Request
for proposals

North Avenue Market is aiming to attract artists, makers and independent operators ready to contribute to an environment built to propel the creative class of Baltimore.

With spaces available in a variety of sizes, conditions, and price points, the project aims to reduce barriers to entry while offering access to one of the city's most visible and well-connected locations. Beyond the physical space, tenants are expected to contribute to a culture of mutual support, shared audiences, and collective success. The goal is not simply to fill storefronts, but to cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem that strengthens the building, the surrounding neighborhood, and Baltimore's broader arts and entrepreneurial community.

KEY DATES + DEADLINES

  • RFP Live: June 8, 2026

  • Virtual Info Session:
    June 18, 2026 at 5PM
    CALENDAR LINK

  • Application deadline:
    July 17 at 5:00 PM EST

Applicants are encouraged to apply early - as reviews and leasing leasing conversations may begin before the deadline.

North Avenue Market is designed to support independent operators as they grow. We encourage applications from businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs with promising ideas, even if aspects of the concept, layout, or business plan has not yet been finalized.

RFP overview

North Avenue Market is launching an open Request for Proposals (RFP) for prospective tenants interested in becoming part of one of Baltimore’s most visible and transit-connected adaptive reuse and historic preservation projects. The RFP will be open from June 8 through July 17, 2026, and invites applications from artists, makers, food operators, retailers, cultural producers, and independent businesses looking to grow within a collaborative, community-driven environment.

Located at one of the city’s busiest intersections in the heart of the Station North Arts District, North Avenue Market is a mission-driven initiative designed to bring together creative businesses, arts-focused nonprofits, and experiences that feel distinct, intentional, and rooted in Baltimore. The project accelerates the momentum and positive energy shaping the district while creating more opportunities for people to gather, discover new ideas, support local businesses, and engage with creative work in meaningful ways. Strong foot traffic, immediate public transit access, and proximity to major cultural anchors position the North Avenue Market as both a neighborhood asset and a citywide and regional destination. It will create the critical mass of public-facing businesses, arts organizations/institutions, and exhibition/event spaces that’s needed to make the portion of North Avenue in the Station North Arts District a thriving commercial district in addition to a destination for theaters and arts venues. 

We’re looking for a clear sense of who you are, what you make, and how you’d show up in the Market. Help us understand how your idea concept will come to life. Collaborative proposals are welcome and encouraged.

This RFP is intended to identify a range of potential tenants for both current and future opportunities within the project. Some applicants may be considered for ground-floor spaces included in Phase 1 of the redevelopment, which aims to deliver space in Q4 2027 (an updated and more specific schedule will be available in August) , Others may be strong candidates for future phases (completing the 2nd floor and lower level) as additional spaces come online in (tentative schedule is late 2028 and early 2029 for the delivery of tenant spaces in later phases)). Rather than operating independently, tenants will contribute to a larger mix of uses that creates energy across the building and strengthens the district as a whole.

North Avenue Market is especially interested in concepts that bring something original to Baltimore, whether through product, experience, point of view, or community connection. We welcome applicants representing diversity in all its forms. The project is structured to create real entry points for small businesses, artists, and emerging operators to launch, scale, and remain part of the neighborhood over time or expand into the larger buildings located downtown. The goal is not simply to fill storefronts, but to build a place people actively choose to visit, spend time in, and return to regularly.

Building a Balanced Ecosystem

North Avenue Market is seeking a complementary mix of tenants that collectively create activity throughout the day and evening. Rather than filling spaces independently, we are intentionally assembling a community of operators whose businesses, creative practices, and programming support one another.

Tenant ideas + concepts may include:

  • services, producers

    • Barbershop

    • Manicurist

    • Hair Salon

    • Florist

    • Tattoo parlor

    • Spa / Skincare: either service-based and/or retail

    • Clothing Customization: tailor, dressmaker, clothing customization, shoemaker, embroidery / Chain stitching

    • Bike repair

    • Recording Studios, Print shop, photo studio, 3D Printing 

  • Food & beverage

    • Fast casual eatery 

    • Small Market with/ grab-and-go items and fresh food

    • Wine shop

    • Charcuterie items

    • Beverage:

      • Tea

      • Coffee / Roastery

  • concept-driven retail

    • Bookstore

    • Gift Shop 

    • Museum store

    • Artist studio and retail combination:

      • i.e. pottery studio, furniture maker, small manufacturing, Plant shop + Potting studio

    • Fabric store

    • Stationery or paper goods

    • Homewares

    • Antiques

    • Clothing

    • Footwear retailer

    • Accessories / jewelry

  • non-profit or mission driven operators

    • Nonprofit organizations using arts and culture as a platform to advance their mission

    • Companies or nonprofit organizations with a mission to provide resources to emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses in Baltimore City.

RFP application guidelines

  1. Introduction / Cover Note
    A short overview of your concept and why North Avenue Market makes sense for you. Tell us what you’re building, where you are in the process, and what draws you to Station North.

  2. Space + Concept Plan: How Would You Use the Space?
    Describe the experience you hope to create within North Avenue Market and how visitors, customers, or audiences would engage with your concept. What products, services, activities, programming, or experiences would take place in the space? Please also describe what your physical presence would look like, including your intended use of the space (retail, studio, food service, gallery, hybrid concept, etc.), the approximate size or type of space you are seeking (if known), any location preferences such as a storefront versus interior arcade location, and any key layout, equipment, infrastructure, or buildout needs required to support your operations.

  3. Experience and/or Portfolio: Help us understand who you are and what you do. Share any materials that showcase your experience, creative work, business concept, or past projects. This may include resumes, portfolios, websites, social media accounts, images, menus, press coverage, reviews, and video links (up to 15 minutes total).

  4. Financial Readiness: How do you plan to fund and launch your concept? Please share a brief overview of your anticipated funding sources, current level of financial readiness, and any resources already secured or being pursued.

  5. Operations + Capacity
    How will you sustain and grow your presence?

    - Current stage (idea, early, established, scaling)
    - Team (if applicable)
    - How often you expect to operate (hours, days, seasonality)
    - Anything else that shows you can make this work day-to-day.

  6. Collaboration + Community Fit
    We are seeking to build a mutually supportive community. Tell us how you’ll be part of it.

    - Do you have interest in collaborating with other tenants
    - Connection to Baltimore,Station North, or other Arts Districts (if applicable)
    - How your work engages people; customers, audiences, or the broader community

We may follow up for additional information, or interviews.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed as they are received. Prospective tenants are encouraged to apply early, as available spaces may be matched with qualified operators throughout the review period and opportunities may become limited over time.

The review process includes:

  • Concept Strength: Clear, distinct, and well-defined; offers something not already present nearby

  • Alignment with Vision and/or Mission: Connected to arts, culture, community, or craft; appropriate for Station North; contribution to Baltimore’s creative and entrepreneurial ecosystems; a specific mission (e.g., economic mobility, workforce training, job creation, etc.). 

  • Operational Readiness: Demonstrates a realistic understanding of buildout, costs, and day-to-day operations, intent on building a stable, long-term business.

  • Contribution to Tenant Mix: Adds variety, avoids duplication, and supports activity throughout the day and evening

  • Audience Appeal: Ability to attract and retain customers through product, experience, or community

  • Collaborative Approach: Willingness to participate in a shared, connected environment


Please note: There is no single “perfect” application. Final selections are based on overall concept strength, fit within the building, and contribution to a cohesive and dynamic tenant mix.

Questions: For questions or technical support, please contact Kimberly Canale, Project & Operations Manager at kim@northavenuemarket.com.