According to The New York Times, "As [Breakfast at Tiffany's] celebrates its 50th anniversary, the familiar town house at 169 East 71st Street where Holly Golightly lived and hosted her wild cocktail parties has gone on the market for $5.85 million.
"The four-story house, which is in a landmark district, figured prominently in the 1961 film. It was here that Holly Golightly, as played by Audrey Hepburn, lived alongside Paul Varjak, the aspiring writer played by George Peppard."
Yearly taxes are $29,845 on the 3,200 sq ft property which is on the small side for New York townhouses. The building on 72st Street, off Lexington, is currently configured as two duplex apartments and will be delivered vacant to the new owner.
If you have another million or two for renovations and reconfiguration, it would make an outstanding single family residence with ground space to create a wonderful garden.
Paul Varjak, "I never could do that."
Robert Browne at Corcoran has the listing. By the way, did you know that the kitty that played Cat in the movie was an actor kitty that, in real life, was named Putney?
Ramon Novarro and Greta Garbo, 'Mati Hari,' MGM 1931
I first saw the house in 1973 after moving from New York to Hollywood.
The legendary casting director, David Graham, took me on a lay-of-the-land tour of Los Angeles. One of the historic properties that he drove me by was the landmark Samuel-Novarro House in the eastern—and highly tony—area of the Hollywood Hills known as Los Feliz.
David pulled over for a couple of minutes in front of 2255 Verde Oak Drive and shared some stories with me.
As David spoke, it was apparent that regardless of how many stories the house might have, the story of the actor, Ramon Novarro, easily eclipsed them. The story of Novarro's life was bigger than the home's architect and was more interesting than the custom turquoise tile that the structure featured.
Ramon Novorro was born in the Mexican plateau city of Victoria de Durango, in 1899. He was a life-long Roman Catholic and three of his sisters, Guadalupe, Rosa, and Leonor, joined Convents and became nuns.
The conflict between his personal life, his desires, his passion, and his religion—in early twentieth-century Hollywood—were troublesome for Novarro for the duration of his career and for MGM studio head, Louis B. Mayer. Mayer offered, time after time, to set Novarro up in a sham marriage. At the time, those arrangements were called lavender marriages. Time after time, Novarro declined the concept.
Ramon Novarro, early publicity photograph
During his MGM career, Novarro had a much greater interest than appearing socially correct in Hollywood. His consuming interest was his personal secretary and intimate companion, Louis Samuel. Ramon Novarro originally built the Los Feliz house for Samuel as a one bedroom cottage on extremely large and very private grounds.
The Samuel-Novarro House
After starring in the MGM silent classic, Ben Hur, Ramon Navarro was at the top of his game. Even by Hollywood standards, he was getting very wealthy. Novarro later learned that his trusted companion, Louis Samuel was embezzling from him.
Novarro took over the Samuel-Novarro House. And, in 1932 he moved in.
The house, which was designed by the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, Lloyd Wright, has been lived in by a legion of celebrities. They include Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and a host of others. The current historical renovation of the property was commissioned by previous owner, Diane Keaton.
On the market now, the 2,690 square-foot home, currently owned by Christina Ricci, has an asking price of just a tad over $4.1 million dollars.
What happened to Ramon Novarro, you ask?
He moved out of the house in 1938. From the money he'd earned during his film career he lived well at his new home in Laurel Canyon. There were rumors that Novarro kept large sums of money in his new home because of the earlier embezzlement.
In 1968 Ramon Navarro, hired two men—a 22 year old and a 17 year old—through a California prostitution agency to have sex with him at his home. The two were brothers, Paul and Tom Ferguson.
The Ferguson brothers murdered Navarro in his home on October 22 while torturing him for hours. They were seeking the location of the hidden stash of Novarro cash. There was none.
According to Los Angeles Police reports, the brothers left the house with $20 taken from Ramon Navarro's bathrobe pocket.
The Magic Castle will be closed tonight, October 31st, due to the fire that has just occured.
The Hollywood Reporter's first report about the incident read, "An early afternoon fire damaged the attic and walls of the Magic Castle, the famous private magicians club in the Hollywood Hills, on Monday.
