Renovate, Reuse, Repurpose, Restore

A few years ago, MSA renovated the Bullpen Picnic area, adding these gorgeous red maples. 

The existing hardscape was improved with pervious brick pavers, establishing a surface that was easier to walk on and more absorbent of stormwater.

Lovely as this new area was, it was enhanced when the Garden of Greats was added this year.  Unfortunately, the pavers didn't work with the pedestals.

That would have meant a trip to the recycler for these very expensive, barely used pavers. Except they presented an opportunity to address a long-standing challenge on the other side of the campus (and save some serious $$$ in the process.) 

So the pavers were powerwashed, stacked, and shipped to M&T Bank Stadium for a new assignment in the hospitality village.

The area on the periphery of the stadium, dotted with purple tents and white picket fences on game days, is a popular option for groups attending Ravens games.

So popular that grass won't grow in some places.  This isn't from foot traffic alone.  Shade from maturing trees and poor drainage along Hamburg Street contribute to impossible growing conditions. 

Replacing sod every year was an expensive proposition.  And it didn't address the drainage or shade issues.  A permeable surface over a regraded, filtered base was needed.  So when the pavers became available, a creative solution was at hand.

Here you see LMC, our landscaping contractors, excavating the area to stabilize the drainage problem.  They apply a semi-permeable membrane and crushed stone as a base for the pavers.

Next, the pavers are tapped into place.  That's Bobby Brauns in the green shirt.  (Bobby was last seen installing the weather station on the south side with a cherry picker.  He's a true utility player.)

Because the pavers do not require mortar,  precipitation drains between them and is slowly absorbed instead of running off.

The team is really hustling to get this patio done.  Their goal is to have it in place before the Premier League soccer match on July 28th, followed by the Ravens Open Practice a week later on August 4th.

This represents a win on both sides of Camden Yards.  Our Bullpen Picnic pavers get a new home, and M&T Bank Stadium's hospitality village gets an attractive, environmentally sensitive upgrade that will last for years.

Revving Up the Warehouse

All systems are go.  The race to complete logistics for the Grand Prix of Baltimore is in high gear. Hard to imagine all this energy emanating from the corner suite one floor down, but we can sure feel the vibes. (Thankfully, not as intense as the jackhammers used on pit lane.)

Although the Andretti Sports Marketing Group has been here a few weeks, they wanted their offices decorated and organized before allowing the prying eyes from Bin 400 in for pictures.

This is the door to their suite in Warehouse A, featuring their handsome new logo and the Andretti corporate brand.  You can see the reception desk just inside, with a stunning picture of the winning Andretti team at the recent Milwaukee Indyfest. 

It's an appropriate selection, because in addition to having his marketing group promote the event into a resounding success, the Andretti racing team, led by winner Ryan Hunter-Reay, took two of three places on the podium.

They aspire to the same triumph in Baltimore.  And they're giving it their all.

Stephanie Thormann and Kristina Beese are seen here in the ticketing office.  But these two ladies have a great deal more to do, handling client services, reception duties, deliveries, and just about anything else that comes through the door.

They are both college students (actually Kristina just graduated) and are working here all summer.  More than a full time job, but both ladies are enjoying their experience in Baltimore.

You can't see their window, but they have a great view of rooftop deck at Oriole Park and are looking forward to game days (since they will be working some very long hours.)


Just inside the door (and in front of the kitchen where everyone has to pass) is the duty chart.  It's a giant "to do" list and assignment sheet, along with reminders of important times and dates.

In the middle is the race course itself.  It has some modifications from last year which will improve crowd flow and enjoyment of the race.  It will also improve the course for the drivers.  Among other things, the decelerating chicanes on Conway and Pratt Streets will be modified.

Up in the left corner, you can see the most important milestones.

It's less than three weeks until the track starts taking shape, a task that will probably take every bit of the 31 days before the cars hit the track.

Viewing the wonderful pictures (including some great vintage ones of Mario and Michael Andretti during their racing careers,) I was heartened to see there were several from last year's Grand Prix. 

The new promoters, while having their own plans for the 2012 event, greatly appreciate the dynamics that made the Baltimore race experience so positive for the teams.

On thing I had to ask (on behalf of all those Lamborghini lovers drooling in Lot C) was if the the car corrals were coming back.

The answer is a resounding YES!  The Le Mans folks are fully on board, and they will be having their paddock and car corrals between the two stadiums.  This was a huge hit last year for those fans who love high-performance rides they can relate to.  Or even own.

