Seventeen blocks of Pratt Street in Baltimore would

Seventeen blocks of Pratt Street in Baltimore would be upgraded into a grand “Avenue of the Inner Harbor” if a design concept produced by Ayers/Saint/Gross in association with the Olin Partnership is carried out. The two firms received a Downtown Partnership Award and an AIA Maryland Honor Award for their proposal, which won a design concept competition last year. Pratt Street, a wide, one-way thoroughfare carrying traffic through the waterfront edge of downtown, would be converted into a two-way avenue with trees down much of its median and with fountains, restaurants, parks, boardwalks, and engaging new architecture along its length. Baltimore-based Ayers/Saint/Gross says the design emphasizes themes of water and sustainability and calls for the creation of “civic and celebratory places for pedestrians.” The city, state, and adjacent land owners would share the $60 million to $250 million cost of the project, which includes high-tech information kiosks and specialized lighting announcing the gateway to Baltimore’s core and punctuating special events. Interactive sculptures would appeal to pedestrians. Sustainable elements such as linear rain gardens, green roofs, and native plants are part of the program, which would be implemented in phases over six to 10 years.