The city is seeking about $1 million in federal transportation funds for the engineering and feasibility study. The entire project, inspired by the redevelopment of Union Station in Washington and other Amtrak stations in the Northeast, could cost $100 million or more.
* Redevelopment of the 1928 North Avenue Market by its current owners to contain an arts-focused mix of shops, eateries and offices.
* Use of the former bank building and surrounding property at the northeast corner of Charles Street and North Avenue as a community meeting place and site for street fairs and other outdoor events. The owner has offered to make the property available to the community on a short- term basis, McNeely said.
Later phases of the plan call for projects that will take longer to complete, including:
* Asia Town, a retail, cultural and residential district along 20th Street at Charles Street, with Washington businessman Tony Cheng as the developer.
* A design district where architects, planners, artists and others could have offices, showrooms, galleries and meeting space.
MICA, Morgan State University and University of Maryland officials, among others, have been talking about creating a shared center for design students working on urban projects. That facility could then be a magnet for a larger district serving design professionals, artists and others.
* High-density housing, including a "live-work-study tower" near the northeast corner of North Avenue and Howard Street, and additional towers south of North Avenue and east of Howard Street. The buildings would serve students and professionals.
* Creation of a "Falls Hill Park" along the Jones Falls Valley, linked to the district by trails and paths, and other green spaces.
The plan was developed by a design team led by BTA+ of Cambridge, Mass., the successor to firms that designed Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, Harborplace in Baltimore, South Street Seaport in New York and other festival markets.
The city, property owners, University of Baltimore, MICA and the Goldseker Foundation raised more than $150,000 to fund the plan.
SHORT-TERM PLANS
* Demolition of the former Chateau Hotel
* Request for redevelopment proposals for the former Parkway Theater
* Planning for a new retail and hotel addition to Penn Station
Long term plans:
* Development of an Asia Town near the intersection of Charles and 20th streets
* Establishment of a design district for architects and students
* Creation of a park along the Jones Falls
