The team at Vanguard sees incredible potential for the development site and the amenities that their property design could provide to the community. They are also grateful for their dedicated supporters who see the potential for a dynamic, multi-use village that offers recreational, living and career opportunities, enhances the area’s sense of community and preserves the surrounding natural environment. Their detailed and thoughtfully deliberate plans for an all-encompassing property to live, work and play offers immeasurable benefits to residents of Baltimore County and beyond. The developers will continue in their efforts to deliver an innovative, multi-use property to the community of Bare Hills.

“While Vanguard is disappointed with the outcome, we are not discouraged,” said Len Weinberg, Principal of Vanguard, “we are grateful for the many supporters of our development initiatives as well as members of the community who are willing to participate in ongoing discussions and provide open and honest feedback.”

The site of the property also includes a variety of shops including The Kellogg Collection, Mary Kay’s Furniture LLC, The Mitre Box, Indulgence 2 and The Falls Road Running Store as well as Hollins Organic Products. These tenants will all remain open until the site is ready for redevelopment. The development team at Bluestem is looking forward to collaborating with their neighbors as they work towards breaking ground on a community-centric property that will serve local residents while protecting the flora and fauna of the nearby Lake Roland Park.

To learn more about locally-minded construction and retail development company Vanguard, contact our passionate team by visiting our website today. 

Vanguard Equities

Since 1987, Vanguard has been at the forefront of retail real estate development in the Mid-Atlantic region, creating, building and managing its portfolio of successful projects with national and local tenants. Vanguard offers national and local clients a full range of retail development services and as well as acquisition and joint venture opportunities.

Bluestem

Bluestem is a proposed mixed-use project that will include retail, dining and a multi-family residential building on six acres at 6241 through 6247 Falls Road in the Bare Hills community. The primary design objective of this development is to promote an interconnected village concept with a distinctive town character.  Bluestem is adjacent to Lake Roland, a tremendous natural resource for the region and a source of shared interest for the surrounding communities. The proposed plan includes a point of entry to the park, meeting the community’s demand for the creation of a mixed-use village with a focus on the park.

Regarding the products and services offered at The Kellogg Collection, custom designer Ashley Dickinson said, “We are a home furnishing retailer that also offers design services for clients who want something more customized. Customers come in asking for help with projects they might have, and we are constantly bringing out accessories and filling in wherever little holes come up and working together with our other stores to keep them fresh.” 

The Kellogg Collection, which has a Baltimore location on Falls Road near Lake Roland park, offers high-quality and antique furniture, lighting, upholstery, home accessories and more. In addition, The Kellogg Collection’s custom design services offer an individualized approach to creating your dream interior. The Kellogg style is warm, fresh and uplifting, with roots in the traditional English Country home. When you enlist the help of the Baltimore designers at The Kellogg Collection, Diane Litz and Ashley Dickinson, you are guaranteed to receive personalized expertise that reflects the Kellogg philosophy. The dedicated designers at The Kellogg Collection make it a mission to serve their community with integrity, passion and friendliness when helping their customers choose the home pieces that are perfect for them.

The quaint charm of the Lake Roland and Falls Road community was a perfect fit for The Kellogg Collection’s Baltimore location. Ashley Dickinson said, “Lake Roland is a fantastic little area because everyone knows each other, it is very close-knit, and everyone is very friendly. Our customers are great to work with.”

The development team at Bluestem is honored to be a part of the Lake Roland community, which is home to devoted businesses like The Kellogg Collection and many more. To learn more about the services and amenities offered at The Kellogg Collection, visit their website today. We are proud of the many unique businesses that help Lake Roland continue to be one of the best communities to live, work and play.

The “Scott Settlement” was Established Around 1830

Aquila Scott, the ancestor of a freed slave from St. Mary’s County, was a blacksmith and Methodist preacher who arrived in the Bare Hills area around 1830. In 1833, he and several others were named trustees of the congregation of Bethel Episcopal Methodist Religious Society in a deed from Mary and Elijah Fishpaw. The land given to them in the deed was used to build St. John’s Church, a church that served as the religious and social hub for the area’s primarily black congregation.

Aquila Scott also purchased a parcel of land abutting the Falls Turnpike, where he settled with his family and constructed a blacksmithery. As his family grew, his children settled with their own families on the property, which came to be known as the “Scott Settlement.” Aquila Scott died in 1858 and is buried on his Bare Hills property. 

