Open Doors Baltimore

OpenDoorsLearn the Secrets of Historic and Modern Buildings During the Second Annual “Doors Open Baltimore” Event October 24
The public is invited to explore “Undiscovered Baltimore” with exclusive peeks inside dozens of unique structures around the city.

Check out this unique opportunity in Baltimore!  The Seton Hill Association fully support this project, and we hope to see you at this event!

The Baltimore Architecture Foundation and American Institute of Architects Baltimore (AIA Baltimore) invite the public to the second annual Doors Open Baltimore event on October 24 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  The one-day, free and family-friendly event is held in conjunction with Baltimore Architecture Month, and offers participants the opportunity to walk through and learn about dozens of historic and modern structures around Baltimore City, from Locust Point to Mount Washington.

“Doors Open” events take place in cities around the world to promote heritage and enhance public appreciation of architecture and its place in history. Last year, more than 600 people attended the inaugural Doors Open Baltimore and enjoyed a fun-filled and educational experience. This year event organizers hope to attract more than 1,000 visitors.

The theme of this year’s tour is “Undiscovered Baltimore” and showcases little-known buildings around the city along with heretofore hidden features and spaces within some well-known landmarks not regularly open to the public. In addition to opening their doors, many sites will offer special programs for visitors, such as trained guides who will share insights and point out special features of the exteriors and interiors of the buildings. Construction on some of the sites dates back as far as the 17800’s.

Buildings that will be open include:

  • The American Brewery– This symbol of a thriving East Baltimore was left to decay along with the surrounding neighborhood for over 40 years. The ornate brewery has since been restored and is home to Humanim, a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities. Original elements have been integrated in the new design such as the grain chute and salvage tank, creating a unique work environment closely connected to the past.
  • Aisquith St. Meeting House– The oldest surviving house of worship in Baltimore, the quaint, two-story building has a trapdoor, crawlspace, and hidden room that were discovered during renovations.
  • The Fitzgerald– Designed by local firm Design Collective, this award-winning, eco-friendly apartment building constructed in 2010 dazzles with seven-foot windows and a waterwall courtyard. The “green” rooftop houses butterflies and birds.
  • Duchess of Windsor Museum– Home to the largest private collection of all things related to the Duchess of Windsor in Baltimore, Phil Baty has turned the basement of his townhouse into a museum. Baty owns countless replicas of her jewelry, memorabilia and old newspapers detailing her life with the Duke of Windsor who abdicated the throne of England to be with her.

 

Visit www.doorsopenbaltimore.org for a list of participating locations, special events and general information about Doors Open. The website also includes information about what visitors can expect to see and do at each site. Additional historical background for select sites will be provided by Baltimore Heritage on the Explore Baltimore Heritage website allowing people to learn about each location on their smartphone as they participate in the event. Participants are encouraged to share their experience and photographs with the hashtag [DOBalt2015].

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Parking Permits, 2015

A reminder to you that Area 10 Residential Parking Permits need to be renewed by 30 September 2015.

The process differs if you’re renewing or a new resident:

For renewals: Purchasing permits online is available here.

Community delivery: If you are a member of the neighborhood association, the Seton Hill Neighborhood Association will pick up your renewed permit for you.  Please email the Association at president@setonhill.org, to let us know you would like your permit picked up, and we will deliver it to your home address.  You must place your order online by 22 September 2015.

New residents: You must apply for permits in-person with all necessary documentation, including vehicle registration and proof of residency (see Required Customer Documents) at the Parking Authority office at 200 W. Lombard Street.

Parking Authority Pick Up: Permits will be available for purchase and/or pick up at the Parking Authority Office.

Location: 200 W. Lombard Street, Suite B
Regular office hours: 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday
Late night: Wednesday, 8/30/15, 8:00 am to 7:30 pm

Directions: a 20 minute walk, or a quick light rail ride.
Free Parking: Arena Garage (entrance at 99 S. Howard Street)

Required Documentation:
You must present all current documentation when picking up your permits at either a Community Pick Up (on-line purchases only) or at the Parking Authority.

What you will need to provide for a permit:
– Current Maryland Vehicle Registration (With an eligible Area #10 address unless you have a Maryland registration and are a full time student with a current Student ID)
– 1 form of proof of residency, such as:
– Current Lease signed by all parties that is not month to month (month to month leases require residents to come to the PABC office each month to renew permit)
– Proof of home ownership (settlement papers)
– Current driver’s license with your current address
– Utility bill in your name, reflecting current address, that is no less than 30 days old
– Any Photo ID

You may need additional documentation in the following circumstances:
– If your vehicle is registered out of state in your name:
– You must register your vehicle in the State of Maryland before purchasing or obtaining a parking permit or decal
* Students from out of state and members of the military are not required to register their vehicles in the State of Maryland to obtain a decal or permit but they must present a Non-Resident Permit from the MVA (or the receipt) before PABC staff or Community Pick Up volunteers issue a permit/decal.

If the vehicle registration is out of state but in someone else’s name you must present:
– A current notarized letter from the owner every time you renew. The signed letter must be dated no more than 6 months from the day you acquire your permit.
– Your Maryland driver’s license with your current address.
– The current vehicle registration

If the vehicle is registered in state but in someone else’s name you must present:
– A current notarized letter from the vehicle’s owner granting you rights to drive this vehicle. This is required every time you renew. The letter must be signed and dated no more than 6 months from the day of acquiring your permit.

Contact Information:
Parking Authority: rpp@bcparking.com, 443-573-2800, extensions 863, 845, or 851.

More information can be found here.