South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan to Pave Way for Sports and Entertainment District

Natalie Sherman finds sevral signs that the entertainment district around Russell and Warner streets in Baltimore is taking root. The most recent example, the entertainment license for Game, which will now be able to host DJs and live acts at a 75-person bar located to the south of the city's stadiums. "In addition to Game, the proposed Hammerjacks club and concert venue is ready to move forward," adds Sherman.

The new developments fit into a vision for a sports and entertainment district "with restaurants, hotels and shopping along Russell and Warner streets," as laid out in the draft of the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan expected for planning approval in coming weeks. "The Baltimore Development Corp., the city's development arm, is also crafting a 'vision plan' focused on Warner Street," reports Sherman.

The article also quotes Baltimore Planning Director Thomas J. Stosur in describing the city's long-term desires for the area to take cohesive shape as a world-class destination. "We wanted to make sure that there was some thought put into the type of uses that would go there so that that type of initiative could really reflect a world-class district and not just kind of a handful of music venues or nightclubs tossed together," says Stosur.

Sherman includes more details about the plan, as well as some of the other development occurring around the area and in nearby neighborhoods.