Towson, MD (October 23, 2008)—Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith and Councilman Kevin Kamenetz today celebrated the opening of the Mari Luna Latin Grille in downtown Pikesville, the first development project to benefit from the Baltimore County Pikesville Redevelopment Fund. Owned and operated by Chef Jamie Luna and his family, the restaurant is the second the family has opened in Pikesville. Created in 2007, the Pikesville Redevelopment Fund program targets incentives towards the revitalization of vacant or underutilized industrial or commercial properties in the Pikesville Commercial Revitalization District. "Downtown Pikesville has experienced over $60 million in new private investment in the past seven years, but the costs of redeveloping older buildings can be a barrier. Baltimore County is committed to keeping our traditional commercial areas vibrant places to work, shop, and dine," stated Baltimore County Councilman Kevin Kamenetz. Qualifying redevelopment projects in Pikesville can receive financial assistance up to $1 million in the form of loans and grants. Developer JSJ Properties LLC, the first recipient of this program, received $300,000 in financial assistance toward the purchase and redevelopment of vacant properties located at 1006-1010 Reisterstown Road. The total cost, estimated to be approximately $2 million, including building upgrades to Mari Luna Latin Grille, as well as two spaces available for retail leasing. In addition, Chef Jamie Luna invested over $500,000 toward the construction and opening of his new location, and qualified for a $60,000 loan from Baltimore County's Building Investment Program. Mari Luna Latin Grille at 1010 Reisterstown Road offers patrons cuisine from South America, Latin America and the Caribbean, and has seating for approximately 175 people. This is Chef Jamie Luna's second restaurant location in downtown Pikesville. His first eatery, Mari Luda Mexican Grille at 102 Reisterstown Road has been rated a top Baltimore restaurant in the 2008 and 2009 ZAGAT Guides. For more information about the Pikesville Redevelopment Fund and other business loan programs, contact Baltimore County Department of Economic Development at (410) 887-8000 or visit the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development website. Read more Business Headlines Read more about Baltimore County Business Communities Back to top Baltimore County
Department of Economic Development
400 Washington Avenue Towson Maryland 21204
Phone 410-887-8000 For additional information contact businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov Revised June 29, 2009 | 
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