History
1845
Isaac Tyson establishes the Baltimore Chrome Works chromite processing plant on the waterfront to the west of Fell’s Point, producing chromium chemicals for American textile mills and pigment manufacturing plants.
1930-1940
The plant is expanded and modernized by the Mutual Chemical Company, which acquired the facility in 1908.
1949-1950
The plant is expanded a second time. Baltimore Chrome Works grows into the world’s largest facility for the manufacture of chromium chemicals.
1972
Allied Signal (acquired the facility in 1954) develops plans and makes improvements to the facility to comply with recently enacted clean air and water standards.
In the early 1980s, environmental investigations conducted at the facility establish that large quantities of chromium are migrating from the site, with most of the chromium being released to the Baltimore harbor.
1985-1986
The plant shuts down due to economic conditions and foreign competition. Study of the site continues, yielding reports on remediation and feasibility.
1989
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Maryland Department of the Environment, U.S. Department of Justice, and Allied Signal enter into a Consent Decree to investigate the impact of releases from the site and implement cleanup. This Consent Decree is unique at the time because, in addition to outlining a containment remedy and cleanup goals for the site, it also anticipates the future reuse of the site.
1990-1992
Several larger manufacturing buildings are dismantled. A rock embankment is constructed around the site’s perimeter to support old and failing bulkheads. Contaminated soil in the southeast portion of the site is removed.
1993
In 1993, the Baltimore City Council passes a Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance for the development of the site.
1994
Construction of a deep barrier wall (more than three feet wide and 70 feet deep) around the site begins. The bentonite “slurry wall” is completed in 1996.
1996
Work begins on a cap consisting of natural materials and an impermeable synthetic liner that covers 15 acres of the site. The cap is completed in 1999.
1998
Workers complete a building that houses the site’s water transfer station, computer nerve center, and new offices.
1999
Tanks, a laboratory, and a wastewater treatment plant on the site are dismantled, allowing for completion of the multimedia cap. Allied Signal acquires Honeywell and retains the Honeywell name.
2004
In May 2004, the Baltimore City Council approves a PUD for up to 1.8 million square feet.
January 2008
Construction of Thames Street Wharf begins.
May 2010
Thames Street Wharf opens.
2013
In September 2013, the Baltimore City Council approves a tax increment financing package to fund the construction of infrastructure and park space at Harbor Point.
April 2014
Construction begins on the Exelon Building with a connected Central Plaza.
April 2016
Construction begins on 1405 Point.
October 2016
The Exelon Building opens.
June 2017
Sandlot opens on the southwest end of the site. The 40,000 SF artificial beach is planned as a temporary installation until development can begin on Point Park.
June 2018
Construction begins on Wills Wharf.
July 2018
1405 Point opens and the north portion of Wills Park is completed.
June 2020
Wills Wharf opens. The southern portion of Wills Park is completed, fully connecting Wills Wharf, Thames Street Wharf, and 1405 Point.