tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73907662124075936722024-03-05T17:51:16.113-05:00Baltimore SkylineAll the Baltimore That's Fit to BlogCBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.comBlogger380125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-37645472309546510482019-05-26T14:28:00.004-04:002019-05-26T14:28:44.820-04:00B&O Railroad Building <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><img alt="Image may contain: sky, skyscraper, tree and outdoor" aria-busy="true" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/61063303_2388886637800120_18550084010508288_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=a0ec25c2f8e712e9040da8a4dc3ad0bb&oe=5D93E3B7" style="height: 584px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 438px;" title="B&O Building 2019" width="240" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">May 2019</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Image may contain: skyscraper and outdoor" aria-busy="false" class="spotlight" height="640" src="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/60869751_2388886661133451_2463834115636461568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=b6b5c0d79a61e11d754c796b8bf6554a&oe=5D53BC2D" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="B&O Building circa 1910" width="476" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Circa 1910 </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">B&O Railroad building at 2 N. Charles Street (2019 and ca. 1910). Designed by the firm of Parker & Thomas and finished in 1906 it is now the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore. The original headquarters for the B&O was destroyed during the 1904 Baltimore Fire, and this 13 story “fireproof” building replaced it and served as the home of the railroad for over 75 years. </span></div>
CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-58257303915476796252019-05-11T21:00:00.003-04:002019-05-15T13:47:41.275-04:00Walking Around Homewood - May 2019<h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Recently, I started a walk around the Homewood Campus to stretch my legs and take a look at some of the buildings and sites that I normally just drive by and don't have the opportunity to stop and get a closer look. I began at the corner of 39th and N. Charles Street and walked south. </span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sitting at that intersection is the hard-to-miss Scottish Rite Temple of Freemasonry at 3800 N. Charles Street. From outward appearances the central portico and columns gives the appearance of the Baltimore Museum of Art, and it should remind you of it, since it was designed in part by the same architect and built around the same time. The Masonic Temple was designed by Clyde Fritz and John Russell Pope (It was Pope who also designed the BMA), and built between 1930 and 1932. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaszeO6d1OQJMj_MELnus7sJwYv172qL8-NXaSwsJEWC6s5FBG0g1nqTVdEoaJF6CO6vORy4tyqiSghdSJbosMWTqW5MCEtAk8sNHEetgm37YsXNdYMU_4GnCOIdRFPpLMyvOLVExhho/s1600/B2067285-E00B-4172-BDB3-735238CDE5C4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Scottis Rite Temple of Freemasonry, Baltimore, May 2019" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaszeO6d1OQJMj_MELnus7sJwYv172qL8-NXaSwsJEWC6s5FBG0g1nqTVdEoaJF6CO6vORy4tyqiSghdSJbosMWTqW5MCEtAk8sNHEetgm37YsXNdYMU_4GnCOIdRFPpLMyvOLVExhho/s400/B2067285-E00B-4172-BDB3-735238CDE5C4.jpeg" title="Scottish Rite Temple" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottish Rite Temple - May 2019</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for scottish rite temple baltimore" class="irc_mi" data-iml="1557533218407" height="250" src="https://baltimoreheritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Scottish-RiIte-Temple-1931.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottish Rite Temple under construction - ca. 1930-1932</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Moving further south I stopped at the statue to Sidney Lanier (1842-1881). Lanier was a Georgian born author, musician, and poet. As a young man he joined the Confederate Army, he was captured while serving as a pilot on board a blockade runner, and was imprisoned at the Union prisoner of war camp at Point Lookout, MD where he contracted tuberculosis. He moved to Baltimore in 1873 to join the newly formed Peabody Orchestra, and became a professor of literature at Johns Hopkins University in 1879. He died in 1881 at 39 from the affects of tuberculosis, and is buried in Greenmount Cemetery. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoAaXMbkflnkzh3SygbmLEHfLCjLgvZQ1DYr8uIEes3XaV5d_UBWeKOw5uy7Yht3w31hJ3JHIQZmufxrFZaXpLmkpAt1DZHq2ySFt1JeqNLoaZ9JYmgtJAvG-Qc28dSG7SzP8L0n5obI/s1600/1BFD8E54-C494-4D52-B5FC-E56D3BF42891.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoAaXMbkflnkzh3SygbmLEHfLCjLgvZQ1DYr8uIEes3XaV5d_UBWeKOw5uy7Yht3w31hJ3JHIQZmufxrFZaXpLmkpAt1DZHq2ySFt1JeqNLoaZ9JYmgtJAvG-Qc28dSG7SzP8L0n5obI/s400/1BFD8E54-C494-4D52-B5FC-E56D3BF42891.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidney Lanier statue by Hans K. Schuler, 1942 - May 2019</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The sculpture by Hans K. Schuler, Baltimore's "Monument Maker" was dedicated in 1942, and is interesting because to a casual viewer from a distance it looks like someone sitting on a rock. I know I had to take a second look the first time I went passed this spot. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sometimes
referred to as "The Poet of the Confederacy", although most of his
literary work was completed after the civil war, this particular piece
of public art avoided scrutiny of the other Confederate Monuments that were removed by the city in 2016. This is probably due to the fact that this doesn't depict Lanier as a soldier, doesn't it mention his war-service (or anything for that matter or than his name and yearof birth/death), nor was it commissioned - as far as I know - by a southern veterans group. This is probably similar to John Mifflin Hood - </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">had served as a topographical engineer in the Confederate Army - </span>whose statue in Preston Gardens commemorates his service to the Western Maryland Railroad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Passing Johns Hopkins University, I turned up Art Museum Drive and stopped in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art. The other building in the neighborhood designed by Johns Russell Pope, construction began in 1927 and the museum opened in 1929. Additions have been made to the building over time, and in 2012 after a lengthy renovation, the original entrance was opened up again.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0ECk_TKuqTTM7KC0I4y0lnY925-u0z82WzQW3oF4QZC_IbGEIi-21P7yLnEa2NNPFiWVAgCqUupXjrN5o5ZsnmrIqZ8xMUi28wLAiBtjs-46kkakzsuFMzVsgYfrRxbpPNIOv1sgkS4/s1600/3F9F41FE-9967-4F68-B56E-5A0FF4D8576C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0ECk_TKuqTTM7KC0I4y0lnY925-u0z82WzQW3oF4QZC_IbGEIi-21P7yLnEa2NNPFiWVAgCqUupXjrN5o5ZsnmrIqZ8xMUi28wLAiBtjs-46kkakzsuFMzVsgYfrRxbpPNIOv1sgkS4/s400/3F9F41FE-9967-4F68-B56E-5A0FF4D8576C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baltimore Museum of Art - May 2019</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Currently above the portico to the Pope Building is an neon art installation "In Broad Daylight" which debuted in 2018. Continuing down Art Museum Drive, is the pedestal where the Lee-Jackson Monument used to be. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebzD5AbPIPsiwNuYM7LjXGsA2BD82zlzOhdTb8rE6De_8c1Gtherj3TZGs2sMZs2BX1LXd68dfxSl_1MVFuJZqKaND97-5CKCvV66ZuDrtVgKKy-bt_XQgJzwGFXMz85x9FbuGxo6nBE/s1600/9D79D027-FF6E-484D-89A5-2D3B696E5B9F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebzD5AbPIPsiwNuYM7LjXGsA2BD82zlzOhdTb8rE6De_8c1Gtherj3TZGs2sMZs2BX1LXd68dfxSl_1MVFuJZqKaND97-5CKCvV66ZuDrtVgKKy-bt_XQgJzwGFXMz85x9FbuGxo6nBE/s400/9D79D027-FF6E-484D-89A5-2D3B696E5B9F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty pedestal where Lee-Jackson Monument stood from 1948-2017 - May 2019</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Jackson and Lee Monument, Front.JPG" data-file-height="960" data-file-width="720" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Jackson_and_Lee_Monument%2C_Front.JPG/300px-Jackson_and_Lee_Monument%2C_Front.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee-Jackson Monument prior to being taken down.