BALTIMORE (Map, News) - After 16 years, the nights of wet-T-shirt contests, foam parties and 25-cent beers are coming to an end.

Baja Beach Club, a staple of downtown Baltimore nightlife, will close its doors March 1, its owner told The Examiner on Tuesday.

Club owner Sal Di Giorgio said the club’s landlord, Keystone Realty, informed him in mid-January that the popular nightspot’s lease would not be renewed.

“There’s no acrimony or animosity; we understand the business decision and respect the l6 years we had,” he said.

Keystone Realty President Douglas Hoffberger was not available for comment Tuesday.

Di Giorgio said he believed Baja’s space could become part of a retail store chain.

“I think [Keystone Realty] is going for that national retail thing,” he said. “The thing that hurt me the most was when the Fuddrucker’s space [in the Candler Building across from Baja] went to a Sprint store that pays twice as much rent as I am. So I think my landlord thinks they can get twice what I’m paying.”

At least one neighboring establishment reacted with enthusiasm to news of the club’s demise. Paul Mann, general manager of Howl At The Moon in nearby Power Plant Live!, said Baja won’t be missed.

“The crowd they attract … there’s fights, there’s drunk kids,” Mann said. “It’s going to be a blessing. They attract a negative crowd. I guess they did what they had to do, but for us it’s a positive.”

Bar patrons will still have plenty of options despite Baja’s end, said Mike Evitts, spokesman for the Downtown Partnership.

“There is no shortage of nightlife in that part of downtown,” said Evitts. “That said, the pull for retail in Baltimore is even stronger, so any retail that’s brought downtown is going to be a welcome addition.”

Di Giorgio said the bar might reopen but he hasn’t found a spot yet.

For the bar’s last night, March 1, Di Giorgio said he’s planning “cheesy stuff,” including possibly one last wet-T-shirt or bikini contest.

“We’ve always been known for the cheese factor,” he said, “so I’m going out in a blaze of cheese, if you will.”

acahall@baltimoreexaminer.com

acannarsa@baltimoreexaminer.com