For years, Locust Point was shadowed by neighboring Federal Hill, but new developments like McHenry Point, Tide Point (home of Under Armour) and Silo Point are putting Locust Point back on the map.
“The neighborhood has a real modern feel now with all the new construction,” said Dorian Keydash whose family has lived in Locust Point for over 85 years. “But when you’re walking around, you get that old time feel. The older residents always go out of their way to say hello which often catches new residents off guard.”
Despite its “modern feel,” Locust Point dates back to the late 1800s when it was settled by German, Irish and Polish immigrants who kept their sidewalks swept and weeded when other City neighborhoods hit rough patches.
“[Locust Point] is full of pride,” said Keydash, also a realtor for RE/MAX Sales in nearby Federal Hill. “Even before the big surge of renovation, there were no dilapidated homes here. A shell in Locust Point means it was someone’s grandmother’s home and it has carpet and no modern amenities.”
Locust Point is a peninsula in South Baltimore, surrounded by the Patapsco River on three sides. Fort Street runs from Lawrence Street, the western border, through the neighborhood to Fort McHenry. Before Key Highway was extended, there was only one way in and out.
Members of the LPCA have their hands full working with developers and the city to take care of the Locust Point community.
“We have to think into the future, 20 years from now, when deciding what will be allowed,” said Tony Vittoria, president of the LPCA and 4-year resident. “I can’t wait for the day when we just have to deal with trash in the alley.”
As a peninsula, residents enjoy the safety and quiet afforded by not being a thoroughfare, a rare find in a city neighborhood. Other rare city finds include creature comforts like garages and modern amenities for those in the new developments.
“We’re kind of by ourselves out here on a peninsula, but we’re still close to everything,” said Colleen Wolfe, 5-year resident of McHenry Point and Corresponding Secretary for the LPCA. Wolfe walks her son to Latrobe Park and to the library in Federal Hill. On Sundays, they bike to the Farmer’s Market.
“We’ve seen several families move,” said Wolfe. “But we’re committed to the neighborhood. We think it’s great for kids. It’s very safe, and very friendly.”
10 Things Locust Point
1. Community Activists
The Locust Point Civic Association has 12 committees to foster safety and pride in the neighborhood and encourage neighborhood relations. For information about committees, history and neighborhood activities, visit the community Web site.
2. Festivities
September 27 is the annual Locust Point Festival raises money for community projects such as the Summer Fun Camp at the Rec Center and bulb planting at Latrobe Park. Crafts, face painting, “Polish Neckties” (a local fried favorite) and food stands from local restaurants make it fun for kids and adults alike.
3. Get Schooled
Francis Scott Key Elementary and Middle Schools are supported by the LPCA Kids and Schools committee, which provide volunteers for student activities and organizes social activities, playgroups, babysitting and other family activities.
4. Commuter Info
Located between Key Highway and Interstate 95, Locust Point is an easy commute to work in Washington and a short walk to work in Baltimore.
5. Park It
Latrobe Park has basketball and tennis courts, ball fields and a newly rehabbed playground. Latrobe Park is managed and improved by the Beautification and Parks Committee.
6. Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry, best known for inspiring The Star-Spangled Banner, has a Visitor Center with video and exhibits, a walking tour of the fort with exhibits along the way, daily flag programs and plenty of space to enjoy a waterfront picnic.
7. To the Point
When this historic waterfront rehab by Streuver Brothers Eccles & Rouse was completed in 2002, it was the first major redevelopment in the Locust Point in decades. Silo Point, a major rehab of the old grain elevator, is the neighborhood’s next big addition.
8. Rec Center
The Locust Point Recreation Center offers youth dance classes, arts and crafts sports, a summer camp and a few adult activities as well. Check it out at the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks website.
9. Gourmet Food, Family Setting
Residents love Luca’s Café because it serves good food in a family-friendly atmosphere. The menu varies from steak to seafood to gourmet pizza, and the atmosphere features local art on exposed brick walls and plenty of plants and windows. For more go to lucas-cafe.com.
10. Sunday Brunch
Hull Street Blues Café has an award winning Sunday brunch that serves banana rum French toast, grilled salmon, chicken Florentine and more. For less of a crowd, locals head to Harvest Table at Tide Point. This little restaurant has a laid-back Saturday brunch scene with fresh twists on traditional bistro foods and much-loved muffins.