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's hard for me to wrap my head around this one considering that neither Lee nor Jackson were from Baltimore and the monument depicts the two generals meeting at the Battle of Chancellorsville, which was in Virginia, and was dedicated 83 years after the war ended. So in the end it only served as a perpetuation of the <i>Lost Cause</i>. The backstory is a Baltimore man named J. Henry Ferguson left $75,000 in his will specifically for the purpose of erecting this monument, because he was a fan of the two generals. It was striking because it was one of the first double equestrian statues in the United States and it was sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser, the only women in a group of six who were invited to submit a design. Apparently, it was controversial even before it was made, and when it was dedicated, but nevertheless stood for 69 years. A city commission was set up in 2015 to decide what should be done with this monument and three others and it was taken down in 2017. As far as I know they are in a city warehouse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was about this time that the occupant of the stroller I was pushing began to get a little fussy, so I had to quit taking pictures and move toward home for nap time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>For Your Consideration:</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://baltimoreheritage.org/issue/scottish-rite-temple/" target="_blank">Scottish Rite Temple - Baltimore Heritage </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://baltimoreauthors.ubalt.edu/writers/sidneylanier.htm" target="_blank">Sidney Lanier - Baltimore Literary Heritage Project </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://artbma.org/" target="_blank">Baltimore Museum of Art </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://baltimoreplanning.wixsite.com/monumentcommission/leeandjacksonmonument" target="_blank">Lee-Jackson Monument - Special Commission to Review Baltimore's Public Confederate Monuments </a></span><br />
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CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-2913645958116253382019-05-06T12:30:00.000-04:002019-05-06T12:30:40.612-04:00Getting Back into the Groove of Blogging about Baltimore <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I took a four-year hiatus from posting anything here on the Baltimore Skyline blog for a lot of reasons. Part of it was pure laziness; I decided to post some things directly to the Facebook page instead, but even then I sort of just stopped doing that in 2017. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A big part of it was that I no longer worked in Baltimore starting in 2013, and I honestly did not get the chance to get out and take photos of what was going on around town. The family grew, work changed, etc., so the hours in the day seemed to be mostly full. Little time to dive into news, development projects, openings and closings. The funny thing is that with a growing family, I actually did get out to a lot of fun kid-friend events - trips to the Zoo, Science Center, Patterson Park, B&O museum, and so on - but I was more invested in who I was there with than anything else. When I wrote less about Baltimore, it became harder and harder to get back into it. After blogging for, at that point, over 7 years I found it challenging to keep up an interest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lastly, looking back on it, I was really pissed and jaded about the state of Baltimore. Before writing this, I went back at some of the posts I wrote in 2014 and 2015 and it looked like things were really pumping for our city. Population decline had apparently leveled off (in 2012 it actually went up slightly), development was chugging along especially with Harbor East, Harbor Point, Canton. Westport and Port Covington were the next things on the horizon. Helping to tie a lot of this together was the be the Red Line which was finally heading toward approval and construction. Then 2015 happened. The bad news started to overtake the good, and the Red Line was axed thanks to a new governor who called it a boondoggle, anemic and passionless leadership in the Mayor's office, violence, and so on. It was really hard to get interested when everything seemed to be terrible. It was probably a good time to take a break. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Now it's 2019. </b>In that 4 years a lot of great things have happened. Sure we don't have a new light rail under construction, but we've added buildings to the skyline (remember the name of the blog?), a new complete streets ordinance was put into effect, there are good things happening in neighborhoods removed from the waterfront, and breweries (can we talk about how many breweries there are now?). This is what gets me excited about living in Baltimore. This is why I want to continue to write about it. Sure everything sounds bad on the local news, but honestly I don't waste time with it, there is so much more that needs to be done to share what good is going on in our city. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I called this blog Baltimore Skyline at the beginning because I have always been enthralled by how urban architecture <b>draws the eye up</b>, and in a city there are a lot of tall buildings clustered together to look at. My dad used to tell me as a kid "don't walk with with your head down, or you won't see where you're going" Naturally I took that advice a little too far, because I always find myself straining to look up at all the buildings in any city, but especially ours. There's hope in looking up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-77131018472343685792019-05-04T17:30:00.000-04:002019-05-04T17:30:36.314-04:00Mount Clare <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfkJscO3DksDs8lHa5z_8SByvxEVzs9yVU-SwC5hMLDLpWrrT-JJUKc2iFaOAUjrMlbeLttKPB28EKX2ncg9RyhGo7XiUA9mZdEuRupHcOzdfgMIMuOd6TeNocXr_INePr5k0Rxe_ZrY/s1600/IMG_8313%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfkJscO3DksDs8lHa5z_8SByvxEVzs9yVU-SwC5hMLDLpWrrT-JJUKc2iFaOAUjrMlbeLttKPB28EKX2ncg9RyhGo7XiUA9mZdEuRupHcOzdfgMIMuOd6TeNocXr_INePr5k0Rxe_ZrY/s400/IMG_8313%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carriage Entrance, May 2019</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I recently visited Mount Clare mansion in Carroll Park, after living in Baltimore for almost 17 years, this was my first visit. The home of Charles Carroll, Barrister, member of the Second Continental Congress, it was built between 1756 and 1763 on Carroll family's 800-acre plantation "Georgia". </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejeC77u42AOtFTM-UXQzD3Yy0SyXi0EyFSxrqnJnnxoQT1rlSFoG41ap7rPTjk3PXgZpWbc3wZSOBIKe6Yys21BiOyaJ3MQHOrrK1TDreRSpnVcAemt2neDDyGgOlcjgfpv1meIfQ4Lc/s1600/IMG_8314%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejeC77u42AOtFTM-UXQzD3Yy0SyXi0EyFSxrqnJnnxoQT1rlSFoG41ap7rPTjk3PXgZpWbc3wZSOBIKe6Yys21BiOyaJ3MQHOrrK1TDreRSpnVcAemt2neDDyGgOlcjgfpv1meIfQ4Lc/s400/IMG_8314%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baltimore City Landmark plaque, May 2019</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The house originally had wings on each side of the house connected by hyphens. On the western side of the house was an orangery and greenhouse, and on the eastern side a kitchen, ice house, and a wash house. These structures apparently were demolished sometime after the house was sold by the Carroll family in 1840. The current wings were constructed in 1910 and originally held bathrooms. The Baltimore City Landmark plaque on the side of the building has a drawing of what the house would have appeared in ca. 1768. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMelXLDdJ0Uq2srC0hVOu9K2cN2NMi7_JfFGlcsfD5LciBjQDJAXRlUH-JfUxL7MhF98vzhKMQKvUThuoYo9IjO2Xdie1AdqHXpQWj1uauzP21Jo_ZzoJyxPuVzCiXdMkpLLJiqRE41c/s1600/IMG_8323%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMelXLDdJ0Uq2srC0hVOu9K2cN2NMi7_JfFGlcsfD5LciBjQDJAXRlUH-JfUxL7MhF98vzhKMQKvUThuoYo9IjO2Xdie1AdqHXpQWj1uauzP21Jo_ZzoJyxPuVzCiXdMkpLLJiqRE41c/s400/IMG_8323%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">View of the front of the house from where the terraced gardens would have been, May 2019</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The house sits on a hill at the back side of the park, and when built would have had an unobstructed view of the Patapsco River. On the night of August 25, 1814 the Carrolls would have been able to see the glow on the horizon from the burning of Washington, and on September 13th they would have had a front row seat to the British bombardment of Fort McHenry. In the front of the house are several raised terraces which originally featured elaborate gardens. In 1828 the Carroll family gave a 10 acre parcel on the Northeast side of the plantation to the B&O Railroad on which the current Mount Clare shops were constructed. the B&O also constructed the first mile of their trackage through the northern edge of the property.