“This is an opportunity to prove that a single building can unite an often-divided city, provide launchpads for under-represented entrepreneurs, and be a catalyst for further inclusive economic development in the area,” Thibault Manekin said in a statement announcing that his development firm had secured financing for an overhaul of Lexington Market.

Lexington Market was Baltimore’s Harborplace – before there was a Harborplace.

People from around the city would come there to shop for groceries, including fresh meat and fish, and eat lunch.

I do the latter.

But the Market has fallen on hard times.

I wrote Thibault, “I hope we can say the same thing about the redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course by the end of the legislative session.”

Speaking of Pimlico, I ran into a friend today who asked if there would be sports betting at the new facility.

“Most likely,” I replied.

His first trip there with his sports buddies would be followed by dinner and wagering.

We hope.