South Baltimore Business Roundup

Long-vacant retail spaces have been dropping like flies in Federal Hill. This year, City Nails opened in a space vacant for more than 12 years, Forever Yogurt opened in a space vacant for several years, Unleashed by Petco opened in two former retail spaces, one was vacant for three years, and Blue Moon Café announced a move to space that was vacant for more than two years.

Construction is also underway at Crossbar at the former home of Turner’s and Lanasa Produce, properties that have been vacant for several years, as well as at The Local Fry in a portion of the former M&T Bank space that has been vacant since April 2012.

Adjacent to Blue Moon Café, which is expected to open around New Year’s Day, there is now a sign that reads “Himalayan Bistro, Fine Nepalese and Indian Cuisine Coming Soon!!!” at 1024 Light St., the former home of 7-Eleven, which relocated to 1111 Light St. This space has been vacant since April 2012.

Charm City Yoga also recently relocated to the 2nd floor of the same property.

Another Phase Begins at Camden Crossing

Camden Crossing, which was first announced in 1999 and has endured the waves of the housing market and economic recession, has begun construction on the second to last phase of the 150-home development. Of the 150 homes, 136 homes at Camden Crossing have been built and sold, with two buildings of seven homes each remaining. One of those buildings recently began construction as footers are currently being constructed. Homes at Camden Crossing have been selling in the $300,000s.

Riverside Updates

Leanspace Solutions, a co-working space at 1529 Light St. (also part of the South Baltimore neighborhood), has closed.

Studio 7 Salon has relocated from 525 E. Fort Ave. to 800 N. Charles St. in Mount Vernon.

Extra Interest in Maryland vs. Penn State

The University of Maryland and Penn State are arguably two of the biggest college sports fan bases in South Baltimore and, now that Maryland has joined the Big Ten, they will be playing each other every year in football. Next year’s matchup has been scheduled for October 24th at M&T Bank Stadium and the game, which was already likely to draw a large crowd, should have an even higher interest level as last weekend’s matchup featured a pre-game scuffle, a handshake snafu from the Terps, and an upset victory for Maryland making the events from the game one of the top stories in the area. Should be an exciting weekend in South Baltimore!