Why Max's Taphouse Owner Is Sounding the Alarm on Fells Point's Empty Storefronts
By Robert Thorne
What is Max's Taphouse and why does its owner's perspective carry weight?
Max's Taphouse has operated on South Broadway in Fells Point since 1986. With over 100 beers on draft and a global reputation in craft brewing, its founder, Ron Furman, is one of the district's longest-tenured commercial operators. His observations reflect decades of firsthand business experience across multiple economic cycles.
Why are storefronts sitting empty in Fells Point instead of filling with new tenants?
Vacancies persist due to a combination of high commercial rent expectations from property owners, substantial renovation costs required by historic building codes, elevated property taxes, and regional consumer hesitation driven by public safety perceptions along the Broadway corridor.
What measures have Baltimore officials taken to support the entertainment district?
The city deploys the Baltimore Police Department's Entertainment District Unit during peak evening and weekend hours, coordinates pedestrian traffic zones during major events, and maintains the Broadway Market stalls. However, merchants continue to press for aggressive commercial vacancy penalties, expedited retail permitting, and expanded daylight foot patrols.
Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.
