Remington July 2019

Single Carrot Out; ArtsCentric Maybe In

July 3, 2019.  Out with the new, in with the newest. A local theater company, ArtsCentric, announced plans to take over the Single Carrot Theatre space at 2600 N. Howard Street this fall. As usual, everything that happens around here depends on financing, so we'll see.

ArtsCentric, a 16-year-old African-American theater group that has operated for years without a permanent home, plans to move into Single Carrot’s old space on October 1, 2019. Cedric D. Lyles is the director of operations and Kevin McAllister is the artistic director.  Both have commented in the Baltimore Business Journal regarding the move.  They believe that key improvements will make the space perfect to stabilize their vision of serving the community and striving to expand opportunities for new programming. They will be joining Young Audiences of Maryland/Arts for Learning, also a part of the Howard Street building.

As stated, this all depends on getting the money for development.  The company has launched a campaign to raise $250,000 to get its new headquarters ready for use. ArtsCentric has signed a five-year lease for just over 3,000 square feet on two levels. Since Single Carrot has taken everything it owns out of the building, the new company will need sound equipment, lighting, signage, and other items to mount stage productions, which is why it launched a fundraising drive.

Motor House

Founded in 2003, ArtsCentric is a nonprofit that produces musicals, plays, and concerts.  Past productions have included “Dreamgirls,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “La Cage aux Folles,” “Aida” and “Chicago.”  For the past 3 years, the company has been based at Motor House on W. North Avenue. Besides stage productions, directors dream of creating a cultural arts center that will become a gathering spot for events and conversations that support the arts, tackle community issues and spotlight local artists and musicians.  Good luck with that.

If capital development does reach its goal, the campaign will culminate with a gala on October 20 of this year. One of the first shows ArtsCentric plans to produce in its new home is “The Wiz,” most likely in December. The organization plans on 6 productions per year.  Definitely a "wait and see" project.

Sources: Ed Grunts, Baltimore Fishbowl; photos by Web

Remington's Blue Water Testing Inner Harbor "Swimability"

July 8, 2019. Blue Water Baltimore, a group that monitors and advocates for the city's streams, rivers, and harbor, has expanded into testing them, too. Samples it collects around the harbor each Thursday come right back to the group's 2631 Sisson Street Remington offices, where the scientists learn within 24 hours how much fecal contamination they contain.  Testing is performed on-site and at the Remington office labs. They spent $10,000 on its testing technology, using donations from benefactors including the Jim and Patty Rouse Charitable Foundation.  After sending samples away for testing by a third party, the report cards have shown harbor water quality is improving, but still poor.  No shit.

Sources:  Scott Dance, The Baltimore Sun; Delawareonline.com; photo by me


Taco Tuesday in Remington

July 11, 2019.  Clavel gets picked, again, as one of the top 3 Mexican restaurants in Baltimore.  According to ourcommunitynow.com, the family-run taqueria and mezcaleria (225 W. 23rd) has become famous for their vast selection of Mezcal and hand-pressed tacos. I can attest that the beef tongue taco is delish. Owner Lane Harlan (who also owns WC Harlan's down the street), has established positive reviews since opening in 2015.  I haven't returned since 2015 as it is impossible to find a seat anymore.

Source:  ourcomunitynow.com; photo by me.


Seawall to the Rescue, Again. 

July 22, 2019.  It's been an ongoing guessing game regarding the future of the Parts & Labor building on Howard Street.  Single Carrot abandoned their portion of the property last fall and the restaurant portion has sat empty since Spike decided it was more lucrative to sell tacos in Hampden.  A post from a GRIA member on the Friends of Remington Facebook page indicated that Up In Smoke BBQ would occupy the space, but it was all just a miscommunication.  The Baltimore Business Journal, while covering the relocation of the Single Carrot Theatre, indicated that the restaurant had no potential tenants.  Then along comes Remington's most adored benefactor, Seawall Development.

A notice from Baltimore's liquor board was posted on the door stating that an application has been submitted by Remington BBQ LLC for the transfer of a Class "B" beer, wine and liquor license at the location. The application was filed by David DiPrinzio,  director of operations for Remington food hall, R. House, and its owner, Seawall Development Corp.  The former 5,000-square-foot Parts & Labor site still has the restaurant logo painted in its garish pink and green color scheme.

Notice taped to door, July 2019

Seawall wouldn't provide more information about the potential new concept stating that something is in the works for the site and that details will be released in the coming weeks.

Commissioners for Baltimore City says the application is for the transfer of ownership of the license that includes the continuation of outdoor table service, and a request for live entertainment and off-premise catering. A hearing on the application will be held on or after August 1, 2019, according to the notice.  I haven't seen anything on the Board's website so far, but they have been in recess for most of the summer.

Sources:  Carly Milligan, Baltimore Business Journal; photo by me.