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipwDVc_kN07vtmJeVQPp6WqpXUaUa42BYFYpNhyphenhyphenCJ4ihlFmZ5jtgVOb4ohz84J0gunR7DzGOubYL2PJFPu0nx0lgKYqmUzbhkQi8-lD_7MB22zlV9GAbXAmDoet4lPnIPLAz8WLoYc2s/s1600/IMG_8320%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipwDVc_kN07vtmJeVQPp6WqpXUaUa42BYFYpNhyphenhyphenCJ4ihlFmZ5jtgVOb4ohz84J0gunR7DzGOubYL2PJFPu0nx0lgKYqmUzbhkQi8-lD_7MB22zlV9GAbXAmDoet4lPnIPLAz8WLoYc2s/s400/IMG_8320%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Camp Carroll Marker, May 2019</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What remained of the estate was used by the Union Army as one of the many camps and forts that ringed Baltimore to protect the vital rail lines that passed through the city during the Civil War. The house and a 70 acre surrounding portion of the estate was purchased in 1890 by the city for use as a park and was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. An additional 47 acres to the west was added later for the Carroll Park Golf Course. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Know Before You Go:</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1500 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21230</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<a href="https://www.mountclare.org/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.mountclare.org/index.html </span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Currently the house is closed except for private functions and scheduled tours, but is generally open to the public. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Carroll Park Info: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/parks/CarrollPark">Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks</a></span>CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com01500 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA39.2789545 -76.642986739.2785705 -76.6436172 39.279338499999994 -76.6423562tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-3235201993294611482019-05-02T18:49:00.003-04:002019-05-15T16:35:21.188-04:00The Rotunda <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Rotunda Baltimore " aria-busy="true" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/54258202_2274681729220612_6800961514988634112_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=69c7dd4ea8412de0addb028f25b8562e&oe=5D6578B9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Rotunda " width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by CB</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maryland Casualty Insurance Co. circa 1920-1930 (photo by MdHS)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td 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<h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=595981547091971&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK%2AF-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARBtAyAB30T72H0_LB8Xc3UNx0-zQC-8A1IkS-or1mxTH1R-aH8raFTdtoslqcFyqJ72XkLqMVFKiJl4%22%2C%22directed_target_id%22%3Anull%2C%22groups_location%22%3Anull%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/grandrotunda/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARB6wD-u8Fb8YXk54IWJGNT4RZSp-vnGKzhGn4AyC2iT3fyel6gy4M6JzCv7POB4BTnf7z8R61KDN2nskbsewFWjoJvRYhRH9jiyu76lAt-PlbBAfCJ-YtK6xqbex3LC3W5M9QikBaRDSJ8i31w-h4p6AA9BmdgXYrL15E4qGBTIEIeGroePUoq9jYrR2gekGYUDbkrjr5cl0TFT1Ew5U44VOSMfLjv_RBsdGB7RNgAf6-a05Iz1NV0Nv_7lHY1XjS9EWCAl2GacuOQXVwplRP8EsRSf8QwQPwnNXdSg1ENobR0tAV_ebudYRSCOnfaD3b1h6I_uHmUqyjyA3sjmU-CJ_w&__tn__=%2CdK%2AF-R&eid=ARBtAyAB30T72H0_LB8Xc3UNx0-zQC-8A1IkS-or1mxTH1R-aH8raFTdtoslqcFyqJ72XkLqMVFKiJl4">The Rotunda</a>:</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Originally built for the Maryland Casualty Insurance Co. in 1920-1921.
Later converted to offices, a mall, and longtime home of the Rotunda
Cinematheque. Renovated again into a mixed-use space with retail on the
ground floor along with the <a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=1091660334179117&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK%2AF-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARDcMeXDKBgfKOIiTHbCL5ZwgFph_RuhzHkz6rmbpF-C_MzpxFfUYVgOwKtYLBuBYNcdyVqTQdFMhnF7%22%2C%22directed_target_id%22%3Anull%2C%22groups_location%22%3Anull%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/IconResidences/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARB6wD-u8Fb8YXk54IWJGNT4RZSp-vnGKzhGn4AyC2iT3fyel6gy4M6JzCv7POB4BTnf7z8R61KDN2nskbsewFWjoJvRYhRH9jiyu76lAt-PlbBAfCJ-YtK6xqbex3LC3W5M9QikBaRDSJ8i31w-h4p6AA9BmdgXYrL15E4qGBTIEIeGroePUoq9jYrR2gekGYUDbkrjr5cl0TFT1Ew5U44VOSMfLjv_RBsdGB7RNgAf6-a05Iz1NV0Nv_7lHY1XjS9EWCAl2GacuOQXVwplRP8EsRSf8QwQPwnNXdSg1ENobR0tAV_ebudYRSCOnfaD3b1h6I_uHmUqyjyA3sjmU-CJ_w&__tn__=%2CdK%2AF-R&eid=ARDcMeXDKBgfKOIiTHbCL5ZwgFph_RuhzHkz6rmbpF-C_MzpxFfUYVgOwKtYLBuBYNcdyVqTQdFMhnF7">ICON Residences at the Rotunda</a> which opened in 2016. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MdHS photos: <a href="https://mdhsphotographs.tumblr.com/post/26843707551/maryland-casualty-company-building-701-west-40th" target="_blank">https://mdhsphotographs.tumblr.com/post/26843707551/maryland-casualty-company-building-701-west-40th </a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-75218005388771066592015-06-25T22:23:00.003-04:002015-06-25T22:23:37.997-04:00So Long Red Line, Thanks for All the Memories So it looks like the end for the Red Line, at least in its present form; and with it the hope that Baltimore will get any new transit in the next decade. I started this blog back in 2008, and a lot has happened in 7 years: I got married, had a kid with number 2 on the way, bought a house, switched jobs - all of which has led to significantly less Skyline blogging. Anyway, I took a look back at one of the first posts I wrote about the Red Line in 2008. Back then it was supposed to cost $1.6 billion and be up and running by about 2016. Now he we are on June 25, 2015 with federal money committed and backed by Baltimore City and County, and then Gov. Larry Hogan finally pulled the plug on what turned into a $2.9 billion gorilla that wouldn't run until around 2022. There is more to this story, but I'll leave that for another time.<br />
<br />
What it all boils down to is this: Baltimore needs better transit. The Red Line wasn't perfect, but it could have worked. The real issue, however, is that it should never have gotten to this. The Red Line was seen as a panacea, it would solve our transit woes and get Baltimore back on its feet. MTA put all their eggs in one basket on this one. Instead of being a smartly designed addition to the system, it tried to be everything to everyone, and in the end got too big and too expensive at the wrong time. Now, all our eggs are smashed. Now what?<br />
<br />
Maybe now the MTA in general and Baltimore in particular need to look at improving, enhancing, and expanding what we have currently.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>This means fixing the Light Rail, so it moves seamlessly through downtown on Howard Street, and making it a more reliable choice. </li>
<li>Being serious about revamping the MTA bus system: better routes, better reliability, improved signage and shelters, better professionalism of the employees, and no tolerance for riders who want to cause problems.</li>
<li>At the same time making the Quick Bus routes truly Enhanced Bus Service with signal priority, dedicated lanes where available, and specialized bus livery and stops. </li>
<li>Having a serious discussion about how the Penn and Camden Lines can better serve commuters heading into Baltimore. </li>
<li>Having additional Express and Commuter Bus routes heading into Baltimore City and the job centers in our immediate area. </li>
</ul>
<div>
While this is going on. Let's start the process for another New Starts bid.</div>
<ul>
<li>Dust off the plans to extend the Metro Subway beyond JHH to either North Ave or to Bayview along the Amtrak ROW, the latter which is favored by Gerald Neilly and the Right Rail folks (which I genuinely believe they are correct about)</li>
<li>Couple this with a renewed attempt for a spur line from Lexington Market along Route 40 to West Baltimore MARC as heavy rail, or even light metro if the ridership won't be as high. </li>
<li>Look at taking the Light Rail beyond BWI to the BWI Rail Station and making a better connection with Penn Station. </li>
</ul>
<div>
While this might be the end of the Red Line, we should still look forward to what we can do to make Baltimore a better and more connected city. </div>
CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-30824839902241927502015-03-20T13:11:00.000-04:002019-05-05T20:25:57.900-04:00Baltimore's Top Transit Missed Opportunities<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWgJJBs1h4d4uJShGDxIem5VZzs_dRq_c2OAbnSoaknJ4RyM1qpE-ATs0xUvGAFkzacOxDS1WPoZLzPzqmgVTPZM_Je7eRMZsgNdZLnUxmTGNQtJ_CYOjuNKFK67k3pGIgoW1KET12uQ/s640/blogger-image--1427016827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWgJJBs1h4d4uJShGDxIem5VZzs_dRq_c2OAbnSoaknJ4RyM1qpE-ATs0xUvGAFkzacOxDS1WPoZLzPzqmgVTPZM_Je7eRMZsgNdZLnUxmTGNQtJ_CYOjuNKFK67k3pGIgoW1KET12uQ/s320/blogger-image--1427016827.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baltimore Sun map from 1930s</td></tr>
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<ol>
<li><b>The Streetcar Subway:</b> In the 1920s Baltimore floated the idea of burying its streetcar lines under downtown with a loop underneath Fayette and Baltimore Street. Streetcar lines along Pennsylvania Ave, St. Paul Street, and Gay Street would have funneled into tunnels at North Ave with lines from the west going into a tunnel under Baltimore Street, from the east under Eastern Ave along Patterson Park and through Fells Point, from the south under Hanover street through Federal Hill. This would have created a very extensive subway system in central Baltimore, and would have in all likelihood, like Boston, SF, and Philadelphia saved much of the streetcar network. If this scenario had played out, places like Penn Station, Patterson Park, and the northeast would have been a quick underground trolley ride away from downtown. </li>
<li><b>Metro Subway to BWI: </b>The original plan for the for the Baltimore metro called for a spoke-and-wheel system very much like the DC Metro, but that never happened. However the original Phase 1 plan was to have a metro line from Charles Center south through the Inner Harbor, Ledenhall and then along the old WB&A Electric Railway and Baltimore and Annapolis Railway rights-of-way to BWI and Glen Burnie. However, Ann Arundel County balked when it came to funding and construction, and this southern line was never built, as metro. It would be resurrected as the southern portion of the Light Rail in 1992, however with separate spurs for BWI and Glen Burnie, instead of a direct connection to both, leaving BWI with unacceptably long headways of 20 min. peak/30 min. off-peak. See <a href="http://www.roadstothefuture.com/BRRTS.html" target="_blank">Roads to the Future </a>for more details. </li>
<li><b>Metro Extension beyond Johns Hopkins Hospital: </b>The original 2002 plan called for a metro extension all the way to White Marsh, but a more realistic plan was to serve Morgan State University. However, this was then truncated back to North Ave when plans for the Red Line became finalized. Now however, an extension beyond JHH seems completely unlikely. <a href="https://www.baltimorebrew.com/2013/08/19/how-the-red-line-and-streetcars-can-live-well-and-affordably-together/" target="_blank">Gerald Neily has pushed an idea</a> to extend the metro instead beyond JHH, under Eager Street and along the Amtrak ROW to Bayview. With a MARC station at Bayview this would provide a one-seat side from Bayview, to JHH, and Charles Center while using existing infrastructure. Additionally this plan would allow for only one MARC station to be built. The current MTA plan envisions two: one at Bayview to connect with the Red Line, and then one at Broadway to connect with the metro subway. An extension to North Ave would allow for a better location for a bus transfer hub where northeast routes could be funneled into meet the subway. </li>
<li><b>Building the Red Line has a spur of the Metro Subway: </b>IMO this is the biggest miss opportunity of them all. While it would not have been as extensive as the plan, a metro Red Line could have been envisioned as a spur using the existing Route 40 right-of-way to West Baltimore, a transfer hub at Lexington Market, and then an extension beyond JHH as mentioned above. For far less money, a more integrated system could have been created. further stages could have expanded the lines further west or north/east. New tunnels would be only needed to connect the spur north of Lexington Market, and approx. 1 mile to North Ave or 1.5 miles to extend the line to the Amtrak ROW to Bayview. </li>
<li><b>Pursuing the 2002 rail plan for the MARC Penn and Camden Lines: </b>This is another big miss because it would have utilized already existing MARC system to serve as the backbone to a Baltimore-centric rail line. The <a href="http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/brreportfinal.pdf" target="_blank">2002 plan</a> envisioned the Purple Line to use the Penn Line between Edgwood and Odenton, but added new stations Rossville, Rosedale, Edison Highway, Sandtown, and at the city line north of Arbutus. The Orange Line would use the Camden Line between Camden Station and Dorsey with new stations at Morrell Park and Lansdowne, although and Elkridge station would also work here. These two lines would be designed to get commuters and riders to Baltimore, with more frequent service and weekend service utilizing multiple-unit trainsets. While the rights-of-way and many stations are there, work would need to be done on the Camden Line to add tracks to accommodate more passenger service. </li>
</ol>
CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-35321849278266712952014-11-19T10:36:00.000-05:002014-11-19T10:36:06.166-05:00Big Improvements to Light Rail that Would Make For a Better System<br />
<ol>
<li>In the long term planning, the MTA wants to extend the Light Rail (dubbed the Yellow Line) passed BWI all the way to Columbia, <b>connecting the BWI Rail Station and Dorsey MARC station</b> along the way. I honestly do not think extending the route to Columbia is the best choice. Instead how about extending just to Dorsey. The spur from BWI Business District to the international terminal should be abandoned and This ROW used for a people mover that would connect the parking garages, long term parking, and the terminal with the light rail station. </li>
<li>Adding <b>infill stations</b> along the route the current route would allow for better access to more communities. The station platforms at Texas are already there; a new park-and-ride station can be added here pretty easily. Walk-up stations should be considered at Ruxton along Bellona Avenue and <a href="http://baltimoreskyline.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-case-for-light-rail-station-at.html" target="_blank">Remington/Hampden at Wyman Park Drive</a> to access neighborhoods that are currently bypassed. This last station could provide better access to Druid Hill Park</li>
<li><b>Pursue the proposed Yellow Line</b> north through the city. This would be a very expensive project which would be years down the road, especially considering the anemic pace of the Red Line, and its potential delay now with Larry Hogan as the next governor. I <a href="http://baltimoreskyline.blogspot.com/2013/02/creating-separate-yellow-line.html" target="_blank">explored this option back in 2013</a>, but a separate Yellow Line would be able to provide necessary rapid transit access to Mount Vernon and Penn Station. The short stub track from the current Light Rail to Penn Station could be abandoned, with the Yellow Line serving as a faster and more efficient connection between MARC/Amtrak and downtown. </li>
<li><b>Build a new Camden Yards Station</b> because the current station is a joke; it is way too small and the fabric canopy leaks and is useless if it's windy. A proper station shelter is desperately needed at Camden Yards, preferably one designed to fit nicely with the warehouse and the old Camden Station. A bigger waiting room is a must with larger bathrooms. While a staffed ticketing window may not be necessary, more self-serve kiosks are; currently there is only one for MARC and one for Light Rail. A newsstand/snack/coffee shop could be added for the convenience of commuters and for Orioles fans during baseball season. New canopies should be constructed over the MARC platforms with better lighting and benches. Currently there is only one canopy on one platform that is shared with the southbound light rail. If the above plan to extend the Yellow Line through the Inner Harbor and Mount Vernon is pursued, then a new Camden Yards light rail station, separate from the MARC platforms would need to be built.</li>
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Sure this is more ambitious than the small improvements list, and this would be many years down the road, but Baltimore needs to get more visionary with its transit planning and get serious about making a more expansive and connected transit system. </div>
CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-35346036766444935112014-11-16T11:24:00.001-05:002014-11-16T11:24:30.085-05:00Could the Four Seasons Condos Finally be on the Way?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-ar4JEcld1q9kQFA8nR-6KHWLAeNWExD3O9Myl6Ol3YbQ2rgbe3dQVINJs1n6RkKU7aU1C7EFSo4iZtv1uw5BQwZkwq6kpqG6VYHVsGtrambiHAV2PljaFGzJFMdTHduKHAmFRdMGig/s640/blogger-image-404465494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-ar4JEcld1q9kQFA8nR-6KHWLAeNWExD3O9Myl6Ol3YbQ2rgbe3dQVINJs1n6RkKU7aU1C7EFSo4iZtv1uw5BQwZkwq6kpqG6VYHVsGtrambiHAV2PljaFGzJFMdTHduKHAmFRdMGig/s640/blogger-image-404465494.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tower crane going up alongside the Four Seaons Hotel in Harbor East. Could the long awaited condos finally be on the way, or just more hotel rooms? In any case the revised plan only puts the building at a few more floors, or only as tall as the Legg Mason Building next door. </div>CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-65005672920131248822014-08-01T09:35:00.000-04:002014-08-01T09:35:01.728-04:00Why Right Rail is Wrong, and Right<b>The Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda of the Red Line:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbD_vLYbkzNR75wigTtFYZ7bsReuGF4SjrbqY72Tmfq0kHF0a6zq8D6rpUzUlLEgksFV7ClGTPNY5qZ2B0GbSM0sPSxDaphHJQLqgliBqx210e4BuF94qFiCOYy2ARKpQ9o_xfsm2_Lw/s1600/baltimore-rail-system-plan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbD_vLYbkzNR75wigTtFYZ7bsReuGF4SjrbqY72Tmfq0kHF0a6zq8D6rpUzUlLEgksFV7ClGTPNY5qZ2B0GbSM0sPSxDaphHJQLqgliBqx210e4BuF94qFiCOYy2ARKpQ9o_xfsm2_Lw/s1600/baltimore-rail-system-plan.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of 2002 transit plan</td></tr>
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When the Red Line was first proposed in 2002 the decision on the exact route and transportation mode were far from certain. We all know what decision was eventually made, but direction the line took could have turned out much different. A definite missed opportunity was not pursuing a heavy rail option and thinking of the current metro subway as a trunk line that a spur line could split off from. With this in mind the Red Line planners could have built a spur using the a Route 40 ROW - which the current plan calls for - from West Baltimore MARC with stops in Harlem Park and UMB, before turning south and connecting with the metro subway at Lexington Market. Here a proper transportation hub and transfer point could have been built as intended. The line would have allowed for a direct connection to downtown and Johns Hopkins Hospital while using available infrastructure. A small spur, with high capacity, for much less money. </div>
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The expensive part would have been to design and build the rest of the Red Line. With a commitment to heavy rail the planners would have had to either tunnel under Edmonson Ave to reach I-70 which would have added tremendous cost, or built it as elevated which the communities would have met with vehement opposition. It would have not been a total loss to stop at West Baltimore since a transit hub could be built there to connect bus lines, the MARC, and the Red Line. </div>
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To the east, the planners could have decided to do a few things. With not having to build another downtown tunnel the Red Line could have either continued jointly with the metro, and both lines extended past JHH to North Avenue and beyond - as is a current idea - or along the Amtrak ROW to Bayview as Right Rail suggests. Another option, albeit more expensive option, could have been to split the Red Line off after Shot Tower continued to at least Harbor East and Fell's Point, or even further then to Patterson Park or Canton. I have discussed this previously in another post. </div>
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However, this is all a pipe-dream since this was never planned out, and we have the current alight rail plan for the Red Line. Oh well.</div>
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<b>Why Right Rail is Wrong:</b></div>
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The Right a Rail Coalition is proposing something along the lines of what is outlined above. The exception being they want the western portion of the Red Line built as light rail, albeit designed for longer trains, and end at Lexington Market with a transfer point. They would then use other funding to build a metro extension along the Amtrak ROW to Bayview. However, they would decide not to extend any rapid transit to the quickly growing Harbor East and the parking strapped Fell's Point and Canton communities. Instead those would be served by streetcars. While streetcars would be good for getting people around those areas, it would not be the best form of transportation to get people across the city in a timely manner. An underground line, while more expensive, can move more rapidly and be unencumbered by traffic while connecting to the larger transit network. (see Yonah Freemark's <a href="http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2014/07/21/the-value-of-fast-transit/" target="_blank">The Value of Fast Transit</a>).<br />
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The Charm City Circulator does a great job moving people around the downtown core, but since it has to sit in the same traffic - much as a streetcar would - it does little to move people quickly and efficiently across longer distances. The Red Line as planned does the right thing by putting the line beneath downtown Baltimore and through the narrow streets of Fell's Point before emerging in Canton. </div>
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The other suggestion of extending the metro to Bayview has merits, it bypasses most of the neighborhoods that would benefit the most from the metro to get to Bayview by the easiest route. Rather something along the above proposal would be better, either under Baltimore Street or Eastern Avenue, before going to Bayview. (I talked about this in a <a href="http://baltimoreskyline.blogspot.com/2013/01/where-to-expand-metro-subway.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, but now the maps are messed up) With the cost savings of not building a redundant tunnel, funding could be shifted to these options.</div>
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<b>Why Right Rail is Right:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6jEEqTAHxgRodXUXtRD0usTOLnaiBKgKCdhPiRYZHT8YR9c5qSsLvhNOYL3lHp64aqfJkB4rt90q4hdSmty1ueKQRf8nQP27nrGxYEqx5cEaDHOgOZ9KrWjZLxbc7fbGcM3eHPaF1yM/s1600/0_0_0_0_687_512_csupload_65094909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6jEEqTAHxgRodXUXtRD0usTOLnaiBKgKCdhPiRYZHT8YR9c5qSsLvhNOYL3lHp64aqfJkB4rt90q4hdSmty1ueKQRf8nQP27nrGxYEqx5cEaDHOgOZ9KrWjZLxbc7fbGcM3eHPaF1yM/s1600/0_0_0_0_687_512_csupload_65094909.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right Rail Coalition Streetcar Plan</td></tr>
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There is one place where the Right a Rail Coalition is spot on: the return of streetcars. Currently there is the Charles Street plan, which is stagnant since the city only wants to focus its attention on the Red Line instead of seeing the value of improving transit more comprehensively. They envision a line along North Ave. between the Zoo and Bayview with a potential extension along Belair Road. This is a great idea, the only change I would make is to cut out the meandering route to Coppin State and go direct to Druid Hill Park along a Druid Hill Ave/McCullough route. The line along Broadway intersects with the North Avenue line and connects JHH with Fells Point and Harbor East, and they have the Charles Street line extended to Federal Hill and Fort McHenry.<br />
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The reason these streetcar lines work is that they are designed along wide routes, interconnect with one another and the larger transit network allowing for hubs and transfer points. A streetcar in East Baltimore could work, but it shouldn't try to be in place of rapid transit, nor should it try to connect all the way from Canton to UMB on the surface.<br />
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<b>Conclusions:</b><br />
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<i>An Opportunity Missed</i> - Had the Red Line planners had some forethought in 2002 a metro Red Line could have been reality. The program is that it is now 2014 and to try to build any heavy rail extension of our metro is highly unlikely. What we are stuck with is a trunk line metro line that carries far less than it could, with no future prospects extension or a spur. Not making a subway transit hub at Lexington Market was a big mistake.<br />
