Baltimore, Md. — The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), on behalf of the mayor and City Council of Baltimore, has entered into a sale agreement and master lease for the historic office building at 7 E. Redwood Street in Downtown Baltimore.
Originally constructed in 1905, the 20-story building has long served as a fixture in the City’s core business district. The City acquired the property in 1996 and has used it for various agency offices. Following a 2023 request for proposals, BDC worked with the selected developer, Redwood Light 7 LLC, an affiliate of Byrnes & Associates, to finalize the sale and master lease for the developer to acquire and reposition the property.
Under the agreement, the City will receive $8 million in sale proceeds and enter into a 20-year master lease for the 2nd through 20th floors to house City agencies. As part of the lease, the new ownership will invest in significant infrastructure upgrades to modernize the building, while the City will receive a tenant improvement allowance to enhance and reorganize its office space.
The 7 E. Redwood Street agreement supports Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s Downtown RISE: Strategic Action Plan and advances Baltimore’s vision for a more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming Downtown.
“Baltimore’s strength is our neighborhoods—including the heart of our city, Downtown,” said Mayor Scott. “When our business district thrives, it moves our entire city forward. The 7 E. Redwood agreement fuels that momentum and supports all of the residents and visitors who gather, dine, work, and play there.”
BDC President & CEO Otis Rolley emphasized the project’s alignment with the City’s broader economic vision. “Downtown’s revival depends on activating its historic assets and bringing new energy to the business core. The successful disposition of 7 E. Redwood Street is a strong example of how public-private collaboration can advance that goal,” said Rolley.
Brad Byrnes, president of Byrnes & Associates and managing partner of Redwood Light 7 LLC, said the project fits within a long-term vision for revitalizing the Historic Redwood Walk and the Business & Government Historic District.
“Our goal is to create a connected, walkable corridor that links Port Discovery to CFG Bank Arena and the UM BioPark area,” said Byrnes. “Through this and nearby redevelopments along
East Redwood Street, we’re building on progress that has already resulted in over 70 new office leases, four restaurant and retail leases, and 130 new residents in this historic part of the city.”
For more information about BDC’s work to drive equitable economic development, visit www.baltimoredevelopment.com.
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About the Baltimore Development Corporation
The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the entity responsible for economic development in the City of Baltimore. Our mission is to grow the city’s economy in an inclusive manner by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and promoting investment, thereby increasing career opportunities for residents. For more information about BDC, visit www.baltimoredevelopment.com.
