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Home Meetings Discover Baltimore’s Exciting Transformation

Discover Baltimore’s Exciting Transformation

Learn about the exciting plans for Baltimore's Inner Harbor, transportation hubs, sports facilities and more.

If you think you know Baltimore, think again. The city is in the midst of a renaissance in which previously vacant lots and historic landmarks are being reimagined for the future. From the transformation of Baltimore’s iconic Inner Harbor to renovations at BWI Airport and Penn Station, our exciting development projects will bring thousands of jobs and improve visitor and resident experiences. As a bonus, many of these development projects are being carried out in thoughtful phases to maintain waterfront access and minimize road closures, so you can rest assured that your attendees’ time in Charm City won’t be hindered. Rather, they’ll have a front-row seat to Baltimore’s exciting transformation.  

 

A New Vision for the Inner Harbor 

Our iconic Inner Harbor is the crown jewel of Baltimore, and it is evolving into a world-class destination for commerce, culture and community. This once-in-a-generation redevelopment project will seamlessly connect our stadiums to the water while prioritizing stunning views, accessible walkways and environmentally resilient infrastructure. 

WHEN

With groundbreaking scheduled for Fall 2026, the project is focused on long-term economic sustainability and community inclusion, ensuring a safe, welcoming and vibrant waterfront for decades to come. The redevelopment will take place in phases and is expected to be completed by 2031. 

WHO

The redevelopment of Harborplace is being led by MCB Real Estate, a locally operated company that designs with Baltimoreans in mind. When creating a new vision for Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, MCB conducted a robust community process engaging tens of thousands of residents from Baltimore City and the entire region to understand the community’s needs, a process that included intimate dinners, public forums, door-to-door canvassing and more. 

WHAT

With more than 300,000 square feet of commercial real estate and 18.7 acres of public space, the new Harborplace will be a world-class destination that encompasses the best of Baltimore’s culinary scene, nature and waterfront, small businesses, artistic culture and more. In addition to new mixed-use retail and commercial buildings, the current development plan features The Sail, a cutting-edge 9-level building with a rooftop park for waterfront viewing, a public market, sprawling food hall, an event venue and restaurant space. The plan also includes a new 2.3-acre park between Pratt and Light Streets, with 500 new trees and an extended waterfront promenade.  

Dive deeper into the plans for Baltimore’s waterfront at MCB Real Estate’s website 

Beyond the Harbor: Citywide Development Projects

Baltimore Peninsula

A 6-minute drive from the Convention Center, 20-minute water taxi ride from the Inner Harbor 

Once a sprawling railroad terminal, the South Baltimore neighborhood now known as Baltimore Peninsula is undergoing one of the largest urban renewal efforts in America. This ambitious 25-year project is transforming the area with up to 18 million square feet of new mixed-use development, 2.5 miles of restored waterfront, and 40 acres of beautiful parks and green space. The area is already buzzing with energy, welcoming new businesses and residents to its dynamic community. Discover local favorites like Nick’s Fish House, Rye Street Tavern and the Sagamore Spirit distillery, or check into the stylish Roost hotel. Global athletic powerhouse Under Armour also calls the peninsula home, continuing its deep-rooted history with the city. 

With sprawling waterfront views, Baltimore Peninsula is a scenic spot for a date night or a family outing.

BWI Airport

A 12-minute drive from the Convention Center 

Getting to and from Baltimore is more convenient than ever, thanks to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport’s recent upgrades. In December 2025, the airport unveiled a $425-million expansion that connected concourses A and B, relocated airline gates, modernized the restrooms, and added enhanced baggage handling systems and exciting new dining and retail options. 

B&O Railroad Museum

A 7-minute drive, 20-minute walk, 10-minute water taxi ride from the Convention Center 

Ahead of the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027, the B&O Railroad Museum is undergoing an ambitious Campus Transformation Plan centered on the restoration of the historic South Car Works building—the oldest, continuously operating railroad repair facility in the United States. The museum also plans to expand its archival space, add classrooms and build a free public amphitheater that will act as a third space for the South Baltimore community to hang out and enjoy concerts and movie nights. 

