Federal Hill Cookbook For Sale

After much anticipation, the time has finally come. Just in time for the gift giving season, you can now buy a copy of Federal Hill’s original cookbook, Federal Hill Cooks.

A bargain at $20, the book contains 200 selections from South Baltimore neighbors, business owners, and chefs. Chapters include Appetizers, Salads, Soups & Sandwiches, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Desserts, Breakfast, Beverages, Kids in the Kitchen, and more!

Come pick up your copy in The Main Street office (42 E. Cross Street) Monday through Friday or at The Book Escape (805 Light Street) any day of the week. You can even order online at: www.thebookescape.com


--Chelsea Ryder

Vote for Federal Hill Main Street Green Roof!

42 E. Cross Street could be the first building in the community to have its very own green roof. Federal Hill Main Street is in the running for a FREE green roof, and we need your help!

Cole Roofing of Baltimore is donating a green roof ($30,000 value) to one local nonprofit organization. This would be a perfect addition to our historic building that houses our office and Visitors' Center at 42 East Cross Street in the heart of Federal Hill.

You can help by voting for Federal Hill Main Street by going to the following link:

http://greenroofgiveaway.com/nominees/

Scroll down until you get to Federal Hill Main Street (unfortunately, the listings are not alphabetical) and then click on the Vote button. You have to register to vote, but it's a simple email and password set-up.

The competition is fierce, so please vote often (once a day is allowed) as there are only 31 days left to vote. And tell all your neighbors and friends, too!

Also know as vegetated roofs, these growing mediums that are planted over a waterproofing membrane facilitate stormwater runoff, a reduction in the heat island effect, lower utility bills through natural insulation, and protection from UV damage.

Thank you for supporting Federal Hill Main Street!

The Holiday Season - Federal Hill Style!

Believe it or not, it is that time of year again! December always ushers in two very popular Federal Hill events, enjoyed by neighbors, friends, and visitors alike.

You won't want to miss the 15th annual Festive Flavors on Tuesday, December 7 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Groups stroll the streets, stopping for tasty food and drink at seven different establishments throughout the neighborhood. Eat, drink, socialize, and be festive! Tickets are $55 and can be ordered online at http://historicfederalhill.org/www/docs/167

Three days later, December 10, Moonlight Madness offers the opportunity to shop for everyone on your list - at generous discounts! Throughout the night, shops and galleries offer progressive discounts while they stay open until midnight. There will be carolers wandering the decorated streets and FREE gift wrapping as well as light refreshments in the Main Street Office (42 E. Cross Street).

The holidays are all about tradition - come and celebrate in Historic Federal Hill style!

--Chelsea Ryder

Facelift for Federal Hill's Light Street

Several area residents, merchants, and elected officials showed up on 11/11 at 11 am to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking for a $33 million mixed use project at 1111 Light Street, home of the former Epstein's department store. The vacant properties at 1105-1115 Light Street, stretching between Cross Street Tobacco (1103 Light) and James Pharmacy (1119 Light) and all of Weber Street, will be demolished and replaced with an attractive new LEED certified structure. Demolition is set to begin later this month.

"This is a very exciting day and truly a great project," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who thanked the developer, Arsh Mirmiran, for his perseverance in a difficult economic climate. Also on hand were City Council Vice President Ed Reisinger and Federal Hill Business Association President Sonny Morstein, who said, "We are looking for a second renaissance in the 1100 block of Light Street," which has seen tough times since the closing of the Epstein's department store 20 years ago.

The project will create 6,000 square feet of retail, 22,000 commercial office space, and 93 luxury rental apartments; estimated completion is late 2011. The living quarters will come equipped with a parking garage, an entertainment lounge, a gym, and a landscaped courtyard. The architect's rendering of the new building (see photo) was unveiled to much applause.

The project’s web site is www.1111lightstreet.com.

--Chelsea Ryder

Federal Hill Illusionist Wows Crowds

People flocked the streets in front of Illusions Magic Bar, 1029 South Charles Street on October 29th to watch Spencer Horsman escape from not one, but two, straightjackets while suspended 50 feet in the air from a crane. He successfully completed the stunt to wild applause. "I'm just glad the wind died down," said Spencer.

The street was blocked off to cars to make way for the event, and hundreds gathered under the spotlights to wait for the main act. Many were community residents who came to support their neighborhood magician, others came from outside the city to catch the stunt, and some diners and shoppers from area restaurants and boutiques got an unexpected treat. The media was well represented as well.

Spencer dazzles the audience every Friday and Saturday night with shows starting at 9:00pm and 10:00pm, respectively. Sit back, relax, have a few drinks, and be prepared to be kept on the edge of your seat all night. The next special event will be Illusion’s New Year's Eve party on December 31, 2010. Call (410)-727-5811 or visit www.illusionsmagicbar.com for more details.

--Chelsea Ryder

Photo by Helen Huriaux