It’s time to fix the hole in Baltimore’s heart

Walking down Charles Street toward the Inner Harbor shortly after coming to Baltimore in 2007, I noticed signs on the fences surrounding the old Mechanic Theatre that read “The Mechanic’s Next Act.” The signs, visible to all passing by, showed images of plans for what looked like a vibrant retail and residential development. Now 15 years later, the Mechanic’s next act has bombed and is long past its closing date. A new act is needed. As our city witnesses several long-anticipated developments and renovations taking shape — at Penn Station, the Baltimore Arena and Lexington Market — the site at the intersection of Charles and Baltimore streets remains a civic embarrassment.