Baltimore-based developer Cordish Co. is "quietly pitching a new waterfront arena and outdoor performance venue along the Inner Harbor," according to Kevin Litten of the BALTIMORE BUSINESS JOURNAL. Sources said that Cordish is presenting plans for a "15,000- to 16,000-seat venue across Pier Five and Pier Six." Sources said that Cordish is "planning an 'iconic' glass-encased building with sweeping waterfront views that is clearly aimed at becoming a landmark for the Inner Harbor and the skyline." The sources added that a "major water fountain attraction is also in the plan ... and part of the project could involve filling a small harbor inlet that cuts between the two piers." Litten noted the venue would "serve as a replacement for the 52-year-old, 14,000-seat Royal Farms Arena on the west side of downtown and the 6,000-seat Pier Six amphitheater, which is currently under Cordish's control." Sources said that an NBA or NHL franchise is "not being contemplated for the building ... but it would be designed for an expansion in the future should a professional sports team express interest in Baltimore." Cordish's proposal is the "latest in a line of several city arena projects pitched over the past decade by developers." The most recent, floated by late developer Willard Hackerman, "called for building the arena on the site of the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel and attaching it to the Baltimore Convention Center." Most of the land the new arena would be located on "is city-owned, so Cordish would face an approval process that would likely include public hearings and conditions set by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and City Council" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/14).
