Alertus Technologies, a leader in emergency mass notification systems, will relocate and expand operations in Baltimore, Maryland. The project is expected to create 220 jobs.

Currently located in Beltsville, the company purchased the 40,000 square-foot building at 10 N. Charles Street in downtown Baltimore, which was originally constructed by Johns Hopkins University in 2001. The site will become the Alertus Center for Intelligent Buildings, featuring the industry’s leading systems for security, life safety, and more.

“We are proud to continue Alertus’ growth in Maryland and invest in transforming this landmark building into a concept building of the future,” said Jason Volk, CEO of Alertus Technologies. “The new Center for Intelligent Buildings will demonstrate the possibilities for integrating historically disparate systems into a critical incident ecosystem to protect people and assets during an active shooter incident, tornado, and other threats. 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. We look forward to sharing the future Center for Intelligent Buildings with the safety and security industry for years to come.”

To assist with the expansion, the Maryland Department of Commerce is working on approving a $450,000 conditional loan through Advantage Maryland, formerly the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF). The department also worked closely with the Baltimore City Parking Authority; the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore; and the Baltimore Development Corporation, which worked with Alertus to identify various incentives and potential financial assistance. The company is also eligible for various state and local tax credits.

“Alertus Technologies is the perfect example of a Maryland success story, with the journey beginning while Volk was a student at the University of Maryland,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “With help from various funding, including a Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) grant, the company developed its first prototype and has since developed into the business we know today. We are happy to see Alertus expand in the state, and proud to watch its products protect individuals in Maryland and across the globe.”

The building, which is most well known for its news ticker around the facade, was originally used as a high-tech educational facility for Hopkins’ business school. The new location will not only allow Alertus to expand its presence in Maryland, but also showcase its smart building technologies surrounding surveillance, intrusion detection, mass notifications, access control, and fire systems. More than 1,000 organizations around the world have implemented Alertus’ systems for emergency situations such as weather events, bomb threats, shooting incidents, and chemical spills.

“We are excited to see Alertus expand to Baltimore City, invest in downtown, and create job opportunities for its residents,” said Colin Tarbert, president & CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation. “Our staff will continue to assist their relocation efforts and provide business and technical assistance to help them thrive here in the city.”