The backhoes and bulldozers are in full force on the Charles Commons block of 33rd Street. The brick building that housed Hillel, and much of the Ivy dormitory are only a distant memory.
Across from the construction site, however, stands the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house, University Mini Mart and Wawa. Should all go according to plan, they should be next. The southeast half of 33rd Street, and both sides of the 3200 block of St. Paul Street are set to be developed by Streuver Brothers, Eccles & Rouse for a developing firm, the Collegetown Development Alliance.
Approved by the Hopkins trustees, the Development Alliance is coordinating an expansive retail and apartment complex that is set to run through the heart of Charles Village, as well as the Charles Commons quadrant.
Opening up on the east side of the 3200 block of St. Paul, construction is set to begin as early as Fall 2004, but one thing stands between construction: one rowhouse owner.
One tenant on the east side of 3200 St. Paul is holding his ground, as well as the owner of 5 E. 33rd St., the Pi Kappa Alpha or "Pike" fraternity house. Where the Pike house now stands is set to eventually include a 575-car parking garage, tucked behind a massive apartment building complex.
According to Project Developer Wicker, there are no "specific" issues that they are facing in acquiring the properties, merely financial negotiations.
Streuver began purchasing the rowhouses in 2000, some going for as little as $90,000 and some up to $400,000, the Baltimore Sun reported in August.
The Sun also reported that the owner, Daniel F. Jackson, Jr. was asking up to $1.5 million for the three-story residence.
Wiker continued that public acquisition -- "imminent domain" -- is not an option.
In the retail spaces on the eastern side of St. Paul, late night fried chicken will again be available for Charles Village residents.
Royal Farms is among a number of former stores that will re-grace St. Paul Street.
Also to return is The Shops at Homewood, a florist vendor currently next to University Mini Mart.
The Development Alliance is also in discussion with a "wide range" of restaurants and clothing stores, according to Wiker.
Also in the works for the development area is the use of municipal funds for a common sidewalk theme, or "streetscape" for the business district, including lightposts, a new sidewalk and tree plantings that will run from the existing business district to the new development area.
The additions should have the impact of "knitting it all together," Wiker said.
The streetscape was approved by the city in Mid-December, and legislation was introduced on Sept. 13 in front of the city to fund the public garage.
"The city is as committed as can be," Wiker said in regard to the project.