Many thanks to the gracious folks at Andretti who took the time to show me around.  Time is something they budget very carefully with so much to accomplish in the next 54 days.  But they have the talent and energy to get it all done and still make the winner's circle.

Those O's and Bohs !

It was about an hour before the gates opened on Opening Day.  I was strolling through the lower concourse of Oriole Park, admiring how well all the improvements and additions came together, when I was greeted by Baltimore's most famous cyclops.  Decked out in the new Oriole gear was Mr. Boh, enjoying a cold foamy draft and just waiting for the fans to arrive.

There are a number of nostalgic elements in this 20th season at Camden Yards.   A winning season (above .500 at the All-Star Break!!) has to top the list.  But I don't know of any other that resonates with the faithful quite like Mr. Boh and his commemorative can.

Recounting Nationial Bohemian's association with our city and particularly the O's would take a great deal more space that we have here.  Suffice to say, they were virtually synonymous during the early years after the team arrived.  Natty Boh is as Baltimore as Bromo.

The colorful commemorative 16 oz. can is ubiquitous on game days.  I saw it for the first time at Dempsey's, where cases were chilled on ice for Opening Day.  It was a particular favorite of the foreign visitors in port for the Sailabration -- many of whom picked them up while strolling Eutaw Street.

But it isn't just the novelty of the can and the connection to the home team.  I was amazed to learn National has developed a genuine following since its triumphant return to the ballpark gave it such local visibility.

Two recent stories in local papers have focused on the impact of the O's winning ways this year. Attendance is up, vendors are selling merchandise, and fans are wearing it all over town. 

However, the most accurate economic indicator (at least to this unscientific observer) is the action at the local watering holes.  That is where Natty Boh leads the league this year.

You'll notice that this group of pre-gaming fans at a nearby pub is not just enjoying the product but sporting the Boh gear as well. 

(Until I saw this, I didn't realize the natty Mr. Boh is a southpaw.  Just like Babe Ruth!  How poetic.)

This collection came from a trio of equally enthusiastic Boh fans who bequeathed me a seat after they departed for the 4:00 game.

Intrigued by a) the huge crowd, and b) the mountains of bright orange cans inside and outside the establishment, I asked about the phenomenom.  This is what I learned.

Business in the restaurant/bar just beyond center field has been booming this year.  Fans coming early, returning after the game, and even coming in during the game to watch the action on the TV (in air conditioned comfort.)

Fans are coming here to watch the game even if they don't go to the stadium.  If this vicarious viewing experience has a name, I don't know it. I did, however, see it first hand.  And yes, these secondaries dress for the occasion and blend right in with the paying fans.

Finally, those orange commemorative cans are selling just as well as they display.  Indeed, they are quite the rage, both inside and outside.  Part of it seems to be the reasonable price and jumbo size.  Another is the hipster appreciation for "local" suds. 

(No matter what the jingle says, it's no longer "brewed on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay."  Not even in Maryland.  But since Mr. Boh is eternally ours, that makes it local.)

And speaking of Mr. Boh . . .  in addition to gracing beer cans, retro print ads, a repurposed brewery, and t-shirts, he has a new gig.  Mr. Boh is the official mascot of the Baltimore Bohemians soccer team.  His visage even graces their kit, giving it a distinctive flare.

So the O's as well as Bohs are big winners in this first half of the season.   They're providing a high tide that lifts a lot of boats (not to mention mugs) around our neighborhood.

Turbocharged Triple Threat

Congratulations to our new neighbor, Michael Andretti, for his team's third straight win on the IndyCar circuit behind Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Hunter-Reay's impressive streak is amazing in itself, considering the tough competition in these competitions.  But his wins somewhat resemble a triathlon as they occurred in three different disciplines. 

The venerable Milwaukee course, in the middle of the Wisconsin State fairgrounds, is a traditional flat oval.

The newer Iowa course is a banked oval, requiring a different method of driving and passing.

Toronto, like Baltimore, is a street race. These are much different than the ovals, particularly when passing.

Hunter-Reay has another distinction -- he's the first American driver in six years to win three in a row.

So things are really looking up in the Andretti paddock as we count down to our own major production here in Baltimore.  Hard to believe, but construction on the race course will be starting in three weeks!!

Like Baseball and Apple Pie

How's this for product placement?  What goes better with a ball park than a hot dog?

We get a lot of celebrity guests here in the Warehouse, but this has to be the most recognizable vehicle since the Budweiser Clydesdales cruised in with their van.

