Alertus Technologies plans to bring 220 jobs to Baltimore when the company completes its relocation to Downtown Baltimore’s “ticker” building this year.
The Beltsville-based technology company acquired the four-story glass and steel building at 10 N. Charles Street in May of last year.
The building, known for the digital headline ribbon that wraps around the facade, was home to the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School until it moved to Harbor East in 2010.
Alertus, which specializes in emergency mass notification systems, plans to transform the building into a technology hub known as the Center for Intelligent Buildings.
Organizations around the world utilize Alertus’ technology to implement notification systems for emergencies like extreme weather or an active shooter.
The Center will implement “smart building” technologies, featuring surveillance, intrusion detection, fire systems, mass notifications, and access control.
“The innovative facility will serve as both a proving ground and model for professionals seeking to enhance security and IoT (“Internet of Things”) applications for campuses, corporate, and industrial spaces by creating the next generation of smart and intelligent buildings,” said Jason Volk, the company’s CEO, in a news release.
The relocation and addition of jobs will be a boost to Downtown Baltimore’s economy, which suffered losses during the pandemic.
In 2020, Downtown Baltimore lost 6,815 jobs and had a 23.3 percent office vacancy – a 5.5 percent increase from 2019, according to the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.
To assist the company with its expansion, Maryland is working to secure a $450,000 conditional loan through Advantage Maryland, a program that funds grants, loans, and investments to support economic development.
“Over the past year we have learned to expect the unexpected—and Alertus Technologies’ innovative notification system is critical in keeping individuals safe and aware during unexpected events,” said Governor Larry Hogan in a news release.
“We are proud to support the company’s expansion in Maryland as it continues to grow its services and customer base,” he said.
They have turned what used to be an Informative News Ticker into a 24-hour commercial advertisement glaring out to surrounding businesses and residential apartments. If this is their idea of being involved in the community then that’s a joke. People who live in the areas that will house the new backlit electronic billboards should take notice.