Last week, nearly 400 of GBC’s members, partners, and regional stakeholders attended our transportation and economic opportunity summit. The event highlighted the major transportation projects underway to improve connectivity throughout the region and catalyze economic opportunity in our core. Speakers also discussed plans for major new investments throughout downtown and the waterfront area that will bring fresh energy and vitality to Baltimore in the years to come, creating a new renaissance for our region.

Throughout the day it was clear that - at a time when regions around the country are expanding transit and reimagining development - our institutions (all GBC partners) are thinking boldly and creatively about the revitalization of our core, the heart of our region, in a way that is both transformational and setting the foundation for enduring growth and prosperity.

The recap:

Baltimore’s Transit Future

#1 - Amtrak is undertaking a $150 million makeover of Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Station. The redevelopment will transform our major train station area into a mixed-use, high-speed rail hub with potential to spark broader transit-centric development.

#2 - The Red Line will be a once-in-a-generation transit investment that will significantly enhance east-west connectivity across the Baltimore region. The project will link residents to major employment hubs and catalyze local development and growth. This new transportation initiative, which will be either light rail or bus rapid transit, will play a crucial role in revitalizing downtown and the many communities along its route. Join the campaign, with our next meeting scheduled in November.

#3 - Equitable development at transit and rail stations is one of the six pillars of the Baltimore’s Transit Future campaign. MLR Partners provided an overview of one such project - a major new mixed-use project proposed for Baltimore County’s fading Lutherville Station, which sits adjacent to a light rail stop.

#4 - Transportation-related projects in Baltimore have wide support from our public sector leaders. Along with its commitment to the Red Line, Governor Wes Moore also highlighted the state’s $450 million state investment to build the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel. The tunnel will allow for faster, more reliable Amtrak and MARC train service while generating up to 30,000 jobs in the Baltimore region, including 20,000 construction jobs. USDOT’s Christopher Coes emphasized the federal government’s historic commitment to investing in transit and infrastructure in Baltimore and throughout the nation. And GBC board chair Mohan Suntha had a rich conversation with Mayor Brandon Scott on how the city is working with other public and private sector partners to help advance Baltimore’s transit and redevelopment renaissance.

>> More than 70 businesses, nonprofit organizations, and civic organizations support the campaign. To join, please connect with GBC’s Partnerships Team and email partner@gbc.org

Reimagining the core

#5 - MCB Real Estate engaged more than 30,000 people in the ideation process for the redevelopment of Harborplace, with "accessible” and” local” emerging as key priorities. What we can look forward to: greening of urban spaces, better pedestrian access to the harbor that integrates with a thriving sports and entertainment district area, and a sense of community that celebrates Baltimore’s diversity and unique spirit. (Sorry, no ferris wheel.)

#6 - Reginald F. Lewis Museum will mark its 25th anniversary in 2030, with plans to modernize its permanent exhibit on Maryland African American history, and potentially expand the building in the future. As Terri Lee Freeman noted,  ‘A whole lot of history has occurred over this time,’ meriting updates that take an interactive approach to engage the minds of future generations.

#7 - The National Aquarium announced its $14 million investment to create Harbor Wetland, a floating public park that will provide new habitat for native species in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Sustainability is a major theme of the Aquarium’s initiatives, which include scientific education related to climate change and its ongoing impact on our harbor.

#8 - Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Maryland Science Center will continue to grow and engage audiences at its building on the Inner Harbor and through the provision of educational activities throughout the state. The Center will undergo a major “greening” effort in the coming years, including the development of a new interactive entryway.

#9 - Spearheaded by the Waterfront Partnership, the Baltimore Blueway will soon provide access to the waterfront and a safe route for kayakers to explore the harbor and the many assets that surround it. Among them is Rash Field Park, whose second phase of development will include gardens, a beach, playing fields, and areas for respite and relaxation. 

#10 - Caves Valley Partners provided multiple visuals of the plans envisioned for the Horseshoe Casino area. The Walk at Warner will connect the Casino, Top Golf, and M&T Bank Stadium and with restaurants, public spaces, and a new music venue, together creating a new South Baltimore entertainment district.

#11 - The Orioles’ exciting season generated tremendous enthusiasm, bringing crowds back to the stadium and new energy to the downtown core. Residents and visitors can look forward to even more opportunities to enjoy Camden Yards in the coming years as the organization looks to host a range of other events in the venue when the O’s are on the road.

#12 -  Baltimore Convention Center, our event host, will soon be investing in critical upgrades to improve the visitor experience. The Center will also continue to look for creative ways to partner with neighboring downtown assets. (The Downtown Partnership’s upcoming annual meeting will be there next month.)  A broader modernization effort is under review.

#13 - The CFG Bank Arena just underwent a $250 million renovation to improve the patron experience while also making concert set up far easier for permanence crews. The arena consistently has a full schedule of events, bringing thousands to the downtown and opening up new possibilities to activate the surrounding area.

With about $6.5 billion in new investment headed to Baltimore by 2028, plans to revamp the city's image in the coming few years need to "go big”. It will require collaboration, communication and partnerships to bring this ambitious vision to life and transformative leadership - all of which was on full display on the GBC stage.

>> Participate in prospective partnership briefing or sign-up for updates on strategic projects.

RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE

Baltimore Business Journal: Cross Street Partners CEO Bill Struever urged civic and business stakeholders to "go big" in their planned revitalization projects for the region.

Baltimore Sun: Business leaders offered their visions for the collective action needed to spur job creation, residential growth, and investment throughout downtown and the Baltimore area.

Bisnow: MLR Partners Principal Mark Renbaum was among the developers urging officials to adopt pro-growth policies and economic incentives to spur transit-oriented development.

Baltimore Sun: National Aquarium President & CEO John Racanelli announced that construction on a $14 million "Harbor Wetland" project would begin next month.

Baltimore Fishbowl: Leaders of major cultural and anchor institutions in the Baltimore area outlined the projects planned to fully transform the visitor experience for patrons.

Bisnow: MCB Real Estate Co-Founder and Principal David Bramble outlined how the guiding philosophy for the Harbor Place redesign is to make it a place Baltimoreans are attracted to.

Baltimore Sun: This commentary by the Sun Editorial Board noted that realizing transit-oriented development projects like the Lutherville rail station requires a focus on equity.

Planetizen: An influx of federal funding opportunities could spur a transit-oriented development boom throughout the Baltimore region.

UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS

• Oct. 26th: (Virtual) Prospective Partner Briefing: REGISTER
• Nov. 6th: (Partner-Only) Board Member Selection Event REGISTER