Baltimore's Premier Business Club Celebrates 50 Years

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—It has been a Baltimore staple for years, and now the Center Club turns 50.

Monique Griego has more on how it has managed to maintain its success.

It's known for its prestige and powerful clientele.

"It's very well established and very well-regarded," said Andreas Doulamatis.

Doulamatis has been with the Center Club for 17 years.  As maitre d, he makes sure the club lives up to its reputation as a premier place for the city's most influential players to meet.

"We're home to political leaders, community leaders, financial services leaders," Doulamatis said.

This year the club is marking its 50th year as a Baltimore staple.

Its newest location on the 15th and 16th floors of the Transamerica building in downtown has panoramic views.

When the Center Club first opened back in 1962 it broke away from the segregated clubs of the time.

"We need to have a business persons club that will admit everybody and be open to everybody and help transform the city of Baltimore," said Howard Miller.

President Howard Miller has seen the club change through the years--not only in décor but also who it caters to.

"They are entrepreneurs who run their own business," Miller said. "That's exactly what's happening in the city of Baltimore."

Miller says the club is seeing a spike in younger members, so he has no doubt these rooms will be a place where major decisions are made for many years.

"All of that helps the city of Baltimore, makes it a more vibrant place," Miller said.

The club says even in hard economic times they've managed to add new members.