free money

People often associate The Partnership with large development projects, like the transformation of Center Plaza or the Pratt Street redesign. But we also have programs to help the little guy. Our Facade Improvement Program (FIP), for example, has been used by dozens of smaller commercial properties to fix up the front of their building.

The process works like this: You apply and, if accepted in to the FIP, we team you up with a team of engineers/architects who help out with the redesign (everything from structural elements to color scheme, to signage). In addition to the design help, you are eligible for a matching grant of up to $20,000.

Here are "before" and "after" shots of a property that went through the program.

So, to recap... get accepted to the FIP and we'll match the money you put into the project up to $20,000. Plus, you get free design help on the front end. Not a bad deal.

If you're interested in learning more, call LaToya Staten @ 410.244.1030.

-m.e.

welcome. . .

. . . to the inaugural post of our blog. The micro plan is to update this space with news, information, and insights that might be of interest. As with all we do, the macro plan for this site is to generate excitement and discussion about what's happening in Downtown Baltimore and, hopefully, encourage more people to take advantage of all the area has to offer.

Downtown is the region's bulls-eye. If you say the word "Baltimore" to someone, odds are it's a Downtown image that comes to mind - the Inner Harbor, the ballparks, the skyline, or distinctive structures like the Bromo Seltzer Tower and Washington Monument. But, more than just an icon, Downtown is the economic and cultural epicenter of Greater Baltimore and this gives it relevance to everyone in the city and the five surrounding counties.

We've put together a crack team of, well... our staff to provide regular updates on Downtown Baltimore's social, economic, cultural, and political scene. And we'll pull in guest bloggers from time-to-time to provide different perspectives. What we won't be able to do, at least initially, is post comments from our readers. After talking to other bloggers about the experience it's clear that to do that well takes a lot of time to moderate discussions. But please click on the link at the bottom of the page to email us directly if something you read motivates you to write.

Thanks.
Mike Evitts