The Los Angeles Times provided one of the first online images of the fire and quoted the Los Angeles Fire Department as saying, "The blaze was contained largely to the attic and walls of the historic venue but that there might be significant water damage."
The LA Times continued, "Magic Castle will be closed for Halloween as a result of the fire that struck the complex Monday, according to an update on the club's website. The site said details about reopening would be provided as soon as the damage could be assessed."
As a reminder that there is a whole lot of love in the performing arts community, The Comedy Store in Los Angeles offered to give its venue to the Magic Castle:
Comedy Store Tweet to Magic Castle, screen capture
The Magic Castle's tagline is "the most unusual club in the World."
I've been fortunate to have been a guest at the Magic Castle twice and I can attest to that fact. A visit to the Magic Castle will make novice guests slightly crazy. The food and the drinks are all top shelf, but the physical and visual magic built into the venue will test your sense of reality every single minute of your stay.
I won't explain exactly why or how your senses are challenged at the Magic Castle. While I'm not a magician, I adhere to the magician's code: Don't Reveal How It's Done.
To the @magiccastle - We are all watching you, we are wishing you a speedy rebuild, and we are here to support you. On this night I believe that Harry Houdini is looking down and supporting you, also.
[UPDATE]
I just received this information from the Magic Castle:
The Academy of Magical Arts is delighted to announce that the Magic Castle will re-open (some of) its doors Friday night, November 4th. This "soft opening" will feature our Parlour showroom, special (unticketed, first-come-first-served) shows in the Palace of Mystery, and closeup magic in the Peller Theatre.
The Castle will be open on a "member +1" basis; only members (with valid membership card in hand) will be admitted with a single guest. No unescorted "guest pass" guests will be admitted. Our normal dress code will be in effect.
Our regular valet service will be available. Members will check in at the front desk in the Castle lobby, where they may purchase tickets ($20, which includes tax) to a buffet offered from 6:00 to 10:00. Once they check in, they will enter the Glover Annex through the Inner Circle entrance, where they may enjoy access to all the theatres and bars throughout the Annex.
Donations for our "Inferno Fund" will be accepted at the front desk and throughout the Annex as well. These next few nights will be some of the most exciting in Magic Castle history. They'll also be some of the most challenging, though, so we ask your patience and your help in sharing in this unforgettable experience.
From the folks at HGTV, an announcment and a casting opportunity. Time is of the essence, get on it Baltimore. Don't let the glory and the face-time go south... to Annapolis!
BUYING YOUR FIRST PLACE? Then HGTV is looking for you!
MY FIRST PLACE, HGTV’s hit series, is coming back for a eleventh season and we’re looking for first-time homebuyers (and their agents!) in the Baltimore/Annapolis area RIGHT NOW!
We are looking for fun, high-energy people who are just starting the home-buying process for their first place and would like to share their story with HGTV! Our goal is to capture all the trials and tribulations of looking for, bidding on and buying your first place.
Taping takes place this fall and winter. Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic buyers with a unique story to tell and a desire to share their experiences!
Singles, couples and families are all invited to apply!
Candidates who complete taping will receive a monetary gift as part of the show and also a DVD copy of their episode to document their first home-buying experience for all time!
Request an application by emailing: MBRUSH@HIGHNOONTV.COM Or call MARYBETH BRUSH at (303) 872-8575 http://bit.ly/mfpcasting
It's a busy month for Alex Cooper as downtown Baltimore properties continure to go on the block, under theeir auctioneer's gavel.
October 3rd 2011 - Brookshire Suites with all furnishings. Here are the details:
ALL THAT fee-simple LOT OF GROUND AND THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, if any, situated in Baltimore City, MD known as Tax ID #04-11-0661-008 and more fully described in the Indemnity Deed of Trust and Security Agreement.
REAL PROPERTY
The real property contains approximately 84,591 sq. ft. and is believed to be improved by a 13-story hotel property containing 97 guest rooms, lobby workstation, breakfast dining area, exercise room, guest laundry room and approx. 1,250 sq. ft. of meeting space.
The building also includes laundry facility, administrative offices and fully equipped kitchen.