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<i>Think Broadly</i> - The current Red Line plan while not perfect will bring a lot of good to Baltimore. It will allow for a more connected system and moreover connect residents and workers to areas of the city that lack rapid transit. But transit planners need to think more broadly to include modern streetcars - with fixed, direct routes and limited stops - to better integrate transit further out from the core.<br />
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<i>Take Steps </i>- The major problem with the Red Line is the insistence that all 14.1 miles be built at once which makes for an incredibly expensive and potentially unwieldy project. Had planners instead thought of the Red Line in stages the metro option could have been made to be viable. The complete DC Metro system was not built all at once, nor was the Baltimore Metro line, so why should the Red Line be any different? </div>
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CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-59794706453952327412014-05-31T10:47:00.000-04:002014-05-31T10:47:54.266-04:00Chesapeake Shakespeare Company<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bB2bAV2oEatJ-bWnNzAIoV9GqdraHUkwXy85OfLaXRoc-PR2YVjfr-Df0dF1k7T5AB24b5ArPxkFYsqH9_uzh7EjoiKsXSS4Dv2-uWfho1Enmh8F7gFP_a7WZZpfOWu8O08tF9rH-VU/s640/blogger-image-1718372838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New sign along S. Calvert Street.</td></tr>
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New sign is up at the future home of the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company at 7 S. Calvert Street (historically 202 E. Redwood Street) originally built in 1885 for the Mercantile Trust and Deposit Company. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim18dkr7i8Qqu67_8HiYIrT1Iio8zSN31DO8G6u29JTmhg-yN_Krdls41Mq_G7kd1QlZ7Ru94yiy9NLiBsnM91971gYrXy9mc2WRDaApXV7P5TefZxaLUx6wIpsyZROnHN_ke_WksUwvw/s1600/blogger-image-1852808833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim18dkr7i8Qqu67_8HiYIrT1Iio8zSN31DO8G6u29JTmhg-yN_Krdls41Mq_G7kd1QlZ7Ru94yiy9NLiBsnM91971gYrXy9mc2WRDaApXV7P5TefZxaLUx6wIpsyZROnHN_ke_WksUwvw/s1600/blogger-image-1852808833.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as the home of the Mercantile Trust and Deposit Company, ca. 1958</td></tr>
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CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-84527767018299132432014-05-30T15:30:00.002-04:002014-05-30T15:30:49.680-04:00Rethinking the Camden Line, Phase I<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://jscholarship.library.jhu.edu/bitstream/handle/1774.2/32734/Baltimore%20Region%20Rail%20System%20Plan.jpg?sequence=2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://jscholarship.library.jhu.edu/bitstream/handle/1774.2/32734/Baltimore%20Region%20Rail%20System%20Plan.jpg?sequence=2" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2002 Baltimore Rail Plan</td></tr>
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The 2002 Baltimore Rail Plan, besides planning for brand new routes, also envisioned expansion and reimagining of current routes. One of which was the Camden Line. The 2002 plan proposed expanding service to include local, more frequent service between Dorsey and Camden Station, in addition to the current commuter service to Union Station. While the plan did not go into very much detail it did include infill stations, and presumably "light rail" style frequencies. As things go, this never made it past the drawing board as the Red Line got the priority and maybe the Green Line extension next.<br />
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This doesn't mean we shouldn't think about how to better use the Camden Line. In fact, with the infrastructure already there it really is a good option to provide better transit service to Baltimore. So let's say there is both funding and the full cooperation of CSX, with that in mind let me propose that we do exactly what the 2002 plan recommends, along with what the 2007 MARC growth and investment plan (plus 2013 revision), wanted to do with regards to the commuter service. This would include adding a third track between Dorsey and St. Denis to allow for better separation and flexibility between freight and passenger service.<br />
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This could be viewed as a two-phase plan. Phase One would include DMU service between Dorsey and Baltimore, but with new stations at Morrell Park, Landsdowne in the vicinity of Hammonds Ferry Road, and a return for a station in Elkridge. St. Denis would be expanded with better parking and either an overpass or underpass to cross the tracks. At Dorsey, a pocket track could be built to allow trains to wait for the return trip north without blocking MARC commuter or CSX freight trains. <br />
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At Camden Station, a proper station house should be built to replace the abomination currently in use. A larger waiting room, more than one bathroom, and more than one ticket kiosk are essential. A newsstand or coffee shop would be a nice addition, wi-fi would be better. Platform canopies are also a must. Since all of the other stations are low floor, one of the current platforms here would be rebuilt for low-floor boarding.<br />
<br />CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-70680220449601382952014-04-30T18:04:00.000-04:002014-04-30T18:04:08.902-04:00Street Collapse on 26th St<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1J-jVKQ4-KctMU9bhj3Z-liBEbF3v1FcHF4ftR4k5GhWaLmlfgIoTZubPwlqRp59PP0PHPdeYESgzuYZCoNk9Kah8whAwAp7lzwgZEqVEcuroF0weMKztSrZxCyMCBQS3HK1EeP2l5A/s1600/bmfuamsimaafyh6+600xx684-1024-12-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1J-jVKQ4-KctMU9bhj3Z-liBEbF3v1FcHF4ftR4k5GhWaLmlfgIoTZubPwlqRp59PP0PHPdeYESgzuYZCoNk9Kah8whAwAp7lzwgZEqVEcuroF0weMKztSrZxCyMCBQS3HK1EeP2l5A/s1600/bmfuamsimaafyh6+600xx684-1024-12-0.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Baltimore Business Journal</td></tr>
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Collapse of section of 26th Street between St. Paul and N. Charles spilling mud, debris, and cars down on to the CSX (old B&O Belt Line) tracks in Charles Village. The Jones Falls has also flooded in Mt Washington and along Falls Rd near Penn Station and the Streetcar Museum. CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-50927261379285997222014-03-12T12:05:00.000-04:002014-03-12T12:05:24.540-04:00Small Improvements to Light Rail That Could Make a Big Impact<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>S</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>equence lights</b> <b>on Howard Street</b> so trains can move between stations without having to stop at red lights. This would significantly cut down on the travel time between Mt. Royal/UB and Camden Yards. The technology is there, it just needs to be implemented in a more sensible way. </span></li>
<li><b>Improve passenger information</b> at each station. This would include updating the maps to reflect the current light rail operation. The maps at most stations outside of downtown are poorly designed and show the light rail configuration when the extensions to Penn Station and BWI first opened in 1997. Way-finding and neighborhood maps showing immediate transit connections and local attractions are a must. Posted schedules should be updated immediately whenever a new version of the timetable is made.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMCnzkomFPnjlhyhHSZG_WO4hIcJIjijpzuIHnWgPhys4gFA0gw8j47R6fp5-xrGCFHXKzdAM85Bwv40NhZpFjHJp6dCAZdgC_t_4UTdmj78RWz0Os93DIlRiwuxTk36COGCdKBHUz4U/s1600/10678930854_470707229a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMCnzkomFPnjlhyhHSZG_WO4hIcJIjijpzuIHnWgPhys4gFA0gw8j47R6fp5-xrGCFHXKzdAM85Bwv40NhZpFjHJp6dCAZdgC_t_4UTdmj78RWz0Os93DIlRiwuxTk36COGCdKBHUz4U/s1600/10678930854_470707229a_b.jpg" height="400" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newer Light Rail map at downtown stations.</td></tr>
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</li>
<li><b>Update signs </b>at all stations. A few years back the downtown stations had new signs that replaced the originals from 1992. In addition the stations feature a system diagram, as well as a "At This Stop" sign that highlights a nearby feature. As of now these have not been expanded to the remaining stations on the light rail. FYI This new design can also be seen at the Halethorpe MARC station. </li>
