McKeldin Plaza

In The Plan
By changing the intersection at Light and Pratt Streets to a “T,” McKeldin Plaza can be expanded for more retail pavilions, cafe seating, a large garden, and water features.

What We Think
Reconfiguring this intersection is one of the most complicated endeavors in this project, admits Ayers Saint Gross. But, if they pull it off, we hope the additional retail pavilions will feature local stores and no more chains.

Pedestrian Bridge

In The Plan
A proposed 800-foot pedestrian bridge that would connect Harbor East and Federal Hill, and would open when needed to allow for visiting ships.

What We Think
The Greater Baltimore Committee——which has been pushing this idea for years——says that it would cost $30-60 million. While this is a hefty price tag, and residents can already use the water taxi for this route, we love the idea of connecting the two ’hoods.

West Shore Park

In The Plan
Provides an elevated lookout for boat watching, a new finger pier to dock commercial ships, a stage, a ticketing station, and a bike share.

What We Think
West Shore Park (along with Peerce’s Park) is probably the best example of positive, recent change in the Harbor. With these improvements (we especially love the bike share), the rest of the Inner Harbor should take West Shore’s lead.

Kayak Launches

In The Plan
Various kayak launching points at the Maryland Science Center, World Trade Center, Pier 5, and Harbor East. The inlet between Pier 5 and 6 lends itself to a kayak course.

What We Think
The idea of additional kayak launching points is a great one for residents——more so than just the touristy dragon boats. This will also help better connect the overall 10-mile waterfront promenade throughout the city.

Rash Field

In The Plan
Taking cues from Brooklyn Bridge Park and Waterfront Seattle, officials want to redesign Rash Field as a 24/7 public space with an open lawn, a barge pool, public beach, and playgrounds.

What We Think
While we love the idea of more green space——including wetlands and bio-retention fields——we understand the concerns of residents who use Rash Field for beach volleyball, as that space would now be significantly smaller.