HOTEL FURNITURE, FIXTURES & EQUIPMENT
Pursuant to that certain Financing Statement by and between MJ Baltimore Hotel Associates Limited Partnership, Debtor and MSCI 2006-HQ10 Brookshire Lodging, LLC, Secured Creditor, recorded among the Financing Statement Records of the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation on August 23, 2006 in ID No. 1000361993585896, Liber U00473, folio 1841, work order #0001281820, original file number 181279624, default having occurred thereunder, the undersigned Secured Creditor will sell at public auction the following:
All that certain tangible and intangible business property & equipment of any nature or description of the hotel business and including, without limitation, any and all furniture, fixtures, equipment, etc. (except for the leased items).
The property and improvements, if any, will be sold in an "AS IS" condition and subject to all conditions, restrictions, existing building and/or environmental violations, covenants, agreements, whether or not of record, affecting or benefitting the same, if any, and with no warranty either expressed or implied as to the description of the condition of the property or improvements. The property will be sold subject to any violation notices and subject to all conditions, restrictions, covenants, encumbrances, rights-of-way, agreements and other matters, whether or not of record, affecting or benefitting the same, if any. Note: The real estate, furniture, fixtures and equipment will be sold as entirety.
Abacrombie Building, 52-58 W Biddle Street, Baltimore
Here are the auction details from Alex Cooper:
Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity to purchase a bit of Baltimore History!
Building History & Location
Biddle Street was named after Major Biddle, who built the property in 1891. He was a member of a prominent Philadelphia family and a major in the Union Army. In 1978 the subterranean rooms became Society Hill, a restaurant and popular night spot, with a charming interior and piano bar. The space above the restaurant became Society Hill Inn.
Located in the Mount Vernon Cultural District of Baltimore City. Walking distance to cultural venues such as the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Lyric Opera House, Peabody Conservatory and Walters Art Museum. Local to University of Baltimore and MICA colleges.
Building Description
Abacrombie Bed & Breakfast (Currently Operating)
12 rooms, 7,200 +/- SF Each room is individually decorated to create a distinctive mood. All rooms include a private bath, hair dyer, phone and television. Building is air-conditioned with individual room temperature control. Single room features twin bed, private bathroom with shower, cable tv. Double room features queen bed, private bathroom, cable tv. Some of the larger rooms have a sitting area and a four-posted bed. Brand new Water Tower on roof of building that services property.
Formerly known as the "Abacrombie", this world-famous restaurant was one of Baltimore's most romantic restaurants. 2,400 +/- SF turn-key Restaurant space. Restaurant comprises a bar, main dining room and atrium. Restaurant seats 50 plus and the bar accommodates 12. 7 Day BWL License conveys. (Subject to approval by the Baltimore City Liquor Board) 30+ year old wooden bar, Glass covered atrium.
Parking Lot (On-site) Private parking lot adjacent to building with 18 spaces. Land area is 0.11 +/- acres Separate Tax Acct (No. 11020482008) Possibility of future development!
1 E Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD - Up for Auction
Well, the Alex Cooper signs have finally been posted. The buildings on the corner of North Charles and Lexington Street are up for auction. These buildings are our neighbors, we think they are handsome, and we think their facades are an important part of city center, Charles Center.
The key property, a handsome piece of 1890 architecture, is the former Central Savings Bank Building.
The auction package includes: 113 N Charles Street, 1 E Lexington Street, and 5 E Lexington Street.
Here are the listing details from Alex Cooper:
Property Description
1 E. Lexington Street (2nd & 3rd Floors connect with 5 E. Lexington) 25,439 +/- SF 5 story building 22,000+/- SF leasable area the building currently has rental income with flexible leases Lot size is 0.11+/- acres 1st Floor offers 4,000 +/- SF of prime retail space, ideal for a Restaurant/Bar. One of the most unique spaces in Baltimore. Formerly the flagship location of Central Savings Bank. Interior features marble walls, 20 +/- foot ceilings and original walk-in safe.
