Next Chapter Baltimore: The Film Buff
Musing over your next chapter? Sometimes a fresh start in an exciting city is just what you need. Whether you are returning to the downtown area from the surrounding counties, or perhaps Baltimore is a new destination, our clients engage us to make the transition seamless. We enjoy our role of opening doors and introducing you not just to real estate but also to the town. Our guide Next Chapter Baltimore will provide insight to the cultural landscape and real estate opportunities in Baltimore. How you live is as important as where you live. We think your passions should lead the way. Next Chapter Baltimore is the guerilla guide to the good life in Charm City.
The Station North Arts District. It’s become a popular night time destination for its fluency in independent film as well as it’s eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and art galleries.
The film scene has taken to the neighborhood, both historically and recently. The Charles Theater has been running strong for decades, featuring independent films as well as old classics and avant-garde favorites, which are part of the Revival Series. It’s an historic building, “designed in 1892 in a Beaux-Arts style, and had several uses including streetcar barn, a library for the blind, and the Famous Ballroom, before becoming an all news-reel movie house in 1939,” according to the theater’s website. The theater has evolved and grown since then, but maintains its historic integrity and intimate feel. Many patrons often order a cocktail at Tapas Teatro, which is interconnected, to enjoy during the movie.
The Parkway Theater is the neighborhood’s newest addition – kind of. It has a long history beginning in 1915, when it first opened as a theatre featuring Paramount films and had a full orchestra and organ. In the following years, it went through several iterations of theater ownership, until closing in the 70’s. In recent history it was a fast food joint followed by the Station North Offices, before under going an extensive renovation and restoration.
It’s now the home base of the Maryland Film Festival, who directs the program year round. That indicates it’s going to be a smart, creative, and well-rounded line-up of films, featuring both local and international talent. Plus, the restoration of the theater is really cool. Certainly a place of note.
Penn Station provides that predictable after work rush of people commuting home, meaning there are some great happy hours in the vicinity. This is really when the neighborhood starts to bustle – the restaurants and bars lining the streets open and patrons start to wander in. The first restaurant you may pass is is Bottega, who serves exquisite Tuscan fare. Make reservations in advance because it’s always full, and has a rotating seasonal menu that’s so in tune it changes weekly, if not daily. Note that the restaurant is BYOB. Tapas Teatro follows, dependably marked by their popular outdoor seating full of people, pitchers of sangria, and tapas (weather permitting). For something more casual, Joe Squared serves some of the best coal fired pizzas in the city around the corner.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Station North is packed with food, drink, and entertainment of all kinds. You can find out more on the official website, like where to find dozens of murals, public art, and a complete list of venues in the neighborhood.
Real estate-wise, there is a diverse mix of homeowners and renters. It consists of 2-3 story row-homes that range from a modest size of 950 square feet to 2,200+ square feet. It’s the neighborhood next to Pennsylvania Station, Baltimore’s central train station that shuttles thousands of people a day all over the East Coast, and most notably Washington DC. As the train lines advance and DC real estate keeps hiking up in price, the neighborhood is (and has already been) a smart place to buy.
Guerilla's Real Estate Pick: Highfield House
The Highfield House resides at 4000 North Charles Street, a National Register historic building designed by the acclaimed modernist architect Mies van der Rohe. It’s as classy as ever, starting with impeccably dressed doormen who valet your car and carry your groceries to your residence, every time. It’s also one of our favorite lobbies in Baltimore, complete with Barcelona chairs, serene, sweeping sight lines through the glass walls, and a service desk completely unchanged from it’s original implementation.
Condo fees are $600/month which includes: Air Conditioning, Custodial Services Maintenance, Building Maintenance, Gas, Heat, Management, Master Insurance Policy, Swimming Pool, Party Room, Reserve Funds, Security, Snow Removal, Trash Removal, and Water. Don’t miss your chance to live in a stunning modernist building that integrates life and style.
Interested in 4000 N Charles Street, or any of our Next Chapter recommendations? Contact Rachel Rabinowitz today.