Penn Station

An 8-minute drive, 20-minute walk from the Convention Center  

The historic Baltimore Penn Station has served as the city’s primary transportation hub since it was first built in 1911. Today, it is the eighth busiest train station in the United States, with more than three million Amtrak and MARC passengers coming through it each year. In spring 2021, Amtrak and its team of Baltimore-based developers, including Cross Street Partners and Beatty Developers, began a multimillion-dollar revitalization and expansion project on the bustling station. The development will be completed in phases, with the first one focused on preserving the station’s historic details and improving functionality. Then, phases two and three will see the addition of up to one million square feet of office and retail space as well as the construction of a brand-new companion facility complete with a high-speed rail. 

The new Penn Station will feature office and retail space as well as a high speed rail!

Poe House & Museum

A 10-minute drive from the Convention Center 

In conjunction with the redevelopment of the Poe Homes housing complex, the Poe House and Museum has plans to restore its footprint to what it was when Edgar Allan Poe lived there as well as add offices, a gift shop and a permanent exhibit commemorating the intertwined histories of the Poe Homes and Poe House. The second phase of work will include a new 13,000+ sq. ft. museum building connected to the rear of Poe House that will house a gallery, classroom, visitor center and collections. 

Point Park

A 7-minute drive, 20-minute walk, 10-minute water taxi ride from the Convention Center  

Situated between Harbor East and Fell’s Point on a former industrial site, Harbor Point is Baltimore’s newest waterfront neighborhood. Not only is it home to the headquarters of Exelon and T. Rowe Price, but the new 4.5-acre Point Park expands Baltimore’s walkable waterfront footprint and offers some of the closest views of the iconic Domino Sugar sign in the city. Several gateways around the park are etched with directional signage in traditional Algonquin languages to honor the indigenous groups that once inhabited the land. It’s the perfect place to take a walk or bike ride, settle in with a book on the modern benches or simply enjoy a quiet moment by the water. 

a woman running through point park

Point Park offers both refreshing green space and unparalleled views of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the Domino Sugars sign

Pimlico Race Course

A 15-minute drive from the Convention Center

As the second-oldest horse racing track in the country and the home of the Preakness Stakes, a Triple Crown event, Pimlico is not simply a beloved Baltimore institution, but also a vital contributor to America’s athletic heritage. In 2024 the State of Maryland took ownership of the track and passed legislation authorizing $400 million in state bonds to rebuild Pimlico. Plans have called for the nearly 100-year-old facilities to be be replaced with a new state-of-the-art clubhouse featuring both turf and dirt tracks, and a multi-use event center for festivals, youth sports and recreational activities. The racecourse closed for renovations after Preakness 150 and is expected to reopen in 2027.

Rash Field Phase II

A 5-minute drive, 10-minute walk from the Convention Center 

Following the success of phase one, which saw three green spaces and a glass pavilion added to the sprawl of promenade between the Maryland Science Center and the American Visionary Art Museum, Rash Field Park is expanding to include two beautiful new gardens, a reimagined beach area and a large lawn for recreation and events. This next phase focuses on creating more safe, serene and beautifully landscaped gathering spots along the Inner Harbor, complete with nature-inspired play areas for our youngest visitors. 

Rash Field Park

Opened in 2021, Rash Field contains three parks, a cafe and shaded overlook of the Harbor. Photograph by Kaitlin Newman

The Walk @ Warner Street

A 4-minute drive, 20-minute walk from the Convention Center 

Soon to be Baltimore’s premiere entertainment district, The Walk @ Warner Street is transforming a previously underutilized industrial zone into an energetic and walkable corridor bridging MGM’s Horseshoe Casino and M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens. A Topgolf facility was added in 2022, and the rest of the 250,000 square foot district is slated to include a music venue, bar and over 34,000 square feet of retail space. In addition to bolstering Baltimore’s sports and entrainment scene, The Walk @ Warner Street will revitalize the city’s southern waterfront through improvements to the Middle Branch Waterway and Gwynns Falls Bike Trails. 

Warner Street Rendering

Bridging Horseshoe Casino and M&T Bank Stadium, Warner Street District will be a must-see destination for shopping, entertainment, dining and more.

Come Meet the City on the Rise

Join our community of hospitality leaders and see how Baltimore’s continuous growth can elevate your next convention or meeting.