2021 Exchange with ULI Baltimore

October 28, 2021

Article by Patrick Terranova

The annual ULI Americas Young Leaders Exchange brings together a diverse group of under-35 professionals in a different city each year to network and learn about local real estate projects. ULI Baltimore has regularly participated in this staple event.

In 2017, Kristian Spannhake attended the Young Leaders Exchange in Atlanta, where he was equally inspired by the itinerary and the people he met. The connections the Exchange sparked in Atlanta have developed into meaningful relationships overtime – four years later, many attendees remain in regular contact with each other.

The following year, Patrick Terranova represented ULI Baltimore at the 2018 Exchange in Toronto. The program showcased why many leading urbanists move to this waterfront metropolis on the shores of Lake Ontario – from the city’s vibrant multi-cultural scene and walkable neighborhoods to its jaw-dropping architecture and innovative development and place-making strategies, Toronto offers inspiration by demonstrating how aspirational thinking in real estate can transform a place for the better.

Most recently in 2019, Katie Fink attended the Young Leaders Exchange hosted by ULI Minnesota. After the Exchange, she extended her trip to visit her younger brother, a new Minneapolitan, and found herself excitedly telling him all about the rich history and exciting development of the city in which he resides.

These collective positive experiences – building relationships with industry peers, showcasing best practices in urban revitalization, and discovering a new city’s treasures – solidified ULI Baltimore’s drive to not simply participate in the Young Leaders Exchange, but to host it in their beloved Charm City.

After originally being selected to host the Spring 2020 Exchange, ULI Baltimore had to postpone the event multiple times due to COVID-19. While the delays presented some challenges for re-booking venues and speakers, coordinating logistics, identifying sponsors, and promoting the event, the team took everything in stride. The resilience of the team was greatly supported by ULI Baltimore’s Executive Director, Lisa Norris, and ultimately the Exchange was well-supported by several generous sponsors. One benefit of the pandemic delay was that projects on the original agenda like Port Covington could showcase further advances in its construction progress, while newer developments like City House II and Lexington Market could be added to the final agenda.

The 2021 Americas Young Leaders Exchange in Baltimore highlighted a variety of Baltimore’s historic buildings and the innovative ways developers are harnessing those assets, showcased Baltimore’s majestic waterfront, addressed the significance of Baltimore’s public market system, and drilled down on real estate development projects of national importance. Development sites ranged from small- and mid-scale historic renovations to one of the largest urban revitalization projects in the country, along with the tools that are being deployed to drive these investments.

PROJECTS VISITED:

The By Gone, Baltimore’s most exclusive high-rise restaurant experience overlooking the harbor
City House, a completely renovated early 20th century Greystone mansion leased for office use
R. House, a launchpad for Baltimore’s up and coming chefs
Miller’s Court, below-market-rate apartment housing for teachers and reduced rent office space for non-profit groups
Whitehall Mill, a historic mill featuring a market, restaurant, apartments, offices, and private event spaces
Port Covington, one of the largest revitalization projects in the country
Sagamore Spirit Distillery Campus, a world-class waterfront distillery located on the Port Covington Peninsula
The Compass, transforming a vacant superblock into a mixed-use development
Broadway Market, located in the heart of Fells Point, is one of the first public markets in Baltimore, dating back to 1786
Cross Street Market, a historic marketplace built in the 19th century in Federal Hill that underwent an $8.4 million redevelopment in 2019

Last, but certainly not least, the Exchange demonstrated the vitality of the ULI Baltimore District Council, which boasts a large and active contingent of young leaders proudly advancing ULI’s mission.

“The Experience at the ULI Americas Young Leaders Exchange in Baltimore was absolutely amazing. It was important for me to attend this event because of my family legacy Stop Shop & Save Food Market was the largest minority-owned supermarket in the US. Being a native of Baltimore, this Exchange shows me that the city is moving in the right direction for small business development and rebuilding its community one block at a time.This experience provided an in-depth understanding of Baltimore city commitment to building the city from the core starting from constituents to local and small businesses. The ULI Exchange really showcased opportunities, multilayer funding and the city’s efforts to revitalize a more united and inclusive city for all.”

Brandon Baines
Managing Broker/CEO
It’s Already Sold
ULI Atlanta

The biggest accomplishment of this year’s Exchange was assembling a high-caliber group of ULI Young Leaders from across the United States. There were great group discussions, the best of which sprouted organically from gathering a diverse group of people who could appreciate each other’s contributions. It was a helpful reminder that while pandemic logistics and delays can present challenges to programming, the most important ingredient for a successful event is to offer an inviting forum that encourages the exchange of ideas.

“The Exchange in Baltimore was such a pleasant experience, in terms of an excellent program, a great city, and a wonderful cohort. Our program showcased many examples of ethical development which was very motivating. The small group setting of younger leaders facilitated great networking and I very much look forward to connecting with our peers at future ULI events.”

Amanda Staerker
Founder, Landscape Architect/ Urban Designer
Allée Landscape Architecture & Placemaking
ULI SE Florida-Caribbean

A NOTE FROM ULI Baltimore’s YLG Chair, Emily Turner

“We’ve been planning the Young Leaders Exchange for two years and while it was a long time coming, it was well worth the wait and absolutely exceeded our expectations. We loved the opportunity to share Baltimore with our attendees from around the Americas and we hope to welcome the broader ULI community to Charm City in the future!”