Unknown Studio Appointed to Harborplace Design Team
MCB Real Estate has announced the selection of Gensler to lead the design team reimagining Harborplace in Baltimore. Gensler is joined by Baltimore-based firms Sulton Campbell Britt & Associates, BCT Design Group, and Unknown Studio.
“At its best, Harborplace is the beating heart of Baltimore – convening communities to enjoy our City’s extraordinary waterfront. For decades, Harborplace has inspired wonder and excitement, attracting legions of tourists and admirers from around the world,” said P. David Bramble, Managing Partner of MCB. “With the property now in hand, we are thrilled to announce the design team who will work with MCB and hear from the community on what Harborplace can be. People like to count Baltimore out. This project will show what we, as a City, are capable of – and showcase the best of Baltimore for our own families, Marylanders across the State, and to the entire world.”
This world-class team will begin the design process this month, informed by the “First Thirty Days” community engagement report released by MCB earlier this week. MCB also announced the final closing of the multiyear receivership process to officially transfer ownership of the property. As of closing on June 21, 2023, MCB now fully controls the Harborplace property.
“Harborplace is Baltimore’s postcard image. It should visually capture what we are most proud of about our city and how we want to be known in the world – a place where all of our people can enjoy the iconic Inner Harbor and the first place we should all want to share with visitors to our City,” added Vaki Mawema, Managing Director and Principal of Gensler’s Baltimore office. “We want Harborplace to be uniquely and authentically ‘us.’”
“We are truly honored to have Gensler, Sulton Campbell Britt, BCT, and Unknown Studio bring their vision and creativity to this project,” said Mr. Bramble. “I want to ensure that the future of Harborplace represents to the world the very best that Baltimore has to offer. MCB intentionally created this design partnership to marry internationally renowned talent from Baltimore and from abroad because Harborplace should once again be a worldwide attraction.”
MCB Harborplace began a comprehensive citywide community engagement process in May of 2023, in anticipation of property closing. This community engagement process, led by Just Economy, has already engaged hundreds of residents in conversation about the future of Harborplace. The community engagement process will continue through the fall.
For more information, and to review the Community Engagement Report on the First Thirty Days, please visit www.ourharborplace.com.