5 E. Lexington Street (2nd & 3rd Floors connect with 1 E. Lexington) 5,900 +/- SF 3 story building. Building currently is vacant on 1st floor with office tenant on 2nd floor (connected to 3rd floor of 1 E. Lexington)Lot size is 0.06 +/- acres. Building features early 1900's architecture. Potential for building to be free-standing. Lease pending for 1st floor of building.
113 N. Charles Street 5,544 +/- SF 4 story building. Building is currently leased by Baltimore Gold. Lot size is 0.03 acres.
Jacob and I live on N Charles Street, we are committed urban dwellers, and we like "living above the store." However, over the past 6 years or so the vibrancy of Baltimore's North Charles Street corridor has tragically declined. The Historic Charles Street Association has gone through two Executive Directors since 2006 and is looking for its third.
Empty buildings and storefronts abound on Charles Street and no amount of street-scape vinyl stickers will hide that fact. No amount of promises, in print or in display visuals, will hide the fact that nothing has happened with the Morris Mechanic Theatre building since it ceased operation in 2004. As buildings such as John M. Johansen's Brutalist Mechanic Theatre remain vacant for what will soon be a decade, Baltimore becomes a less interesting, less attractive, less architectural city.
The mid-rise building at 301 North Charles Street has been vacant for, I believe, over 5 years.
301 N Charles is beginning to look like a building portrayed in the History Channel's series, Life After People.
301 N Charles Street, vacant and in disrepair
Some of the window glass in the 301 building is broken out, casements are corroding, plants that were left behind by former tenants have rooted deeply, are growing, and weakening the masonry. Rain, wind, and snow inundate the building.
The magnificent Fidelity Trust Company building, just across the corner from the Central Savings Bank building, has been empty for years. Walking up Charles Street from the Inner Harbor toward North Avenue is getting downright depressing. Panhandlers are on the increase and foot-traffic, evenings and weekends, is almost nonexistent.
UPDATE 7/24/10: This property has been reduced again. Click the MLS number at the bottom.
I've seen some top shelf rowhouse renovations over the years.
This one at 1311 W Lombard Street in Baltimore's Washington Village/Union Square neighborhood is a real treasure. I learned about this SOWEBO gem, built in 1915, from my Twitter buddy, @MissMktr.
Far too often the folks doing renovations take a short cut in at least one area of the redo. If there's was a single short cut taken here I sure can't find it. (And, from hands-on experience Jacob and I know our way around the rehab -- the renovation -- process.)
Walk through the foyer and feel your jaw drop. This Baltimore rowhouse, with wainscoting even lining the stairways, is a solid, visual treat.
If you think a rowhouse equates to cramped, dark stairways, think again. A quad skylight floods the airy, sweeping stairs with light. Imagine these handrails and balusters decorated with ropes of garland and wreaths for the Christmas holidays.
The kitchen is pretty tricked-out, also. Six burner stove? Oh sure, it has one. Granite? Yep, lots of it. Slate backsplash? Of course, it's all yours.
OK, it's a rowhouse and you don't like street parking. Not a problem. 1311 W Lombard has parking for two cars. But the basement is probably dingy and unusable. Nope, the lower level is huge and fully outfitted with all of the amenities the rest of the house has including the wainscoting detail.
Just so you know, the only affiliation that Jacob and I have with this property is that if we could swing it at the moment we'd have an offer in and be moving soon. I think it's the very first rowhouse that we both agree on completely. By the way, did I mention the price reduction of nearly $100k? Yep, 1311 W Lombard is on the market for $239,900. Here's a photo slide show of the property.
Could it get any better? Of course it could. @MissMktr and her husband, @OneEyedCarmen, live right across the street. And, word has it, they are pretty spectacular neighbors.
Hinchliffe Stadium -- Paterson, NJ -- is possibly the last surviving stadium that hosted the Negro Baseball League. Preservation, the magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has just published an extraordinary story of the stadium, its background, and its possible future.
It was the spring of 1937, and Irvin, a 17-year-old rising star from the nearby city of Orange with a .666 high school batting average, was at Hinchliffe trying out for a professional baseball team. Because Irvin was African American, and because of the color barrier in the major leagues, the team was not the New York Yankees or the Brooklyn Dodgers but a Negro League ball club called the Newark Eagles.
