I think they should keep it. I think both the shops and the patrons would be safer with indoor shopping

No! Open it up! It literally needs fresh air Have fantastic shops and restaurants. Keep an emblematic feature of the historic building. Make it pedestrian and eco-friendly. The developers have the right idea.

Probably not. It always seemed like wasted space in there. I never felt like it was any safer in there vs. being outside.

A high-end market to replace Giant can't open soon enough. The Rotunda is way behind the times and with Hampden growing (Food Market, Luigi's, 16 Tons, etc.) and Roland Park close by there is no reason the Rotunda should be so run down. Shame on the local legislators and Hekemian & Co. I bought my house in Hampden in 2008 with the caveat that there would be a Hunt Valley-esque type of renovation at the Rotunda that featured a new movie theater, high-rise condos, outdoor shopping, the whole nine. There was even a website devoted to it. What happened?

I have tremendous respect for Mary Pat Clarke, but I think she and Mr. Brodie are way off-base on this one: I don't think they have the expertise or the standing to dictate to the developer the best way to redesign the center. (It was also off-base for them to bring it up during the meeting the way they did - per the City website "While attendance is open to the public and members of the press, their attendance is to observe. If a stakeholder group would like to advise the Panel of their concerns, it is encouraged to submit a written statement in advance of the meeting date for its timely distribution to Panel members.") I do think it was appropriate for the Urban Design and Architectural Review Panel to say that "they want to see a design that would increase the redeveloped Rotunda’s accessibility and connectivity to the Hampden neighborhood," but it's up to Hekemian to figure out how to do that in a way that they consider to be workable and economically feasible.

I think this type of attempted micromanagement is one reason the city is seen as less that business-friendly, and discourages the type of solid redevelopment that we sorely need.

I think the developer has the best idea of what would work for the space - and what they can lease. Opening it up and increase the foot traffic would alleviate any concerns about security.

The developer has done strip malls all up and down the east coast. If you want another strip mall (or hunt valley) move there. I think it is perfectly reasonable to ask our neighbor (who will be profiting from being next to us) not to wall us off (stores only face in, only one way in and out of the property, peds/bikes compete with cars for access). Part of that includes making it so we dont have to stand in snow or sun while waiting for cars/transport. Only designing for 25-55 yo able bodied car driving public is an insult and BAD URBAN DESIGN. It is completely right for the architectural design review committee to question this. Hekemian is lying to say this concern is new.

Security? I've never felt unsafe at the Rotunda, and I was just there on Sunday.

I think it's a no-brainer: suburban-style malls with inward-facing shops are going bankrupt and closing down all over the country. New "lifestyle centers," such as Hunt Valley Towne Center and the Avenue at White Marsh, are designed with outward-facing stores, just like a traditional Main Street (the Avenue), and are thriving.

So the choice is really simple: politicians who are out of touch with reality force the developers to keep the enclosed mall feel and support a failed business model, OR allow the experts to redevelop the property using a proven success formula and watch the Rotunda thrive.

It's nice to see so many comments from concerned neighbors. I've been patronizing the Rotunda for over 30 years and feel sad to see how run down it's become. I don't care one way or the other whether shops are inside or outside. We are missing an opportunity to revitalize a beloved landmark that will provide housing, entertainment and badly needed retail variety for our neighborhood. I agree with those who say let the developers move forward with their plans. They've been patient for many years when others would have simply thrown in the towel when the economy tanked.

We need another grocey store for sure. I had spoke to the seniors including my 84 year old mom. She is so afraid when she goes to Giant's because of crossing 40th. Street and Roland Ave.

The only stores I go to at the mall are the big ones where I can park outside their door - go in and get what I want. I never walk around the inside of a mall anymore. I like being able to see the store I want and get to it easily - I shop at Marshall's and Target at Mondawmin but I never go in for the other stores.