Local officials including Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, Baltimore City Council President Jack Young and Bill Cole, President and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation joined community leaders and executives from MCB Real Estate for the groundbreaking of Yard 56 in Baltimore City. Upon completion, the mixed-use development could support as much as 2.2 million square feet of retail and Class A office space, as well as a full-service hotel and approximately 300 residential units. Phase I, consisting of approximately 80,000 square feet of retail product and 100,000 square feet of office space is expected to be delivered in late 2019.
Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh.
“The community waited a long time for this project but that moment is finally here,” explained P. David Bramble, Managing Partner of MCB Real Estate. “More than $77 million is being privately invested into the initial phase. After we complete the construction of Yard 56, the project will be yours not ours,” he told the gathering. “We want it to become a regular part of your life and your routine. We believe Yard 56 will be something you will be extremely proud of.”
“Considering all the real estate elements planned for Yard 56, imagine all the great things and people this will attract,” stated Mayor Pugh. “Our City is defined by how we meet the challenges that we face. Today’s groundbreaking symbolizes that we intend to move forward and more forward faster.”
P. David Bramble
Prior to entering the tent area, attendees may have noticed a variety of items such as massive steel hoppers, ventilators, mixing bins and steel beams scattered on the ground. “We recovered these and other items used in the former Pemco site and intend to incorporate them throughout the project as place making details on the pedestrian paths,” explained Bob Northfield, Principal with BCT Architects. “This will provide a connection between the site’s historical past and convey its rich industrial heritage.
A sampling of the former Pemco plant parts that will be incorporated in the pedestrian walkways at Yard 56.
Richard Bennett, MD, President, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center; P. David Bramble, MCB Real Estate
LA Fitness has been announced as the project’s anchor retail tenant with a 34,000 square foot facility. This will be the first LA Fitness in Baltimore City. Bramble alluded that several other major tenants are expected to be announced in the near future, but did not provide any further specifics.
Shaun Schelhause (left) received the "Outstanding Citizen Award" for his enduring passion and interest in the former Pemco site from MCB Real Estate Marketing Director Brett Foelber. A local resident, Shaun spent hours pouring over photos of the buildings and felt a deep connection to its former use and history.
MCB Real Estate, headquartered in Baltimore, is a privately-held, institutionally-capitalized commercial real estate development and investment firm. Active throughout the East Coast, the company owns and operates more than six million square feet of retail, industrial, commercial office and mixed-use projects. For additional information visit www.mcbrealestate.com
P. David Bramble, MCB Real Estate
Brian Hearn and Bob Northfield, BCT Architects
Baltimore City Council President Jack Young; Bill Cole, President and CEO, Baltimore Development Corporation.
For more photos, visit www.yard56.com/gallery