<li><b>New neighborhood directional signs</b>. We have all seen the blue and yellow "Light Rail" signs with an arrow pointing in a vague direction to where a light rail station is located. These should be redesigned to include the name of the nearest station and the distance to it. (e.g. Woodberry, 3 Blocks). More are needed especially around walk-up neighborhood stations. A good example is at the Mt. Washington station. There is a walkway underneath I-83 on the side near the Whole Foods, but you would never know because there is not a sign there. If a sign were added, and the walkway better lit, it would add much more accessibility to the retail surrounding the station.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAb8eOLHvHv7q_qrrKJjqiQ0HGnOiQkkxsrJa6dvbZZ2ZmSZ3TBb_G5EqFRWXnrXlvTx2Pxn7KxyqjAdd5bMzIxrA9MBrDlu-HofSJKgTtNkZyfA8ngZjj-bUzY4tuwT5C04h0Ya9VT8/s1600/woodberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAb8eOLHvHv7q_qrrKJjqiQ0HGnOiQkkxsrJa6dvbZZ2ZmSZ3TBb_G5EqFRWXnrXlvTx2Pxn7KxyqjAdd5bMzIxrA9MBrDlu-HofSJKgTtNkZyfA8ngZjj-bUzY4tuwT5C04h0Ya9VT8/s1600/woodberry.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodberry Station with unmarked entrance at right.</td></tr>
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<li><b>Improve waiting passenger comfort </b>by adding more benches. There has actually been some improvement with this, but many stations only have benches on one platform, not both. There are some stations that it is impossible to do this, like Baltimore Street and Centre Street because of the narrowness of the platform, but maybe here MTA could <b>add simple canopies</b> that do not interfere with traffic to at least protect people from the rain. </li>
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CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-77330841049620363282014-02-28T16:45:00.000-05:002014-02-28T16:45:03.308-05:00Check the Flag Code, Baltimore<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnox5VRMasTaEEr3a8FYXsKOKmuZUhYTLhr6eOBS5drlXCyuhrMlFhf_5z8kdr1BVMrYn1QzYJIqEHx48Q1q2VXX-htcNjib_SLg73ELETnpdKD-sZL9xDgZNCWIpWUIYxWoHN4e0w1EM/s1600/photo+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnox5VRMasTaEEr3a8FYXsKOKmuZUhYTLhr6eOBS5drlXCyuhrMlFhf_5z8kdr1BVMrYn1QzYJIqEHx48Q1q2VXX-htcNjib_SLg73ELETnpdKD-sZL9xDgZNCWIpWUIYxWoHN4e0w1EM/s1600/photo+(3).jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by blogger</td></tr>
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Things are moving along at the apartment renovation at 301 N. Charles Street. The developers even added two new flags to the poles that have stood devoid of ensigns for far too long. Except there is just one little problem, they flags are one the wrong poles!<br />
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If I remember one thing from the flag etiquette it's that the US flag is always to the left when hanging from a building when there are two poles. It's the same rule the the flag is always to the right of a speaker when on the stage (that is, the left of the stage when viewing from the audience).<br />
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The other helpful giveaway on this particular building (and we have the state of Maryland to thank for this) is the finial on the right hand flag pole is in the shape of a bottony cross; which denotes that <i>this </i>is the pole that the Maryland state flag is supposed to fly from.<br />
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Really, it's not that complicated. I will now step down from my soapbox rostrum.CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-25841735471513320572014-02-24T15:39:00.002-05:002014-02-24T15:39:48.453-05:00Spring Training! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UAt4vuqck40m-1IDcZ3Zqgy-jGvsPOpIZxIzsxHV5wFD-zpKxHbmRcvwsxgKayBBxn2GoQ6aE27jSEXYDyTjT5EMhOzMZm2KDn07IhOf-iYNmmIcyKtkw3X-NtYouImVdosVUkxiRG8/s1600/1654433_10150360019584990_1963634029_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UAt4vuqck40m-1IDcZ3Zqgy-jGvsPOpIZxIzsxHV5wFD-zpKxHbmRcvwsxgKayBBxn2GoQ6aE27jSEXYDyTjT5EMhOzMZm2KDn07IhOf-iYNmmIcyKtkw3X-NtYouImVdosVUkxiRG8/s1600/1654433_10150360019584990_1963634029_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hopefully this picture will help everyone get over the Winter Blues. Spring Training is in full force down in Sarasota. Baseball will be at Camden Yards in no time!CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-9097752288613257232014-01-26T19:59:00.003-05:002014-01-26T19:59:41.535-05:00Then and Now: Loyola University Maryland <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Loyola University Maryland, for the longest time known as Loyola College, was founded in 1852 and moved to it's present North Baltimore campus in 1921. The view of the corner of N. Charles Street and Cold Spring Lane has changed a lot over 93 years, just take a look at the signage on the corner. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">circa 1920s</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m0x1YystqL5xBF_8e6O_JkZucRUYA88QkswBu4t7xPN2kJQaD90FV3Q4yWTUMVSRSJG00T71al3lvEYHmwNPXqgq22QbbKicgfmYKTIbwrezrITlawwsMKQMuTv9ggN7yVzbXM6bz1E/s640/blogger-image-1744740213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2006</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 </td></tr>
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CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-13047287440290243522013-12-31T22:32:00.001-05:002013-12-31T22:32:06.501-05:00Happy 2014, BaltimoreWe had a lot of fun in 2013. The Ravens won the Super Bowl, Canton Crossing opened, old offices downtown started to be turned into apartments, weekend MARC service, and a whole lot more. <div><br></div><div>With 2014 the Orioles will be soon back at Camden Yards, 10 Light Street will turn from offices to apartments, Harbor Point should break ground, the city will celebrate the bicentennial of the Star Spangled Banner, and hopefully be one year closer to construction of the Red Line.</div><div><br></div><div>As you can see there is a lot to look forward to. Here's to a great year for Baltimore and a continued renaissance in 2014. </div>CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-8294196574810137582013-12-17T16:15:00.000-05:002013-12-17T16:15:10.664-05:00Too Many 7-Elevens? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQqgg0Irm4J2n59kKvcmkVe805vrkhyphenhyphenJfLxH9k0vegBA3_zCYJyIbc21OjXbWhtuZtUesaVZo5EXOXkx3nZhzaUOl8oou5eCacoXAocybpHrd7T85-5bRgwdfT5eKP0lTQ6JV__okfO4/s1600/272px-7-eleven-brand.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQqgg0Irm4J2n59kKvcmkVe805vrkhyphenhyphenJfLxH9k0vegBA3_zCYJyIbc21OjXbWhtuZtUesaVZo5EXOXkx3nZhzaUOl8oou5eCacoXAocybpHrd7T85-5bRgwdfT5eKP0lTQ6JV__okfO4/s1600/272px-7-eleven-brand.svg.png" /></a></div>
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Have you ever been downtown and left a 7-Eleven forgetting something that you needed to go to another 7-Eleven for and thought to yourself "This is an outrage, there really needs to be a 7-Eleven every couple of blocks." Well you're in luck! A new one is opening at 300 N Charles Street, only 3 blocks from a location at 100 West Lexington Street and 4 blocks from one at 529 N. Charles Street. Luckily there is that one on Lexington Street or you would have to walk all the way like a schmuck from the 7-Eleven at 301 N. Howard St. 6 whole blocks to the location at 300 E. Baltimore St, but that one is a midway point.<br />
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I know what you're thinking, three blocks that's a ridiculously long walk when you need to be at a 7-Eleven immediately. No fear, because if you happen to be at the 7-Eleven at 10. N Calvert St you don't need to walk the 2/10's of a mile to the 7-Eleven at 22 Light Street, no buddy, you're only 580 feet away from the next closest 7-Eleven at 231 E. Baltimore St.<br />
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If you find yourself up by JHU, no worries there are 4 in the immediate vicinity. Things look bleaker in Federal Hill with only two: 1000 S Hanover St and 1111 Light St. (that's a lot of elevens). If you're in Locust Point you're screwed, with only one at Key Highway.<br />
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I hope this helps you navigate from one 7-Eleven to another. Thankfully, some are even in line-of-sight of one another, so you don't even need a map or an app! Happy travelling!<br />
<br />CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-67787475085258963012013-11-27T15:27:00.001-05:002013-11-27T15:27:26.047-05:00A Treatise on Raised CrosswalksOne of the major concerns I have noticed in many residential neighborhoods is the lack of awareness around intersections, especially in regards to obeying stop signs. Too often drivers view stop signs as a suggestion rather than traffic code. For instance, recently in Hampden, stop signs were added at 36th St. and Elm Ave. and at 34th St. and Chestnut Ave. While many looked at this as a great example of traffic calming, many resident complained because it interfered with long standing driving patterns. Clearly it's hard to win.<br />