The sweet sound of home run after home run—crack, crack, crack—attracted the attention of Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard, two Negro League players preparing for a game at Hinchliffe later that day. Irvin was introduced to the two stars, whose grace, athleticism, and dapper uniforms and dress had inspired him. Indeed, Gibson had been called The Black Babe Ruth and Leonard The Black Lou Gehrig (though some wondered if Gehrig should have been dubbed The White Buck Leonard). And on this day, Irvin learned he would play alongside his two idols. He had made the Eagles.
Even though Irvin never imagined it possible at the time, with his paltry $125-a-month salary and the seemingly unshakeable reality of segregation in America, he would become one of the first African American players to make the major leagues after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, and would go on to enjoy a Hall of Fame career as a left fielder for the New York Giants and Chicago Cubs...
I know, I know that Paterson, NJ isn't in my usual 21201 coverage area. And, baseball isn't my strong suite either. (However, after moving back to Baltimore, Jacob and I are now watching, commenting on, and truly enjoying local sports -- even when the Ravens don't look like they can play football, let alone a decent game of hopscotch.)
Here's the Preservation paragraph that brings this story home to Baltimore 21201:
Today, a heap of trash -- rotting wood, old tires, twisted metal -- rises along one end of the track that rings the stadium. Empty bottles litter the old concession area. Graffiti covers the crumbling bleachers. The burned-out roof over one bathroom represents the work of arsonists or vagrants who simply wanted to stay warm.
After the passing of our great Baltimore benefactor, Clarisse Mechanic, last month I wonder -- once again -- what the future of the Morris Mechanic Theatre will be. And, that leads me to wonder...
How are we going to save the many Baltimore architectural treasures that need to be preserved, buildings that need to be re-purposed, and areas where graffiti is simply unacceptable. Let's all think about this.
Baltimore has come a long way. Let's not let Baltimore move in the direction of Paterson.
This Saturday, 1 to 3 PM. Friends of Maryland's Olmsted Parks & Landscapes host a guided tour of Ten Hills, a Baltimore neighborhood and residential development influenced by the Olmsted Firm.
In 1909, developer Charles Steffey laid out Ten Hills on the site of the old A.S. Chappel estate, keeping the natural topography intact. Edward Bouton, developer of the Olmsted Brothers-designed neighborhoods in Baltimore -- Roland Park, Guilford, and Homeland -- influenced Steffy as a community builder.
Ten Hills residents, Robert O. Hatnick and Stephen Israel will guide the tour of the picturesque area. Hatnick is an architect and principal at GWWO Inc./Architects and Hatnick is a retired archaeologist and preservation planner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Ten Hills exemplifies the concept of a superbly planned suburban neighborhood. Lining the winding streets are houses built in the Colonial, English Tudor, Spanish Colonial, Greek Revival, and Arts & Crafts styles.
Tour tickets are $15 in advance. $18 day of the tour. For more information and to make reservations contact Heide Grundman at 410-945-0586. These tours usually sell out. Call today.
According to the BBJ, General Growth Properties has indeed put Harborplace and the Gallery on the block.
It seems that General Growth Properties hasn't been experiencing much general growth. According to the Baltimore Business Journal, GGP is about $900-million in debt. That debt is coming due in just two months. Oh, swell.
And, as they say on the infomercials: "But wait, there's more!" GGP, Inc. also owns Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston and South Street Seaport in New York City. Yes, they are part of this portfolio sale, too.
What this will ultimately mean to Baltimore's biggest tourist attraction and a great downtown shopping destination is unclear as the story is just breaking. Stay tuned, this could be wicked.
Baltimore's Creative Alliance says that there are a couple of spots left for what may be their most impressive art and dinner combination that we've seen in a long, long time.
Dr. Giraud Foster has traveled the world as a private physician (formerly to the King of Yemen), photographer, archaeologist, and ethnographer. He's created a massive collection of art works, many have been displayed in Baltimore's Walters Art Museum, and other great museums. His wife, Carolyn, is a scholar of indigenous myths and oral traditions.
