City Seeks Private Operator for Management and Enhancements to Cross Street Market

Many people in South Baltimore have been clamoring for changes to the Cross Street Market for years, often citing places such as Belvedere Square Market in North Baltimore, Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, and Eastern Market in Washington, DC as examples of what the Federal Hill landmark could become.

It appears changes could be coming as The Baltimore Public Markets Corporation recently voted to put the Cross Street Market out for private bid, seeking improvements and private management of the space. Councilman Eric Costello informed the area with the following announcement.

Announcement from Councilman Eric Costello:

The Baltimore Public Markets Corporation (BPMC) recently voted to put the the Cross Street Market out for private bid, via a request for proposal (RFP). It is paramount to note that the City will retain ownership of the property and the building. The RFP will solicit proposals from private firms to lease the property (a duration of time for the lease has not yet been determined), make enhancements to the Market, and to operate it. The City is currently in the process of developing an RFP which is expected to be issued in the near future. After proposals are received, the City will review and then award (make a decision on which firm to select).

I am very excited about what this opportunity holds for not only the Cross Street Market and surrounding community, but the other public markets in the 11th District — Lexington Market (planning underway) and the Avenue Market (on Pennsylvania Avenue). When first taking office in October of this year, I established a set of priorities to focus my efforts in both the 11th District and City-wide. One of these priorities is revitalizing our three public markets. I am confident that this process will provide Cross Street Market with the opportunity to become the walkable-anchor of the South Baltimore and Federal Hill neighborhoods that it used to, and once again will be.

As more information becomes available, I will be sharing it with the surrounding communities. In the meantime, you can get other important updates at: http://www.facebook.com/CouncilmanETC

In 2012, Federal Hill Main Street hosted Architectural Design Showcase featuring design ideas for the Cross Street Market from Morgan State University and University of Maryland students.

Federal Hill Neighborhood Association, Federal Hill Business Association and the SoBo Voice also teamed up in 2013 on a survey about the current state of the Cross Street Market and its future. Evening and Sunday hours of operation, an improved appearance both inside and out, and more choices of vendors and items were at the top of the wish list of the 688 respondents of the survey.

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