The Remains of the Scott Settlement are Still Visible Today

While the original log cabin church where Aquila Scott preached burned down in 1876, the St. John’s Church still stands today, and is a beautiful example of African-American church construction in the late 19th century. The remains of several 19th-century frame houses that Scott and his descendants built still stand on the former Scott Settlement property. The descendants of Aquila Scott continue to live in the Bare Hills community, and four of Scott’s ancestors continue to live in original homes on the settlement property. The remains can be seen on the west side of Falls Road, south of Clarkview Road.

There are Other Historically Freed African-American Communities in Baltimore County

While one of the oldest, the Scott Settlement is not the only freed African-American community in Baltimore County. East Towson was settled in the mid-1800s by freed slaves a plantation known as the Hampton Mansion, which is now a historical site and originally owned by Captain Charles Ridgely. After his death, his slaves were freed, as per his wishes in his will, and created their own community in East Towson. Of note is the Jacob House, where some of the founding freed families lived. While the home burned in 1999, the original log cabin built on the property survived, and it was saved from demolition and reconstructed on a new property in 2010. The Jacob House now serves as a museum that provides a glimpse into the life of freed slaves in East Towson.

Respecting the Past While Looking Towards the Future

While the Bare Hills community has undergone many changes since the days of Aquila Scott, the entrepreneurial and community-oriented mindset of the people living in Bare Hills remains the same. It is the goal of the team at Bluestem to honor this mindset by developing a mixed-use space that is thoughtfully planned and populated with locally-owned boutiques and restaurants. It is our hope to develop a diverse space that integrates with the surrounding community, instead of pushing against its original fabric and character. To learn more about Bluestem and the steps our development team has taken to successfully integrate within the Bare Hills community, click here.  

What is Paw Point at Lake Roland Park?

Paw Point is an enclosed dog park within Lake Roland park that allows dog owners to let their dogs romp and play unleashed. The park, which is a short walk from Lake Roland park’s main entrance, is a fully enclosed, 1 ¼ acre space that includes lake accessibility. It is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, which makes it perfect for year-round fun for even the busiest of dog parents. Membership is available to both Maryland and non-Maryland residents for up to two dogs per membership.   

What Amenities Does Paw Point Offer?

Paw Point at Lake Roland offers a variety of surfaces for dogs to run and play on, including grass, dirt, mulch and rock. Access to Lake Roland, which is cordoned off with buoys, is available through the dog park, where dogs can cool off on hot summer days and take a paddle. A coded gate ensures that only members have access to the enclosure, which means your dog will be able to have fun and stay safe. If too much fun leaves your dog thirsty, fear not—a water pump and dog bowls are available. Time for your dog to do their business? Complimentary doggie waste bags and trash bins are also available.

For the truly devoted dog parents, Paw Point members also have access to fun annual events, such as the Paw Point Halloween Costume Party and Dogs & Donuts. Check out the links to get your cute dog fix.  

How Does Paw Point Ensure the Safety of Our Canine Companions?

The goal of the Paw Point dog park is to provide dog owners with a safe and secure area where their canine companions can run free. As such, Paw Point has a variety of rules and policies in place to ensure Paw Point is a safe and healthy environment for dogs. These rules include that:

• dogs must be fully immunized and licensed with corresponding tags on their collars,
• puppies under 4 months can not enter Paw Point,
• dogs in heat are not permitted,
• dogs showing signs of aggression or who bark excessively must be removed from Paw Point, and
• choke, pronged or spiked collars must be removed before entering Paw Point.

You can find a full list of Paw Point rules and regulations here. You can also find important information about Paw Point in their FAQ section.     

Where Do I Sign Up to Be a Member of Paw Point Dog Park?

Ready to show your dog the good life at Lake Roland park? The membership application for Paw Point dog park can be found here. Membership is annual, beginning on January 1st and ending on December 31st. Membership allows for up to 2 dogs to enter Paw Point. Upon approval of the application, members are provided a unique access code to get into Paw Point at Lake Roland.  

Bluestem is Excited to Provide Even More Amenities to the Lake Roland Community

The Lake Roland community is full of amazing businesses and amenities for its residents to enjoy, including Paw Point dog park. By creating a boutique, mixed-use community within the Bare Hills area, Bluestem seeks to expand upon the already existing Bare Hills infrastructure in a way that harmonizes with the current environment while providing much-needed resources. To learn more about the plans for Bluestem and the amenities it will offer, click here. 

Conserve Water and Reduce Green Waste

Make a positive impact on the environment by planting a native garden. Native gardens require up to 85% less water than non-native gardens as well as fewer pesticides. Native gardens also produce 60% less green waste per year. These benefits are heightened when gardens replace lawns, which are notorious for creating poor stormwater management.

