Author Archive: Kevin Lynch
Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, beach volleyball enthusiast, dog lover, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at [email protected] and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.

Franklin’s Market and Mulberry’s Bar Open in Hollins Market
Two new businesses, Franklin’s Market and Mulberry’s Bar, have opened inside the newly-renovated Hollins Market at 26 Arlington Ave. Both concepts are from The Back Yard co-owners Lara Sumerson and Mike Cavanagh.

Boutique ‘Dopeish’ Opens in Federal Hill
Women’s boutique Dopeish recently opened at 1057 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. The first-floor retail space has been vacant in recent years but was previously a vintage shop.

Curbside Recycling Collection to Resume on January 19th
Councilman Eric Costello announced today that Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will resume curbside recycling collection on January 19th. DPW suspended curbside recycling collection on August 31st due to its struggles with a reduced workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1,575 Housing Units Proposed for Mixed-Use Westport Waterfront Development
The master plan has 275 garage townhomes; an affordable housing development with 300 multi-family units; three market-rate apartment buildings totaling 1,000 units and 40,000 sq. ft. of commercial and retail space; and an 100,000 sq. ft. innovation center/office building.

New Members Added to the ‘Middle Branch Master Plan’ Design Team to Strengthen Equity and Inclusion
Work is already in process on the master plan and an “intensive round” of public outreach is planned for early next year. A new website called Reimagine Middle Branch (reimaginemb.com) has been launched to bring project information and updates together under one umbrella.

South Baltimore Business Roundup
A new barbershop in Federal Hill, a new boutique in Carroll-Camden, a nail salon opens at Anthem House, a crab house is taking over a historic downtown building, and a new locally-based YouTube channel.

How to Help Restaurants During the New Shutdowns
The restaurant industry has already been through a difficult year because of restrictions and new protocols due to COVID-19, and many business owners have taken to social media to say this latest news could be the end of many restaurant establishments. Listed are some ways individuals can help restaurants during this time to ensure South Baltimore and the city still has a vibrant dining scene once restrictions are lifted.

Mayor Brandon Scott Shuts Down Indoor and Outdoor Dining in Baltimore City
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, who was sworn in yesterday as the 52nd Mayor of Baltimore, has increased COVID-19 restrictions in the city by shutting down indoor and outdoor dining effective this Friday at 5pm. Regarding the executive order, Mayor Scott said “this is about saving lives.” He also noted the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations and daily deaths are at the highest levels since the spring.

Compass Health Services Purchases 12,500 sq. ft. Building in Brooklyn for Its New Facility
Compass Health Services recently purchased 3530 S. Hanover St. in the South Baltimore neighborhood of Brooklyn. The building will become the new facility for Compass Health Services, which is currently located at 100 E. Patapsco Ave.

Sandtown Furniture Co. Opening a 24,000 Sq. Ft. Wood Shop and Showroom in Carroll-Camden
Sandtown Furniture Co., which is currently leasing a space at 1830 Belt St. in Riverside, is under contract to purchase a 32,000 sq. ft. building next week at 1226 Wicomico St. in Carroll-Camden Industrial Area for its new woodshop and showroom, which will occupy 24,000 sq. ft. of the space.

Podcast: This Week in South Baltimore Episode 8
On Episode 8 of This Week in South Baltimore, Nate and Kevin discuss new businesses opening in Federal Hill, Downtown, and Pigtown; some business closures around the area; the potential for a large real estate development in the heart of Federal Hill; Baltimore’s effort for a new arena; a big new development on the westside of Downtown; real estate news; local stories; events; and great plates around SoBo.

Two Downtown Buildings Change Hands with Goal of Making Redwood Street a “Main Street”
The team of Kemp Byrnes, Brad Byrnes, and Dave Gupta have acquired 225 and 233 E. Redwood St. in Downtown and are planning a renovation and rebranding of the properties. The planned $5-million renovation will add retail to the first floor of the properties and keep office space on the upper floors.

Mixed-Use Development Planned for Long-Vacant, Former ‘Super Block’ Properties Downtown
BDC described the project as “a comprehensive, mixed-use rehabilitation of some of the existing structures with a significant new construction component. The concept includes workforce housing, market-rate rental housing, retail, office, co-working, artist live/workspace, an entertainment venue, and a hotel.”

West Street Near M&T Bank Stadium Renamed ‘Mo Gaba Way’
Today, the 600 to 800 blocks of W. West St. in Stadium Area near M&T Bank Stadium were renamed Mo Gaba Way. The street is named for Baltimore Orioles and Ravens super fan and Orioles Hall of Famer Mossila “Mo” Gaba who died in July at the age of 14 after a life-long battle with cancer.

Where to Buy a Christmas Tree in South Baltimore
It’s officially the Christmas season, so here are a few places around South Baltimore where you can purchase a real Christmas tree.

T. Rowe Price Relocating Headquarters from the Inner Harbor to Harbor Point
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. announced today it will relocate from its current headquarters at 100 E. Pratt St. to the Harbor Point development in Fells Point in 2024. T. Rowe Price has signed a 15-year lease for two buildings, totaling 450,000 sq. ft., that will be constructed by Beatty Development Group and Armada Hoffler Construction.