From 1989-1994, Janet Marie Smith oversaw the design and construction process for Oriole Park at Camden Yards, a new downtown ballpark created at the intersection of old-fashioned charm and modern amenities. The completion of Camden Yards ushered in a new era of modern ballpark building where cities constructed venues as a means to revitalize urban centers. Later from 2009-2012 she returned to represent the club on the oversight of design and construction processes for renovations and upgrades from the original design.
Smith and her team worked with the Maryland Stadium Authority, architects, planners, and contractors to complete the work that focused on weaving the venue into the urban context and bringing baseball friendly design elements into the fabric of the space. The innovations included incorporating the hundred-year-old B&O warehouse into the ballpark, which became a renowned landmark for the player, fan, and broadcast experience. Smith and her team also included numerous graphic elements into every aspect of design, including the seating bowl and the centerfield scoreboard.
1989 to July 1994
Smith was the Orioles representative for the $100-million budget to design, plan, and construct Camden Yards from 1989 to July of 1994. She worked with the Maryland Stadium Authority architects, planners, and contractors to complete a one-of-a-kind downtown ballpark, weaving the venue into the urban context and bringing baseball friendly elements into the fabric of the design. The innovations included incorporating the hundred-year-old B&O warehouse into the ballpark, the creation of Eutaw Street, the establishment of numerous fan experiences, ranging from private suites to standing room on the flag court overlooking the bullpens, intentionally created to ensure the fans can see the playing field from anywhere in the ballpark. All of which became renowned landmarks for the player, fan, and broadcast experiences. Smith and her team also included numerous graphic elements into every aspect of design, including the seating bowl and the Centerfield scoreboard.
2009-2012
Smith returned to the Orioles to represent the club on the oversight of the design and construction process for renovations and upgrades to Camden Yards from 2009-2012. With Smith’s participation, the Orioles developed a RFP for a new concessionaire and directed the $30-million investment into new concessions, restaurants, and retail. Smith also represented the Orioles during the design and development of their spring training facility, Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O’Neil Complex in Sarasota, FL. This $40-million project was funded by the County of Sarasota and the Orioles. Smith was responsible for the team’s input on selection of the design team and contractors, while coordinating with the County and Team on direction and funding for the project.
Slider Block
Awards
Urban Design Award of Excellence from the American Institute of Architects (1992)
Best MLB Stadium 2024 USA Today