Attract Biodiverse Native Wildlife

The wildlife Maryland’s ecosystem requires to maintain its integrity are benefitted when Maryland gardeners plant native species. This includes pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, all of whom are vital components of the environment that help to ensure the fruits, vegetables and other plants we consume daily are able to thrive. Native clump-forming grasses serve as the perfect shelter for ground-dwelling birds, such as mourning doves and songbirds. The fruit and nuts from native trees, such as blackgum and white oak, provide food and shelter for squirrels, chipmunks and native birds.

Stress Less for a Beautiful Garden

Because native plants are already acclimated to Maryland’s climate and environment, the maintenance required to keep your garden looking beautiful is greatly reduced. In fact, growing a native garden reduces the amount of time needed to maintain its condition by approximately 70%. This means less time weeding, treating disease, watering and feeding and more time relaxing and enjoying the bounty and beauty of your outdoor space.

Speaking of beauty, there are a wide variety of native plants that will add gorgeous color and texture to your garden. From wildflowers like the vibrant and long-blooming butterfly weed and easy-going bergamot; to grasses such as frothy and graceful bluestem or tall and flowy Indiangrass; you’re sure to find a native Maryland species that speaks to your garden’s style!    

Bluestem is Committed to Improving the Local Ecosystem Through Native Plantings

With the help of landscape architects and environmental planners such as Human & Rohde and Plusen, the Bluestem team has created a plan to develop a boutique mixed-use space that harmonizes with the natural environment of the Bare Hills area. Inspired by the unique habitat and rock formations of Lake Roland, the landscape developers have chosen a plant palette that implements native plantings, including the bluestem grass for which the development is named. The Bluestem team also seeks to encourage responsible planting by informing apartment-dwellers about the delicate nature of the local ecosystem with information packets included in their lease agreement. These packets will make suggestions about the types of plants tenants are encouraged to keep within their homes and in outdoor spaces and which may be considered invasive or harmful to the surrounding flora and fauna. To learn more about the ways in which Bluestem seeks to create an environmentally friendly space, click here.  

Friday Strolls

Friday Strolls, which occur from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM every Friday morning, is the perfect way to start your weekend surrounded by friends while being physically active. Enjoy the scenery and sounds of Lake Roland’s beautiful nature path, free of cost. Hiking boots are recommended, but the paths are flat and easily traversable. The walking group meets every Friday morning at the Ranger Station—do not forget your water bottle!

Yoga in the Park

Yoga in the Park is held on the first and third Saturday of every month from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Participants of any age can enjoy an hour-long gentle yoga session in beautiful Lake Roland Park. Admission is only $2 and yoga mats are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Yoga in the Park is a wonderful way to ease into your Saturday, especially as the mornings continue to grow warmer.

Canoe Lake Roland

Canoe Lake Roland is a fantastic summer event that occurs once a month on June 1st, July 6th and August 3rd, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Participants can experience a guided canoe tour down Lake Roland, where serene nature views and wild animals like turtles, eagles and beavers can be spotted from the boat. Basic paddling instructions will be offered and registration is limited. Costs are $15 per person or $10 for members.

Weed Warriors

Weed Warriors is held on the second Saturday of each month, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, for participants ages 13 and up who are passionate about protecting and preserving Lake Roland. Those who join have the opportunity to work with the Habitat and Trails team, “Weed Warriors,” by cleaning up and maintaining the park’s natural beauty. Participants are asked to bring gloves, boots and water.

Lake Roland Ranger Talk

On the last Saturday of each month, Lake Roland Park hosts the Lake Roland Ranger Talk from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. People of all ages are welcome to join a park ranger for a brief informational discussion about Lake Roland, held in front of the Nature Center. Topics change monthly, and admission is free!

The Bluestem Developers are Passionate About The Local Community

Here at Bluestem, we believe in community-focused and environmentally conscious development that adds value and amenities to the community. Lake Roland Park is a fixture in the Lake Roland and Bare Hills communities that offers a wealth of weekly, bi-weekly and monthly activities that are perfect for summer. For more information on the many events and programs hosted at Lake Roland Park, visit the Lake Roland Events Calendar. For more information on how the Bluestem developers strive to connect rich history with innovative development in the Lake Roland Community, contact us today.

SGS Law’s role in the Bluestem project will be to assist in the management of legal questions and issues that may arise as a result of the development. SGS Law is committed to a strong partnership with, and vigorous defense of, the Bluestem development, which they believe will have a great and positive impact on the Bare Hills community, particularly in helping improve the quality and safety of Lake Roland and the surrounding watershed.

