After initially telling tenants that the Harborplace pavilions would close after the July 4 holiday and then after Labor Day, MCB Real Estate has now confirmed the two structures will stay open through the New Year’s holiday. The decision gives more than a dozen remaining vendors additional time while the company finalizes financing and permits for its $900 million Inner Harbor Park and Promenade Project.
Why the delay?
MCB announced the demolition of the 46‑year‑old pavilions in October 2023 to make way for a mixed‑use development featuring two high‑rise apartment towers, office space, retail, restaurants and open‑space waterfront parks. To keep the Inner Harbor vibrant while plans are firmed up, the firm offered short‑term leases that allow tenants to vacate on short notice when construction begins.
During a “Subcontractor Outreach Event” in June, MCB officials said the first phase of the project – the Inner Harbor Park and Promenade – was slated to start in the fourth quarter of 2026, less than two weeks away. However, the company now says it needs to keep the pavilions operational until at least the first quarter of 2027. The rationale is two‑fold: the pavilions sit atop utility lines, storm drains and other underground infrastructure that must be rebuilt, and keeping the space active helps generate revenue while the $65 million in state‑approved public funds for the promenade is secured.
Impact on tenants
More than a dozen businesses remain in the two pavilions. Creatively Black Baltimore, the largest tenant in the Light Street Pavilion, will have three extra months to showcase nearly 500 works by African‑American artists before moving to a new location at the World Trade Center Baltimore office tower. Founder Larry Poncho Brown expressed gratitude for the extension, noting it allows the exhibition to continue serving the community.
Other tenants, such as Angeli’s Pizzeria on Light Street, welcomed the news, citing recent spikes in foot traffic from major events like the Springboks‑All Blacks rugby match and the Sail250 Maryland and Airshow Baltimore tall‑ship visit. “We are enjoying it,” owner Juniet Ozturk said, adding that the pizzeria will stay open as long as MCB needs it.
IT’SUGAR in the Pratt Street Pavilion also plans to remain open daily, with assistant manager Janelle Dickerson noting that the store has seen a surge in weekend sales and intends to stay until the final closure date.
Next steps for the redevelopment
The Inner Harbor Park and Promenade Project will rebuild portions of the waterfront promenade and cover 22‑23 acres of shoreline. Maryland’s General Assembly has approved more than $65 million in public funding for the work, which includes raising sections of the promenade about three feet to protect against rising sea levels.
In addition to the pavilions, two pedestrian bridges that connect the structures to Pratt and Light streets are slated for demolition. MCB has applied for city permits to begin Phase One as early as mid‑October, pending final financing for the larger mixed‑use development.
Community response
Local business owners and patrons have praised the extension, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Inner Harbor active and accessible. The continued operation of Harborplace provides a venue for small businesses, cultural exhibitions, and community gatherings while the city prepares for a major transformation that promises new housing, jobs, and public space.
MCB’s Managing Director of Marketing, Jarnell Swecker, offered a brief comment, stating the company will “see if the team wishes to respond on this one,” but the firm’s actions speak to a commitment to balance development goals with the needs of current tenants.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