Join them at their home for a tour of their private collection which includes Ancient Alabasters from Yemen, 18th Century English Furniture, 19th Century Indian Textiles, and more. Much more.
You'll be treated to an exceptional Indian Buffet and listen to over 50 years of tales about travels and tastes in India and South Asia.
Jacob and I would be there if we didn't have a dinner invitation on the evening of the 15th. If you go, please let us know all of the details. And, send photos.
I've always seen the United States' most senior female Senator and Maryland's first and longest serving female Senator, Barbara Mikulski, as the woman guarding the rights of, and advocating for, the average man. Not only in Maryland, but everywhere.
I've always seen our Senator as a powerful bull dog with strong points to make. (And, a bull dog who has a bite that is stronger than her bark.) Now, I'm seeing her as more of the LIONESS of American politics and she's roaring loud for all to hear.
A couple of days ago I emailed our Senator (and many other elected officials) with my position on sending a blank check to the Bush administration for the proposed Bail Out of the very companies that caused this mess in the first place. Senator Mikulski's response was the only literate and to-the-point response that I received. And, while pre-written, it's perfect. Read along, aloud if you like:
Dear Mr. Brockelman:
Thank you for writing to me about the Bush Administration's proposal to bail out the financial industry. It's good to hear from you.
There's no question that we are in a credit crisis. People who have saved for their retirement, been faithful in paying their mortgage, and worked hard to pay for college are wondering, 'What is going on?'
They've watched Wall Street executives pay themselves lavish salaries. They've watched irresponsible lending practices. They've watched casino economics, gambling on risky investment mechanisms. Now those very same Americans who've worked hard and played by the rules are being asked to pay the bill for those who didn't.
Congress must act promptly to restore confidence and stability in the economy. But I will not be stampeded into voting for the Bush Administration bill. During the last seven years, every time there's a crisis, they generate fear and they generate bad ideas. This three-page bill gives the Secretary of the Treasury unlimited power to intervene in our financial markets without any review by Congress, agencies, or courts. It cannot be rubber stamped by the Congress.
At the minimum, the plan must be limited and temporary - not open-ended. There can't be any golden parachutes that reward executives for their excesses and their recklessness. No blank checks. There also must be a plan for those who have been hit hardest by the mortgage crisis.
Knowing of your views is very helpful to me. I will keep them in mind as the Senate continues to debate the President's economic plan.
Thanks again for getting in touch. Please let me know if I can be of assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely, Barbara A. Mikulski United States Senator
P.S. If I can be of further assistance in the future, please visit my website at http://mikulski.senate.gov or call my Washington D.C. office at 202-224-4654
So folks, regardless or your take on party lines, we need to adore and thank this Maryland Treasure for not dancing around her position. She never has; she never will.
Really he is. And October 23rd will be a great day for learning. Truly great. Chief William J Bratton, LAPD has been fighting crime for over 30 years. I'm looking forward to his take on fighting city crime.
Chief WJ Bratton is the best-of-the-best to address the issues involved in Policing Cities in the 21st Century. And, he will do that in Baltimore. As LAPD Chief Bratton has, in many ways, bigger issues than we have here in Baltimore. In many ways we, in Baltimore, have bigger and more selective issues than he has in Los Angeles. And all cities have individual & specific issues that no other city can address alone. Cities, large or small, need to adress crime in this ecomony more than ever before. Let's see what he has to say. Let's see if we can learn.
Let's all be there and listen and ask questions. It's a free event. Attendance is limited and pre-registration is required. Call 410-516-0341 or send an email to urbanlecture@jhu.edu. Also, there's free onsite parking.
I've heard it and read it time and time again, "The commute from Baltimore to DC on the MARC train is a piece of cake". I only know one person who actually takes MARC daily, he's a big fan and says the commute is as easy as pie.
I figure the proof is in the pudding: Catrin Davies of Passport Realty in Baltimore's Mt. Vernon neighborhood thought so, too.
Looks like all the commuter-types aren't full of beans after all. The trip's like taking candy from a baby. Doesn't look like people are packed in like sardines, either.
