The 5,000 SF space will allow Michael Graves Architecture & Design to combine their Columbia and Baltimore locations
Michael Graves Architecture (MG), an award-winning global leader in planning, architecture, and interior design based in Princeton, NJ, announces the signing of a five year lease for 5,000 square feet in Downtown Baltimore. In 2022 MG acquired Waldon Studio Architects (WSA), a Maryland-based planning, architecture, and interior design firm. Part of a long-term strategic growth plan for MG, the acquisition combined the distinct strengths of the two firms to cultivate shared expertise across design sectors and further invigorate the late Michael Graves’ enduring legacy of creativity and innovation
“As our employees migrate back to the workplace, they are seeking a collaborative environment in which they can interact with their colleagues and areas emitting energy, social interaction and an after-work atmosphere. We see signs of progress downtown and the shifting of attitudes as the region emerges from the pandemic. We remain optimistic about the future and want to play a key role in helping our clients thrive. A strong and vibrant downtown core is essential for the long-term economic health of the entire Baltimore- Washington region.” stated Michael Graves Principal, Ravi Waldon.
“We’ve known about MGA’s expertise on historic properties for many years, and recently engaged them as the architect for our Redwood Place hotel conversion to apartments at 207 E. Redwood Street. Through our time spent together we realized we had a common vision for Downtown Baltimore, which led to them taking a serious look at our Class A Historic Redwood Exchange building. Given the choice, I think we both would purchase a restored 1958 Corvette instead of a brand new 2024 Corvette.” Byrnes explained.
For over 50 years, MG has provided clients across the globe with pioneering, humanistic solutions in architecture, product design, interior design, master planning, graphic design, and branding across many market sectors, including hospitality, civic, education, workplace, and residential. Recent projects include The St. Regis Hotel in Cairo, Egypt; a Fortune 100 company headquarters at Midtown Center in Washington, D.C.; The Loutrel Hotel in Charleston, SC, and 1776 by David Burke featuring Topgolf Swing Suites in Morristown, NJ. Notable recent WSA projects include the Center for Health Care and Healthy Living at the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in
Baltimore, Maryland; many affordable and senior living projects in the region, ongoing work for the Univ. of Maryland, Johns’ Hopkins University and Healthcare; Billie Holiday Elementary School, Baltimore, MD and education design for 10 school districts; Bay Area Community Church, Annapolis, MD; and over 200 church projects throughout the US.
Byrnes & Associates’ November 2020 acquisition of the adjacent 225 E. Redwood Street and 233 E. Redwood Street, as well as a comprehensive repositioning strategy and rebranding of the assets to Vickers Exchange and Redwood Exchange respectively. The acquisition of these two historic buildings, which include approximately 90,000 square feet of office and retail space, was completed in partnership with Dave Gupta, a local entrepreneur. Since late 2020, subsequent to the completion of the repositioning program from a single tenant to multi-tenant, Byrnes & Associates has signed 70 office and retail leases at the buildings, to elevate occupancy of the spaces to 80 percent from 5 percent at acquisition.
“The flurry of leases over the past two years places us ahead of our projections, and stems from the availability of reimagined commercial office and retail space in the central business core of Baltimore City. We have been successful in creating a vibrant and energetic work atmosphere at Vickers Exchange and Redwood Exchange. Included in the leasing of office space is access to six beautiful conference rooms, event space, penthouse lounge and rooftop deck. Companies engaged in a range of professional services have embraced the location, nearby amenities and overall historic ambiance,” Byrnes added.
Downtown Baltimore Renaissance
“A vibrant and growing downtown is central to the economic health of the greater metropolitan region and among the most important elements to achieve this is to attract businesses, residents, restaurants and entertainment” Byrnes said. “We see tremendous signs of progress in many different sections of downtown and believe a true renaissance is already underway for Baltimore City. Within a one-mile radius of our properties on the 200 block of Redwood Street, there is over $6.5 billion of development and investment activity that has either been completed, is under construction or already planned during the 2018-2028 timeframe. The substantial investment we are making on Historic Redwood Street of approximately $25 million is the perfect complement to the $250 million redevelopment of CFG Bank Arena, the new $45 million Lexington Market and the pending multi-billion dollar investments going into the Inner Harbor, Camden Yards, M&T Bank, Convention Center, MD BioPark, UMMC, UMB and the surrounding areas.”
“On the 200 block of Historic Redwood Street, we have incredible neighbors. This block is a microcosm of everything that is great about Downtown Baltimore,” Byrnes added. These assets include the 130 Unit Redwood Place multifamily redevelopment, commercial spaces, event spaces, Goodwill’s Excel Academy, Chesapeake Shakespeare Theatre, restaurant and retail choices including Werner’s Diner and Pub, Prim & Proper Cocktail & Wine Bar, Zander’s Restaurant, The Empanada Lady, Clock Restoration Bar & Kitchen, Kechy Pizza & Co, Parlour75 Barber Co. and additional restaurants and retail to be named later.”
History of 233 E. Redwood Street
The building was constructed by the family of John Work Garrett, a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist in Baltimore who served as president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad for nearly 30 years. In 1870, Garrett acquired 1,400 acres in Baltimore City and built a Victorian-style mansion that was named “Montebello.” After his death, his family constructed the 13-story 233 E. Redwood Street – which was considered extremely tall for that time period – with the building designed by architects J.B. Noel Wyatt and William G. Nolting. It was delivered in 1913, approximately nine years after the Great Baltimore Fire.
Nearly 155,000 people reside within a two-mile radius of the buildings, including more than 68,000 households with an average household income approaching $105,000. The daytime population within two miles is nearly 290,000.
About Michael Graves Architecture
Founded in 1964 by AIA Gold Medalist Michael Graves, Michael Graves Architecture & Design (MG) has a unique multidisciplinary practice that offers strategic advantages to clients worldwide. MG’s work is a consequence of continually striving to learn, listening to their clients. and aiming to deliver the highest level of service possible. The firm’s clients range from Fortune 100 companies and global manufacturers to start-ups, from the government to cultural, educational, and healthcare institutions, and from real estate developers and retailers to homeowners and consumers. MG has one of the leading design practices in the world, offering services in architecture, product design, interior design, master planning, graphic design. and branding, and underpins clients’ success with design strategy consulting, feasibility studies and research. For more information, visit www.michaelgraves.com
About Dave Gupta
Dave Gupta is a local entrepreneur who currently owns apartment buildings including The Telephone building in Charles Village next to Johns Hopkins University, and the Calvert School Apartments on 10 W. Chase Street in Mt. Vernon that formerly functioned as the Calvert School. He also owns a number of other real estate holdings in downtown Towson.
About Byrnes & Associates, Inc
Byrnes & Associates, Inc. is a boutique real estate company providing a comprehensive array of commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, redevelopment and asset management services to institutional and private investors, companies and other owners. Since 1981, the company has been involved in a number of historical redevelopment projects including The Professional Building, The Latrobe, The McDowell, The Vickers Exchange and The Redwood Exchange. Over the past three years, Byrnes & Associates has also brokered the sale of several high-profile projects in Baltimore City including The Munsey Apartment Building, the Lanahan Building on 22 Light Street, the F&D Building and the recent 120,000 square foot multifamily conversion at 300 W. Fayette St.
The company continues to be involved in numerous charities and business organizations throughout the City. Several years ago, the company relocated its corporate headquarters to The Redwood Exchange Building in anticipation of expected growth of its brokerage and development business.
For additional information about Byrnes and Associates and Historic Redwood Street, visit www.ByrnesandAssociatesInc.com and www.RedwoodExchangellc.com.
