The Tribune Co.?s recent announcement that it will purchase The Sun?s printing plant in South Baltimore has renewed attention on possible redevelopment in Port Covington.
Tribune, which owns The Sun, last week announced it would buy several properties leased from Times Mirror Chandler Trusts LLC, including The Sun?s North Calvert Street headquarters and its South Baltimore printing plant.
Developer Marc Solomon of Finmarc Management has floated the idea of redeveloping the Port Covington area, where a Sam?s Club and Wal-Mart are currently located, into a mixed-use area of homes, offices and shops. The project could expand just north of the Port Covington area, where The Sun?s printing plant is located. Solomon was unavailable for comment Tuesday.
Gary Weitman, a Tribune spokesman, said it was too early to tell what effect the company?s ownership of The Sun property might have on any development in the area. Tribune will purchase The Sun properties, along with properties used by the Los Angeles Times, Newsday and the Hartford Courant, for $175 million. The sale is expected to close in April.
“At this point, I don?t think we?re in a position to comment on any of the individual properties,” Weitman said. “I wouldn?t want to put a timetable on when any of those discussions might occur.”
Baltimore City development officials have touted industrial waterfront areas as sources of great potential for the city?s future. The city is in the process of acquiring properties in West Covington, adjacent to Port Covington, for redevelopment.
“That area has the potential to really boom,” said Matthew Haas, vice president of Columbia-based Manekin, which handles the sale and leasing of office space throughout Baltimore. “The pioneers are the ones who are going to benefit. Being a pioneer in this area will land you a sweet deal.”
