South Baltimore and the Federal Hill neighborhood are among the fastest growing hotspots in the Baltimore metro area. This week, we’re bringing you some of the biggest changes in the South Baltimore business scene, from restaurants to attractions and more! Here’s what’s happening this month.

Major Renovation at The National Aquarium

One of the Inner Harbor’s best attractions, The National Aquarium, is getting a major facelift in the form of a huge renovation project. “We see this as an opportunity for a second renaissance for Baltimore’s harbor, by creating not only a commercially thriving place, but also one that is thriving in terms of its health and green space, and as a habitat for animals and humans to enjoy themselves,” said John Racanelli, CEO of The National Aquarium. Of the reported $14 million the renovation is expected to cost, Racanelli says the aquarium has already been successful in raising half of the needed funds. From The Baltimore Sun:

Three years from now, a green oasis of floating wetlands, bay grasses and terraced edges leading down to the water will greet visitors to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, under a plan unveiled today by officials of the National Aquarium.
The green space, phase 1 in a wide-ranging “campus revitalization” plan aquarium officials hope will see the institution though to the next century, would bring vegetation, interactive exhibits, kayaking, picnic spaces and other educational activities to the water and waterfront between piers 3 and 4, in the middle of the aquarium’s campus off Pratt Street. The 2.5-acre area would be free and open to the public. Plans call for work to begin by the end of this year, with completion set for 2019.

Zipcar Adds More Locations in SoWeBo

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Zipcar, the nation’s largest car-sharing subscription service, is adding two additional locations for rentals in Hollins Market. According to a press release from Zipcar, there will be two Zipcars available at the new locations: A Honda Fit, nicknamed “Hollins”, and a Honda Civic nicknamed “Mount Clare.”

Protean Records Finds a New Home

Protean Records has announced that it will be moving from it’s current location at 925 S. Charles St. to a new 32,000 square foot space at 838 Leadenhall St., where it will share space with Federal Restorations, among other tenants occupying the former Gaines McHale antique store. The new location should be open for business shortly after the closing of the current storefront at the end of February. The existing 1,250 square foot storefront is available for lease now.

Jen’s Place On Light Street Open for Business

The former lounge area inside the Garden Restaurant has found a new lease on life, in the form of Jen’s Place Bar & Packaged Goods. Though the restaurant will remain open, Jen’s brings a new offering to the area in the form of their packaged goods, with a large variety of beer, wine, and spirits ready to take home. Unlike most area liquor stores, Jen’s Place will be open seven days a week after receiving approval from the Board of Liquor License Commissioners (BLLC).[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]