Update on 1111 Light St. Project

Demolition of the former Epstein’s Department store is complete, allowing construction to begin this month on the $30 million mixed use project. The Light Street side of the building will be the first to be constructed and should be completed this fall, said project developer Arsh Mirmiran. The residential components, including 93 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments, on Weber, William, and Cross Streets are expected to be ready in early spring of 2012.

The sidewalk closed on Light Street should reopen by late summer or early fall, when the new building is in place, said Mirmiran. The sidewalks on Weber Street and the south side of William Street, directly in front of the construction, will remain closed for the duration of the construction.

According to Mirmiran, M&T Bank has signed a lease for the prime ground floor retail space and interest has been expressed in the remaining floor retail space, as well as the 22,000 office space on the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th floors.

Stay tuned for more updates! For more information on the construction of 1111 Light Street, visit www.1111lightstreet.com

-Meredith Cook, Intern

Fest-Of-All 2011 Photos Are Here!

Fest-Of-All was a great success this year and everyone had a great time! See for yourself by checking out this new photo gallery with 80 pics from the party.

Don't miss our first festival of the season! Spring Block Party, April 17 11am-7pm

For more information visit www.historicfederalhill.org

or call 410-727-4500.

Federal Hill's New Novelty Haus

Enter Novelty Haus, and enter a world of fun! Owner Noel Conrad felt there was a lack of stores with merchandise of pure fun and opened the Novelty Haus shop on March 5^th in the back of Dangerously Delicious Pies at 1036 Light Street.

Noel had formed an art house in 2009, in collaboration with several other artists, making screen printed posters and t-shirts, but decided to have a shop of his own. “It has always been a dream of mine to operate a space where people, regardless of backgrounds, can come together to enjoy the pure aspects of life,” said Conrad.

On the shelves you’ll find an eclectic assortment, including toys, buttons, books, apparel, charms, jewelry, records, and turntables. The shop also serves as a satellite location of Atomic Books in Hampden. Don’t worry, though, you can still get some of your favorite delicious pie before or after browsing to enjoy there or take home.

Noel is all about the pursuit of fun and wants others to be able to experience it as well. “Novelty Haus strives to increase the awesomeness of everyday life through locally made and rare international items,” said Conrad.

Novelty Haus is open Tuesday-Sunday, 11am to 9pm and a grand opening is planned for next month. Stop in, grab an “I Love Fed Hill” button, and have some fun!

For more information: www.noveltyhaus.com or call 410-343-9282

-Meredith Cook, Intern

Main Street to Launch Local Microloan Program

In an effort to help small business owners continue or improve their operations, Federal Hill Main Street is creating a small business revolving loan fund. The fund will offer small businesses microloans from $500 to $2500, with low interest rates for short terms and for specific purposes.

“A vibrant commercial district is key to the health of the Federal Hill Community, and we’re committed to helping local businesses not just survive, but thrive”, said Mike Schollaert, chair of Federal Hill Main Street Business Development Committee.

The program will start small with a few loans to help the businesses with very targeted needs. Federal Hill Main Street has already set aside $5000 in seed money for the program and will seek additional contributions in the form of grants and donations. Just last month, Maryland Capital Enterprises announced that it would soon be expanding into the Baltimore Area to lend up to $10,000 to small businesses. MCE has asked Federal Hill Main Street to serve as a partner and named FHMS Executive Director, Jane Seebold, a member of its Advisory Loan Board.

Co-owner of Curiosity, Katie Destefano (pictured here), stated it very well, “What gives Federal Hill its charm and character are the independently owned shops and businesses. It is important to offer support to those who need it.”

For more information on the FHMS microloan program, call 410-727-4500 or email admin@historicfederalhill.org

--Meredith Cook, Intern

Read All About It!

The March/April issue of Main Street News is now available online and on the street!

In this issue, learn about Main Street's New Microloan Program, the first Federal Hill Family Corner, how the neighborhood stays fit at Federal Hill Fitness, the construction of 1111 Light St., Main Street Board Elections, all the latest on the Federal Hill Business District (like the new postal service in Ope's Laundry, pictured here) and much more! Read the newsletter online, here!

--Meredith Cook, Intern