The developer of a 16-story luxury apartment tower in Little Italy received zoning approval from the Baltimore City Council last month to increase the size of the project, the “last hurdle” that allows the project to move forward, says WorkShop Development principal Doug Schmidt.

The change allows the city to rezone the property at 502 Albemarle St from industrial to commercial. Currently the site of Mo’s Crab and Pasta Factory, WorkShop will incorporate the retail property into its apartment complex.

Construction on the 284-unit apartment building and parking garage at the former Della Notte restaurant will begin Q1 next year, with delivery Q1 2019, Doug says. The property will include two retail spots, totaling 6k SF, one of which will likely be a restaurant with outdoor seating. The property will include plenty of landscaping and a pedestrian-friendly plaza.

Further east, WorkShop recently purchased the 215k SF Overflo Warehouse in Brewers Hill for $11.25M. WorkShop hasn’t yet determined whether it will use the property for a mixed-use, office or multifamily development, Doug says. WorkShop purchased the property from Overflo, which continues to lease the space.

You can hear Doug talk about these projects and others at Bisnow's Sixth Annual Baltimore State of the Market event on Wednesday, March 2, at The Warehouse at Camden Yards, starting at 7:30am. Speakers will also discuss Under Armour’s plans in South Baltimore, an apartment complex coming to the west side and more.