Following the sale of the Grand Central nightclub in 2019 by Baltimore businessman Don Davis, the new proprietors assured the community that they would introduce a vibrant mixed-use development to enhance the Mount Vernon neighborhood.
This initiative, named City House Charles, proposed the construction of an eight-story structure at the corner of 1001-1003 N. Charles Street. The building is designed to include seven floors dedicated to office space, alongside two retail spots focused on dining at its base.
With specific emphasis on the high-traffic retail location at the intersection of Charles and Eager streets, developer Landmark Partners put forth plans for a 2,500-square-foot, full-service restaurant. This establishment aims to create an engaging atmosphere, featuring an open kitchen, indoor seating for 50 guests, a 14-seat wine bar, a five-seat “chef’s counter,” and an area for 10 outdoor tables positioned along Eager Street, directly across from the Maryland Club.
In May 2023, it was revealed that Brendon Hudson, the chef behind the restaurant, would lead the culinary vision. Hudson previously garnered acclaim as the Best Chef by Baltimore magazine in 2020 and intended to debut an expanded version of his Italian bistro, Allora, which he once operated on the same block. To realize this vision, he enlisted the expertise of award-winning restaurant designer SM+P Architects.
A leader from Landmark Partners expressed optimism about the new Allora, stating that it would serve as a vital anchor for City House Charles, enhancing the site as a lively “office and restaurant hub” that brings a refreshing new energy to the area. Alongside Hudson’s restaurant, the second announced tenant for the building is Roggenart Bakery, Bistro & Cafe.
“We have diligently collaborated to create a space that is thoughtful, elegant, and engaging, designed to resonate with the neighborhood,” remarked Jon Pannoni, a principal at Landmark. He conveyed enthusiasm for activating this key corner, asserting that it would infuse City House Charles with vitality while reinforcing Mount Vernon’s reputation as a premier dining and exploration locale. “With Roggenart and Allora, our area will enjoy exceptional food and beverage choices around the clock.”
Hudson expressed his excitement about the expansion of Allora, stating, “We are thrilled to not only bring our initial vision of Allora to fruition but to do so in such a stunning and prominent location. Over the past two years, we have solidified Mount Vernon as a burgeoning dining hotspot in Baltimore, and with this expansion as the cornerstone of City House Charles, we are confident we will only enhance that goal.”
Despite the anticipation surrounding Hudson’s restaurant, three years after its announcement, City House Charles has been completed, Roggenart is operational, and the office spaces are occupied. Unfortunately, the corner location has remained vacant since the permanent closure of Grand Central in September 2020.
Plans for Allora faced challenges when Hudson encountered financial difficulties, ultimately leading to the closure of his other enterprises. Consequently, the anticipated “anchor dining establishment” for City House Charles never came to fruition.
A New Beginning
However, there is finally a new tenant slated for the corner of Charles and Eager streets, though it diverges from the original proposal for a full-service restaurant and wine bar.
Recently, signage was installed above the corner entrances announcing the upcoming launch of Bliss Nail Bar, part of a chain of upscale nail salons operating in Baltimore and Howard counties. Their slogan claims, “For a blissful experience!”
After several months of internal renovations, the establishment is nearing completion. On a recent Wednesday afternoon, the doors were open to welcome deliveries as preparations continue for the grand opening.
A representative of Bliss Nail Bar indicated that they aim to open their doors on June 6. Although the establishment bears the name Bliss Nail Bar, it has been confirmed that alcohol will not be available for purchase.
Bliss Nail Bar will join at least three other nail salons already operating in the Mount Vernon area. This will mark the second nail salon to open along the North Charles Street corridor this spring, following the arrival of Kaizen Beauty at 339 N. Charles Street, a project that received funding assistance from the BOOST (Black-Owned and Operated Storefront Tenancy) program led by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.
According to promotional material, Bliss Nail Bar’s operating hours will be Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The company describes Bliss Nail Bar as a serene environment where patrons can unwind and rejuvenate their minds, bodies, and souls. Customers will receive a complimentary beverage to enjoy during their pampering session.
Services offered will include manicures (starting at $30), pedicures (starting at $37), nail enhancements (starting at $20), waxing and tinting (starting at $12), and eyelash extensions (starting at $25). They also provide a special menu tailored for children aged 8 and under, with prices ranging from $10 to $40.
The manicures available encompass options such as the Pina Colada manicure ($36), Peppermint Mojito service ($41+), and Tequila Sunrise treatment ($46+).
For pedicures, offerings include the Pina Colada pedicure ($54+), a Mimosa treatment ($54+), Strawberry Bliss ($63+), Tropical Lime ($63+), and a botanical pedicure dubbed the Signature Green Tea Spa ($88+).
Reactions from the Community
The announcement of the new tenant has elicited a variety of responses on social media, particularly from those who fondly remember Grand Central and had hope for a full-service restaurant in the space.
While some residents express relief that the previously vacant storefront will soon be occupied, others point to the already saturated market of nail salons in the vicinity and reflect on the property’s legacy as a popular LGBTQ nightspot, situated across from another venue, The Hippo.
Former customers of both Grand Central and The Hippo suggest that a cigar bar, piano bar, or a full-fledged Latino restaurant might attract more visitors to the area compared to another nail salon. Others have noted the nearby Eddie’s of Mount Vernon grocery store, which has remained closed for almost three years.
“It’s sad they turned Grand Central into a nail salon,” remarked one social media user.
Another lamented, “What’s the point of a grocery store when there are four nail salons within walking distance?”
A different commenter wished, “If only it were owned and managed by drag queens… it would at least somewhat honor the legacy of the space.”
Concerns about missed opportunities were conveyed in a post that noted Spike Gjerde’s Bar Dali has quickly garnered popularity at its location at 909 N. Charles Street, operating all week long.
“The neo-Verns and elder-Verns hoped for a quieter neighborhood without nightlife, and they’ve achieved their goals,” artist Jaye M X Dubious shared on Facebook. “A nail salon won’t generate the crowd of Black patrons lingering outside at 2 a.m. The irony is that during the era when The Hippo and Grand Central thrived, the streets of Mount Vernon were alive with culture. Now, they largely stand vacant and unwelcoming.”
Rodney Burger, a national leather columnist residing in Baltimore, contended that the new nail salon aligns with the space’s historic use, quipping, “People got ‘nailed’ there before.”
Curt Decker, a longtime resident and community advocate in Mount Vernon, encapsulated the mixed feelings surrounding the new tenant, stating in an interview, “A nail salon is certainly better than an empty storefront. While it would be wonderful if it were a lively restaurant that encouraged gathering and engagement, having something there is preferable to having it sit vacant.”
