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New Attractions Could Transform Baltimore Skyline

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A proposed merger with Chicago-based company Exelon would take Constellation Energy away from Baltimore. Yet, even without a Fortune 500 company, Baltimore has charm. But where is the wow factor?

That's exactly what city leaders are hoping to add and it could come in the form of some interesting attractions.

Kai Jackson takes a look at some of the ideas.

Some feel Baltimore's Harbor needs a big time makeover. But it's not a pitch for a show, just reality.

The Inner Harbor, though popular, is only a part of all that's Baltimore. But clearly it's become the city's crown jewel.

"What makes the Harbor great? All the stores and the site. Everything about it is nice," said Erik Hoskins, of Southwest Baltimore.

Some feel that jewel has lost a bit of its luster over the years.

One person we spoke with said the Inner Harbor "looks the same, but that's not what we want. We want it to look different. We want it to look updated."

Some city leaders want the same thing. Now there are ideas to spruce up the Inner Harbor by building major attractions like a ferris wheel or an observation tower. There's already beach volleyball during the spring and summer.

"Let's say we add three or four new attractions to the Inner Harbor; that's great for us. That's great for tourism. You'll have new product in the city people haven't seen before," said Tom Noonan, Visit Baltimore.

How does the Harbor rank with D.C.?

"It's definitely not as nice as D.C., especially their new national Inner Harbor. It has a lot more things for people to do," said Whitney Code, of Pikesville.

Whatever attraction graces Baltimore's skyline in the future, those we spoke with say the time is clearly right for something new.

The Inner Harbor was the vision of the late William Donald Schaeffer and developer Jim Rouse. Yet even the Harbor's biggest fans say this nationally recognized landmark needs more.

"Anything that can bring tourists down to the Inner Harbor is a great idea," said Jake Spence, Sea Dog Boats.

Other attraction ideas include kayak tours, a trackless train and a zip line that would take you from Federal Hill over to the nearby visitor center.

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