We don't know what the weinermobile was doing here, but it was parked for a few hours in the meter zone next to the MARC line. 

Maybe one of the Andrettis has a new ride.  We'll just have to wait and see.

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night . . . . .

When the dastardly derecho struck Camden Yards late last Friday, fans had already safely departed.  But our friends and neighbors at Dempsey's were still cleaning up, so they had ringside seats to the wrath.

Many thanks to manager Crissie Evans and her staff for sharing the photos they snapped during and after the storm.



This is the sidewalk cafe outside Dempsey's.  Tables and umbrellas were the first to go.

Recycling bins and railings were not far behind.  At this point, the portable stands were still in place.

However, it was not long before they started moving too.  The horizonal hurricane packed winds of 70 mph in some places.  It wasn't clocked on Eutaw Street, but that corridor is breezy under the best conditions.

 The beer cart  sustained some injuries but fortunately beer wasn't one of them.  The Bird is still smiling, so we know this means no DL or rehab in Bowie. 

Beer was back in business by game time Saturday.



The sausage got a pretty good stuffing, though.  Not sure if it was from a collision with Flag Court or a gusty sucker punch.  Fortunately the fence was there or it could have landed on second base.

Despite the mayhem, MSA crews were able to have Oriole Park and its popular promenade back in operation in time for the Earl Weaver celebration Saturday afternoon.

Kudos to the best clean-up hitters in town!!

Camden Yards -- Then and Now

This picture hangs just outside the elevator on the 8th floor of the Warehouse.  It was a long time before I learned when it was taken and what it represented.

With a little cyber-sleuthing (accomplished on eBay)  I learned this picture was part of a large panorama taken from the newly-constructed Bromo Seltzer tower in 1912. It demonstrates the importance of Camden Yards in Baltimore's industrial history.


In the days before the EPA, smokestacks were a measure of prosperity.  By that standard, those two belching in the background signal business is booming in Baltimore.
 
They were among the first things to go when construction began on the stadium in 1989.

In 1912, railroad tracks ran on both sides of the B&O Warehouse.  You can see a line of freight cars on Eutaw Street.  The canopies on the east side covered the landings used for passenger service.

In the upper right hand corner of the old picture you can barely discern the cupolas on the Bailey's Wye roundhouse.  Bailey's Wye, where the rail lines connecting Camden Station and the Howard tunnel to Locust Point and Washington diverted, was a busy operations center, just below M&T Bank Stadium.

The actual site of M&T Bank Stadium was the Knabe Piano factory.  There were rail tracks throughout this industrial complex, giving direct freight service for shipping goods manufactured in Baltimore.

One thing you won't see on the Middle Branch at the top of the picture is the Hanover Street bridge.  It wasn't completed until 1916.  But you can see a trace of the Spring Garden railroad bridge connecting Westport to Port Covington.

It has been 100 years since the photo was taken, so it seems a good time to revisit.  On July 1st, I journeyed to the crenellated roof of the Bromo Seltzer tower for a look.  And here is what we have.

Camden Yards is still a center of industry and transportation, although the role is quite different. Instead of factories and warehouses along Howard and Eutaw Streets, you see a convention center and hotel. Tourism is a major economic factor in 2012 Baltimore.

(Please note that instead of smoke and smog, the foreground features a green roof.)

There is still passenger service at Camden Yards, only now it is via light rail or MARC. Travellers are more likely to be commuters or fans (lots of fans.)   While freight trains no longer dominate Eutaw Street, they still rumble regularly through the complex via the Howard Street tunnel. 

Camden Yards is still very much a transportation hub, with the addition of interstate highways and a large parking facility that serves the neighboring hospital and university complex. 

(Would be amazing to see how THEY have grown since 1912, but they have to find their own picture.)










As for the centenarian tower, it too has new life and purpose. Although the headache remedy tycoon has long since departed, the quirky landmark operated by the City has become the anchor of a newly designated Arts District. Its well-lit rooms have been transformed into artist studies and galleries. This West Side neighborhood just north of Camden Yards includes the Hippodrome, retail properties converted to loft apartments, and a one-time vaudeville house on Fayette being renovated into the Everyman Theatre.

One thing hasn't changed in the tower, though.  The four-sided clock which we passed on the 15th floor still shows the same faces it did 100 years ago.  At 24 feet in diameter, they are even larger than those in the House of Parliament. 

And they've seen it all.

Special thanks to Joe Wall of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, who provided the tour, commentary and moral support needed to get up those ladders.