SGS Law is honored to be involved in the Bluestem project and looks forward to assisting the development team in a legal capacity to ensure that the development is able to serve as a retail and residential hub for the Bare Hills community that also improves accessibility and sustainability for Lake Roland Park. To learn more about Bluestem’s commitment to maintaining the local community and environment, click here. To learn more about Bluestem’s focus on local development, click here.

Bozzuto’s role in the Bluestem project will involve owning and managing the apartment property on the development. In managing the Bluestem apartment property, Bozzuto seeks to foster and grow the Bare Hills community and help bring increased vibrancy and opportunity to the area.  

Bozzuto is honored to be involved in the Bluestem project and looks forward to creating an extraordinary neighborhood with the help of the community and partners. To learn more about Bluestem’s commitment to keeping the area community focused, click here. To learn more about Bluestem’s focus on local development, click here.

MFI Realty’s role in the Bluestem project will be to attract and form relationships with potential tenants so as to populate the development with locally-minded, boutique-style retail and eatery offerings. The firm believes that the Bluestem development has great opportunity to become a hotspot within the Baltimore County area which will provide community members with an upscale destination for shopping, living, playing and working.

MFI Realty is honored to be involved in the Bluestem project and looks forward to supporting the growth of the project by assisting tenants through the leasing process. To learn more about Bluestem’s commitment to considering community concerns, click here. To learn more about Bluestem’s focus on local development, click here.

Smart Redevelopment Creates Newfound Vibrancy

Several multi-use spaces such as Remington Row and The Rotunda in Baltimore City, as well as many successful mixed-use villages in Bethesda, Columbia and Annapolis, have proven the effects of new, modern development in the regeneration of the local economy. The Rotunda in Hampden, for instance, has quickly reached maximum capacity and has helped spark revitalization in a previously underused area of the city, bringing new residents, homes and jobs to a growing community. Modern, mixed-use spaces in surging communities, such as Columbia, have played a major part in the communities’ economic and population growth.

These smart redevelopments have changed the way that Baltimore lives. They are modern, luxurious and economical—housing with on-site retail, offices, shopping centers and event space is desirable for residents of a wide range of ages. They help connect the community, as well, with the interweaving of living space, retail and entertainment that allows both residences and business owners to mingle.

While these mixed-use complexes have been seen to spark growth in their established areas, development in Baltimore County has been slow to catch up with that of Baltimore City and the Washington D.C. area. The economic benefits, as well as the question of what to do with the growing population of the county, have shown that these mixed-use spaces are needed in the Baltimore County area.

Development Will Revitalize Lake Roland

Strategic development of multi-use villages allows for more living, office and retail space. That is why smart redevelopment in the Bare Hills Community, such as the Bluestem development, will allow for an economic jumpstart. As development in Baltimore City and the Washington Metropolitan area shows,  these small cities in a microcosm of mixed-use spaces are the future for living and business ventures and help to revitalize the surrounding communities and their economies.

Trends show that baby boomers and millennials alike seem to flock to multi-use spaces such as those like The Rotunda and Remington Row. Recently, baby boomers have made some of the greatest impacts in the retail market—as boomers seek to downsize, and millennials look to enjoy the best of both worlds offered in a “surban” mixed-use village, it is essential for developers to mindfully focus on redevelopment to fit these societal needs.

There is currently a major opportunity for growth in the Bare Hills and Lake Roland communities in terms of retail and rental living spaces. The Bluestem development team seeks to make improvements to the community through a multi-use space that will provide an answer to these needs, as well as provide community members safer and more convenient access to the beloved Lake Roland park.

A Commitment to Maintaining the Local Community

The development team at Bluestem understands the necessity of upholding the Lake Roland community, which is why redevelopment has been largely structured around maintaining and enhancing the community while also protecting Lake Roland. The team at Bluestem also values the importance of remaining local and catering to the needs of long-time residents of the Bare Hills Community, and that is why the development and design team is comprised solely of specialists who are based in, and familiar with, Maryland and its characteristics. These include professionals from Bozzuto, Vanguard Retail Property Development, Alexander Design Studio, Human & Rohde, Plusen Landscape Architects, SGS Law, The Traffic Group, MFI Realty, Morris & Ritchie Associates and more.

Bluestem’s multi-use village will not stand in isolation—instead, it will be an amenity that will work in harmony with the surrounding area, boosting the local economy as well as interweaving with the community and its already-existing amenities.