South Baltimore’s Baltimore Yacht Basin is getting a major makeover—and will someday be home to a fleet of rental houseboats.
Baltimore Peninsula, the ever-growing development at Port Covington, announced the marina was sold to BYB Prop Real Estate Partners. That company’s principal, Marcellous Butler, is the co-founder of Flohom, a company manufacturing floating homes at a facility right at Baltimore Peninsula.
According to developers, the marina, which is next door to the popular crab deck Nick’s Fish House, will undergo a “complete transformation” and will have about 150 slips. It will ultimately house a number of Flohom vessels for short- or long-term residential and commercial use.
The Flohom vessels are modern floating suites that can be privately owned or rented. They have a clean, modern aesthetic and, of course, the advantage of 360-degree water views. Right now there is a handful of Flohoms available for booking at the Baltimore Harbor, National Harbor in Washington, D.C. and at Ferry Point Marina on the Magothy River.
Flohom founder Brian Meyer says of the planned marina partnership, “The space and location offer endless possibilities and we’re thrilled to be expanding Flohom’s partnership with Baltimore Peninsula through the arrival of new vessels that can be enjoyed by all.”
Developers say the Baltimore Yacht Basin (BYB) is expected to be a “best in class”, resort-like marina experience and to drive public water access.
Inspired by marinas in Copenhagen and other European ports, Meyer tells Chesapeake Bay Magazine that the Yacht Basin will be more accessible than a traditional marina, welcoming non-boat owners with a waterfront event space and offering potential for on-water businesses like a floating coffee bar or yoga studio.
“Waterfront access is a cornerstone of Baltimore Peninsula, and the new BYB Marina will bring the neighborhood experience to the next level,” says MaryAnne Gilmartin, Founder and CEO of MAG Partners.
Along with the houseboat rentals, they intend to do that by partnering with local and national boating clubs. Freedom Boat Club now has a Baltimore Peninsula location (where CBM had the chance to take one of its boats out for a Dock & Dine this summer!). The Canton Kayak Club, Baltimore Dragon Boat Club and Eastern Watersports all have locations in the neighborhood, along with Peninsula Sailors, a sailing club focused on overnight sailing and cruising.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help to activate the waterfront in a way that lowers the barriers of entry for the Baltimore boating community,” says Freedom Boat Club Owner Bev Rosella.
The Baltimore Yacht Basin had been previously owned by Sagamore Ventures, a private real estate development company owned by Under Armour founder Kevin Plank. Sagamore is part of the Baltimore Peninsula investment team.
