The 13th Floor, the worn out lounge space at the tippy top of the Belvedere Hotel, could be getting a much-needed facelift later this year.
The Belvedere has new owners -- Mount Vernon Properties -- who bought the place last August, according to spokeswoman Averil Christens-Barry.
In the coming months, the new owners will be renovating the 12th floor ball rooms. The 13th Floor could be next, she said.
"We're working with some people, getting some ideas for what we can do up there," Christens-Barry said.
I have a few suggestions ...
As you may recall, I've spent some time complaining about how under-utilized the space is. It needs a new carpet, and those rope lights have got to go. New tables and chairs aren't a must, but would also be nice. And let's have a real stage there in place of the rickety old wood one.
Given the right attention, the 13th Floor could be -- should be -- Baltimore's go-to spot for upscale cocktails with a great view.
The 13th Floor needs a better drink list, top notch bartenders and managers and a new look. I hope the new owners are up to it.
(Baltimore Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron)