The Exchange, multi-vendor retail space, planned for Baltimore Peninsula

A new multi-vendor retail and food market, called The Exchange, is set to open at the Rye Street Market building in the Baltimore Peninsula development in South Baltimore next year. The market is expected to feature small businesses that are local and women-and-minority-owned, in line with the overall vision for the development. Rye Street Market is part of the larger 235-acre mixed-use waterfront community previously known as Port Covington, a historic area undergoing significant revitalization.

The Rye Street Market building is one of five new structures in the development, which also includes two apartment buildings, a Roost hotel, and two office buildings. The development project is led by Baltimore Peninsula’s team, alongside investment from prominent figures such as Under Armour founder Kevin Plank and his Sagamore Ventures investment firm, as well as Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

The Exchange is envisioned as a marketplace catering to the residents of Baltimore Peninsula and visitors alike. It will offer a variety of spaces including food stalls, local retailers, a seating area, and even a yoga studio and multi-purpose room. Kevin Plank, Founder of Under Armour, expressed the developers’ commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship with the project.

Aisha “Pinky” Cole, founder of Slutty Vegan, is a partner in the Rye Street Market development and will play a role in curating vendors for The Exchange. The market will also offer flexible, shorter-term leases, lower costs, and technical support for local, minority, and women-owned businesses. Furthermore, businesses will receive assistance with marketing, branding, and business development.

Historically, Baltimore has been a hub of commerce and industry, and the revitalization of the Port Covington area represents a new chapter in the city’s ongoing development. The Exchange at Rye Street Market reflects the commitment to supporting local businesses and creating a vibrant, diverse community. As the project progresses, small business owners are encouraged to reach out and share their ideas for potential partnerships in order to contribute to the unique and unparalleled experience in South Baltimore.