Ed Hale is the principal of Hale Properties and developer of the Canton Crossing mixed-use waterfront community in Baltimore City. Baltimore Business Journal and The Baltimore Sun reported last week that Hale plans to bring a retail center including a Target store and major grocery chain to the development. Hale would not discuss plans for specific stores with The Examiner, but spoke of his vision for the Canton area.
What does the community still need?
I started doing the development of Canton Crossing 10 years and I got together with the neighborhood associations and told them of my desire to build [it]. Their first thought was, why don?t you put retail down here. Their words were “We can?t buy towels, we have to go to White Marsh.”
What other plans do you have for the area?
I?ve got a plan that?s been approved [for] 503 condos. I would like to build that sooner than later. We?ve already got one floor of BRAC-related business in my group, ATK does space components and they?ve got high-tech jobs coming in.
There should be a transportation-oriented project. You?ve got trains, 1-95, and people working right here ? it makes sense to have a little less traffic.
Ultimately, what will the Canton area look like?
It?s going to be an all-encompassing destination that will be the gateway to Baltimore City from the east. You?ll be able to see a nice view from 1-95 of what Baltimore looks like, rather than looking off in the distance. It?ll be a true gateway.
