Resources & Documents

Download the Baltimore Waterfront Promenade Report

Baltimore Waterfront Promenade Report

Study Purpose and Scope

Human fascination with water runs deep, shaping our preferences and behaviors throughout history. Water’s ability to engage multiple senses creates a refreshing and captivating environment, making it a key feature of the most sought-after destinations and communities. At its launch in 1973, the Baltimore Waterfront Promenade (Promenade) became a trailblazer among urban waterfront walkways in the United States, inspiring similar projects in cities worldwide. However, despite its initial promise, the Promenade’s envisioned 7-mile stretch from Canton Waterfront Park to the Baltimore Museum of Industry now faces significant challenges, including uneven maintenance, fragmented management, physical gaps, and the absence of cohesive branding, marketing, and activation.

Research for this study demonstrates that Baltimore is far behind peer cities in branding, developing, and promoting its waterfront walkway as a key amenity for residents and tourists alike. Attitudes and actions of major public and private stakeholders must change significantly to realize the potential of this unique asset, which for decades has remained “hidden in plain sight.”

Led by waterfront institutions, government, businesses and property owners, the Greater Baltimore community could unite around a new, exciting, shared vision to improve and promote the Promenade as one of Baltimore’s defining city assets. Connecting 75 acres of green space, 13 public parks, 14 museums and monuments, more than a dozen local attractions, six historic neighborhoods and countless shops and restaurants, the Promenade can unlock its immense potential as the preeminent urban walkway in the United States, one that unites Baltimore’s diverse communities and welcomesmillions of residents and visitors each year.

Study Thesis

Our study thesis is that with more consistent attention to user experience,

marketing, branding, wayfinding, and authentic local programming, the Promenade will:

Draw a more diverse population and promote equitable access to the waterfront for Baltimore City residents.
Strengthen the local economy by increasing the number of residents and visitors to the full 7 miles of the Promenade.
Expand opportunities for local vendors and makers along the Promenade.
Expand appreciation of the waterfront and interest in environmental stewardship.

The study thesis was explored and tested in interviews and focus groups with more than 60 Baltimore stakeholders. In addition, interviews and site visits were conducted with five model projects in other cities.

Reports & Technical Documents

Baltimore Waterfront Promenade | From Visionary Legacy to Vibrant Future

Published – 2025
Prepared by Cap Ex Advisory Group
This report offers a bold vision and actionable roadmap to unlock the full potential of the Baltimore Waterfront Promenade.

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Inner Harbor Promenade - State of Good Repair Report

Published – 2022
Prepared by RK&K Civil Engineering, LLP
A Condition Assessment of the Inner Harbor Promenade from the Rusty Scupper Restaurant to Pier 6.

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MEMO: Baltimore Inner Harbor Promenade Sea-Level Rise & Coastal Flooding Considerations

Published – 2023
Prepared by SCAPE Landscape Architecture DPC
This report provides context for planning-level decisions based on existing sea level rise projections and flooding data within the Inner Harbor study area.

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Waterfront Promenade Report

Published – 2023
Prepared by Waterfront Partnership for the Baltimore City Department of Planning
This document, prepared at the request of the Baltimore City Planning Department, attempts to outline the current and future challenges of managing and maintaining the promenade.

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Chronology - Inner Harbor & Charles Center Projects & Metrocenter

Publish – 1992
Prepared by Waterfront Partnership & City of Baltimore Development Corporation

This document is a chronology regarding the development of theInner Harbor, Charles Center, and the Central Business District.

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Inner Harbor 2.0 - Summary

Published – 2013
Prepared by the Watefront Partnership, Greater Baltimore Committee, Baltimore City, & Ayers Saint Gross Architects + Planners
To provide a new dynamic vision for the Inner Harbor, this master plan looks to build upon the successes of the original 1970’s plan, while providing bold new ideas. The overall intent is to provide a visionary and realistic plan which can be implemented as funds are available.

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Inner Harbor 2.0 - Master Plan

Published – 2013
Prepared by the Watefront Partnership, Greater Baltimore Committee, Baltimore City, & Ayers Saint Gross Architects + Planners
To provide a new dynamic vision for the Inner Harbor, this master plan looks to build upon the successes of the original 1970’s plan, while providing bold new ideas. The overall intent is to provide a visionary and realistic plan which can be implemented as funds are available.

Download File Here