If you've read this blog even once, you know that we love all things Balimore. And this blog is intended to support our favorite city. Baltimore is home, that's why we moved back here in the winter of 2006.
When Jacob and I lived 3,000 miles away we subscribed to the daily print version of the Baltimore Sun.It was an expensive subscription back then. The paper was big, fat and rich with local content. It was well and cleverly written by local reporters. It spoke to Baltimore residents (and former residents living far away) in an insightful, historical, yet progressive way. The paper reached out and spoke to its readers.
Our once great Baltimore daily paper which was known the world over by the tag-line, Light for All, looks to me like it's doomed.
Just in this afternoon from theBaltimore Business Journal...
"The Baltimore Sun will eliminate its weekday Maryland section as part of a redesign that the newspaper will debut Aug. 24." Read the full BBJ story here. I won't even attempt to pull more info. Read the story and weep.
Check back. I'll post more on this sorry issue shortly. Examiner anyone?
For Boscov's, the family owned department store chain that was founded in 1911, it's all over but the screamin'. Around Baltimore this will leave three local malls with big holes real fast. And, no long-term income from what turned out to be a short-term anchor tenant - many of the local Boscov's[Wiki reference] moved here and set up shop around 2006.
By filing their Chaper 11 statements, Boscov's also put themselves up for sale.
I've only been to Boscov's a few times since they arrived on the scene here and wasn't at all impressed. There was nothing in or around Boscov's to tell me that they were any different than JC Penny, Sears, or the Macy's stores that were previously housed in the local Boscov's locations.
When will these department stores understand that they can no longer be all things to all people? We've lost more than a few chain stores to bankruptcy this year -- many with a great niche, which Boscov's didn't have.
The list of lost stores includes Steve & Barry's, Mervyn's, Bombay Company, Levitz Furniture, Linens and Things, Domain Home Furnishings, Friedman's Jewlers, Fortunoff's, Sharper Image, Lillian Vernon, Goody's Clothing and many, many more. I'm predicting, more to go this way before the end of the year - some will be big box stores.
If you missed this last night, be certain to set your Tivo or DVR to record Maryland Public Television at 9PM July 22nd. (Channels 22 and 67)
Global Harbors: A Waterfront Renaissance is an outstanding piece of documentary work.
Baltimore Sun's architecture critic, Edward Gunts writes, "In many ways, Global Harbors is the Un-Wire. It doesn't deny the existence of crime and poverty and dysfunction in the city, but it starts with the premise that the glass is half-full. It shows Baltimore as a place where good things can happen when people put their minds to it. It dares to suggest that 50 years of rebuilding may be paying off."
I think Global Harbors' premise is that the glass is way, way more than half-full and that 50 years of rebuilding started paying off 50 years ago. It certainly did for the urban pioneers who, decades ago, bought their homes in Otterbein for a dollar.
In the Examiner, Michael Olesker notes, "What most of us didn’t know — but learn from the documentary — is the profound effect Harborplace has had on urban harbors around the world, with municipal leaders having taken their cues from the Baltimore model." I like Olesker's take, as I usually do, best.
Like all good documentaries should, this one has a website. And, if that Tivo crashes or Comcast goes down you can buy the DVD online. Trust me, it's a keeper. Spend the twenty-bucks.
The WOW is World Of Wings. Coming this spring to Baltimore's westside Centerpoint complex: WOW Cafe & Wingery. Based in Covington, LA the WOW chain offers up wings in dozens of flavors.
What's looking good to me are their Texas Toast Burgers. The Philly, for example, is 1/2 pound of beef on buttered Texas Toast dressed with Monerey Jack, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, and spicy mayo.
What really brings the WOW factor (and seperates this from your average hot wing and burger joint) is its full bar with some signature drinks that might just set you on fire even without the wings. Check out their Chamation: This 32-ounce cocktail is filled with Smirnoff Vodka, Captain Morgan's Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine. (I'll stick with Johnny Walker on the rocks with a twist, thanks.)
What's looking good to me are their Texas Toast Burgers. The Philly, for example, is 1/2 pound of beef on buttered Texas Toast dressed with Monerey Jack, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, and spicy mayo.
