In December 2014, SouthBMore.com announced that the Baltimore Public Markets Corporation (BPMC) would be releasing a request for proposals (RFP) to redevelop and operate the 31,800 sq. ft. Cross Street Market in Federal Hill. This Monday, BPMC did just that.
BPMC is seeking an operator that will redevelop the property and enter into a master lease for no less than $275,000 per year with periodic increases thereafter, along with profit sharing for a length up to 30 years. The project must retain the name Cross Street Market.
From requirements in the RFP:
- To enhance the market’s design with a quality exterior that fits the neighborhood’s character, a quality interior that meets vendors’ needs and enhances patrons’ experiences, an orientation that engages the surrounding street grid, indoor and outdoor seating and gathering areas where feasible, incorporation of natural light, quality streetscaping, and a service and loading scheme that is rational and aesthetically appropriate.
– To address certain operational considerations, including diversity in mix of vendors, expanded days and hours of market operation, programming opportunities inside and outside the market, accommodation of vendors during construction, and appropriate incorporation of desired outcomes voiced by the local community and BPMC.
Each proposal must also address the following design considerations:
a. Creating a quality exterior that fits the neighborhood’s character.
b. Creating a practical, aesthetically pleasing interior that meets vendors’ needs and enhances patrons’ experiences.
c. Any revisions to the building footprint, including engagement with the surrounding street grid.
d. Incorporating indoor and outdoor seating and gathering areas, natural light, and quality streetscaping.
e. Service and loading scheme that is rational and aesthetically appropriate.
Proposals are due by March 5th, and a Pre-Proposal Conference will take place in January 20th, and the Request for Information deadline in February 19th.
The Baltimore Business Journal revealed that local developers Arsh Mirmiran and Scott Plank would be teaming up on a bid. Mirmiran, a partner at Caves Valley Partners (CVP), developed 1111 Light Street, Riverside Wharf, and the former M&T Bank on Cross St. CVP will also be developing the proposed Stadium Square project. Plank is a partner on 900 East Fort Ave., owns many properties around South Baltimore, and is a partner at North Baltimore’s Belvedere Square Market, which the duo drew comparisons in a Baltimore Business Journal article.
In one of SouthBMore.com’s most popular Facebook posts of the year, readers were asked about what changes they would like to see. The most popular answers were better hours, better produce, more natural light, the addition of a pho place, the addition of a ramen place, the addition of an Atwater’s, and the additions of a bakery, bagel shop, and more. Responses were also very complimentary about some of the existing establishments in the market, including Nick’s Seafood, Pop Tacos, Cheese Galore, Fenwick Meats, Steve’s Lunch, Bruce Lee Wings, and The Pretzel Twist.