtesy of Topgolf