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Now this brings me to my point: raised crosswalks. Baltimore has already invest in speed humps, which are effective at traffic calming, but can still be abused since one can run a car over them above the posted speed with little inconvenience. However, as far as I know, Baltimore has not taken the next step of integrating this at crosswalks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy6OMzYajF_3T7C-0csRK2EzV-_AcUik6EDKXroNcth0AhWAzWyLoBO7pa_IdXj8qkzjaDGtbVfgzEHuXIap_Sc_CdXtaXm_Z28DEZ5Sq8WGwQB4dZGyET58JmR_6sY_Rwz5KLfig-0M/s1600/800px-Pompeii-Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy6OMzYajF_3T7C-0csRK2EzV-_AcUik6EDKXroNcth0AhWAzWyLoBO7pa_IdXj8qkzjaDGtbVfgzEHuXIap_Sc_CdXtaXm_Z28DEZ5Sq8WGwQB4dZGyET58JmR_6sY_Rwz5KLfig-0M/s400/800px-Pompeii-Street.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stepping stones in Pompeii </td></tr>
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The concept of these go as far back as Roman antiquity. Where stepping stones were placed in the thoroughfare so that pedestrians were able to safely cross the street without having to step down into the muck that frequently ran through Roman streets. The stones were spaced to allow the wheels of carts and chariots to pass around them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from <a href="http://streetswiki.wikispaces.com/Raised+Crosswalk" target="_blank">streetswiki</a></td></tr>
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Raised crosswalks are a good idea not only because they slow traffic coming up to intersections or at a designated a pedestrian crossing, but also make pedestrians more visible since they are not stepping down into the street. For ADA purposes they can be easier to navigate than curb cuts and ramps. However they can have an impact on storm water drainage and emergency response vehicles so the placement and construction have to be thought through. Regardless this would be a great addition around city schools, parks, and other places where traffic can and should be slowed, to give pedestrians an easier opportunity to safely cross the street.CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-37865512401586138942013-11-02T15:28:00.001-04:002013-11-02T15:28:31.659-04:00Swing and a Miss, Chase Brexton<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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When Chase Brexton moved to their new location, they added a nice flashy sign denoting their location. However they didn't exactly get it right. First it advertised "1111 Charles" forgetting that there is actually a difference between North and South Charles streets. 1111 South Charles is an empty lot in Federal Hill 2 miles away. Strike One. </div>
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I guess they realized their error and got a new sign. This one now advertises the address of the former Monumental Life annex but says "1125 Charles North". Now they are either trying to make a connection with the growing neighborhood above Penn Station, or they didn't hire a good sign company. Strike Two.</div>
CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-28885492495064132712013-10-24T11:30:00.003-04:002013-10-24T11:30:57.388-04:00Skyline Roadtrip: Maine<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fryeburg Fair, in Fryeburg, ME since 1851.</td></tr>
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In October we took a little road trip to Maine for some autumn action. First stop was Fryeburg, where their agricultural fair has been going strong since 1851, and is the largest in the state of Maine. This is a real fair folks, not what you get at the Timonium Fairgrounds in September. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LL Bean, making boots Freeport, ME since 1912.</td></tr>
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No trip to Maine would be complete without a stop at the LL Bean flagship store in Freeport. Making boots and other outdoor equipment since 1912, this store never closes. In fact there aren't even locks on the front doors. If you need a pair of bean boots or a canvas boat bag on Christmas morning for a last minute gift? They have you covered. When you leave the LL Bean store there are plenty of other outlet stores and shops all around Freeport; its a nice walk-able community. Plus Amtrak goes there now so you can ride the rails from Boston North Station all the way downeast. </div>
CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-90789871512685451692013-10-18T09:48:00.002-04:002013-10-18T09:48:14.218-04:00Green Lane ProjectAlright Baltimore, let's jump on this. What better way to spur better bike infrastructure in the city. Check out The <a href="http://www.peopleforbikes.org/green-lane-project/pages/information-for-interested-cities" target="_blank">Green Lane Project</a> for more information. In their pilot year six cities were granted funding, including DC.<br />
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DC seems to have it right when it comes to improving infrastructure, mode-share, and complete streets while Baltimore lags behind due to the lack of political will. Look at what DC is doing: streetcars, silver line extension, protected bike lanes and bike signals. Let's get serious here.<br />
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<br />CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-39226871336536317842013-09-26T10:05:00.001-04:002013-09-26T10:05:48.063-04:00Ruin Near The Block<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qd9wzQqY_FGPweVYvJ91E76ZsbEbDdu7Rku7rQDkN4Rk6ze-WJr9MyXl0_wx-CjpMDiiX7e_0rKIoSS70GpqdFfQ3iAnLe5Hjf2ZjXl4fD9aLrihh8dR5yyK4ciiUsw_1GZOMRIBSzk/s640/blogger-image--1528407720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qd9wzQqY_FGPweVYvJ91E76ZsbEbDdu7Rku7rQDkN4Rk6ze-WJr9MyXl0_wx-CjpMDiiX7e_0rKIoSS70GpqdFfQ3iAnLe5Hjf2ZjXl4fD9aLrihh8dR5yyK4ciiUsw_1GZOMRIBSzk/s400/blogger-image--1528407720.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by the blogger</td></tr>
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The empty and city owned former Lobe Building at 15-17 S. Gay Street, just off The Block. Many of the windows are broken and has sat decaying for years. It serves as the northern end of a row of four vacant, but at one time beautiful thriving buildings on the east side of Gay Street that are city owned. </div>
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On any other street near the Inner Harbor these might have been renovated years ago. especially do to its proximity to the Water Street condos across the street, and being two blocks from the Inner Harbor. Instead they are unfortunately situated around the corner from The Block, which needs no introduction. The seediness of which extends beyond the borders of the adult district to wither any development efforts in the immediate area (e.g. the 1st floor retail of One South Street has been empty since the building opened in 1991), or produce only low-brow retail. </div>
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<br />For a city that is all about improving its image, and at the same time striving for downtown development (see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9fNGJg7B_Q&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">The Downtown Partnership's new video</a>), why does it tolerate this? </div>
CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390766212407593672.post-71306072600120309172013-09-24T21:06:00.004-04:002013-09-24T21:06:38.870-04:00Broken Lights<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XeuHGYI7JkNELuOXHrJnlYlVCnAKHJ8UwDTrh2JOEhnRXoN6rK32laXF3Ug8fc4owRUl_j-21LxNPRjTpFgxiVLQUik1JL0mFbxF_M3wx_tzut3bANL4Z9-7t_XFZoOw49fj9TbYxps/s640/blogger-image--1638280046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XeuHGYI7JkNELuOXHrJnlYlVCnAKHJ8UwDTrh2JOEhnRXoN6rK32laXF3Ug8fc4owRUl_j-21LxNPRjTpFgxiVLQUik1JL0mFbxF_M3wx_tzut3bANL4Z9-7t_XFZoOw49fj9TbYxps/s400/blogger-image--1638280046.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by the blogger</td></tr>
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I take it that these lights along the Pratt Street bridge over the Jones Falls don't work. Many of the glass panes are broken; I have driven past them and I cannot remember the last time I have seen these illuminated. It is seriously a lost opportunity for nice streetscaping along the major harbor thoroughfare.<br />
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Possible solution? Paint the light posts, replace the glass panes, and add new light fixtures (e.g. LEDs), to bring some light back to the Pratt Street bridge.<br />
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CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961915929645341404noreply@blogger.com0