BDC Receives Two Proposals For New Inner Harbor Attraction

Baltimore, MD (June 1, 2012) – The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) announced today that it has received two proposals in response to the Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by BDC and the Department of Recreation and Parks, on behalf of the City of Baltimore, for a New Inner Harbor Attraction to be located between the Maryland Science Center and Rash Field.

The following proposals were received:

1. Charm City Carousel Entertainment, LLC (Stevensville, MD)

Manuel Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer; Ed Hiller, Chief Operating Officer      

This proposal calls for the operation of a classic carousel that features a platform that measures 34 feet in diameter, populated with a total of 30 menagerie figures (a mix of horses and other animals) and two “chariots.”

1. TC Amusements in partnership with Crown Foods, Inc. (Severn, MD)

Ted Shaw and Chris Chamberlin, owners

TC Amusements proposes to operate a “Maryland Themed” Carousel that is 30 feet in diameter featuring several custom figures representing various attractions and icons from the Baltimore area such as the Blue Crab, Baltimore Raven, Baltimore Oriole, Rockfish and a Train Engine.

In issuing the RFP in April 2012, BDC and Recreation Parks seeks the operation of an attraction that will provide high-quality entertainment, educational, cultural and other positive experiences, outdoors, at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, for visitors of all ages, incomes, abilities, and disabilities, with a special emphasis on families and young children.

The Inner Harbor has been an icon of Baltimore’s culture and civic pride for more than three decades.  It is the center of the City’s hospitality industry and home to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Maryland Science Center, and the American Visionary Art Museum.  As the #1 attraction with millions of visitors attending or using one of its amenities, the Inner Harbor is among the City’s top economic engines in producing business activities, employment and taxes.  Additionally, the Inner Harbor serves as an important “open space” resource for all City residents. 

The proposals are being reviewed by BDC.

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