Mixed-use development — a project that combines both residential and commercial components — has become an increasingly popular model within the American real estate sector. A sharp swing from the suburb & strip mall trends of the 20th century, mixed-use planning instead blends all aspects of life: housing, employment, and recreation; into a single, pedestrian-friendly area.
Given Frederick’s long tradition of a strong community-feel and its already vibrant downtown core, it is hardly surprising this trend has been enthusiastically embraced locally.
From a Planning perspective, we are always looking for ways to promote sustainable and attractive communities that are accessible to all. For many residents, a mixed-use neighborhood with sales & services within walking/biking distance is the perfect reprieve from the outside hustle. Offering a variety of housing & commercial options, mixed-use developments are often more diverse communities where people of different lifestyles have real opportunities to interact. — Gabrielle Collard, Manager of Current Planning, City of Frederick
Below we take a look at four mixed-use projects taking place across the City of Frederick:
Village Center at Worman’s Mill
Rendering from livevillagecenter.com
Located on the vibrant Northern Corridor of Frederick, the newly constructed Worman Mill’s neighborhood features over 170 apartments and an 80-bed assisted living facility — arranged around a retail-focused center with ~27,000 SF of commercial space.
These retail spaces, ranging from 900 - 4,950 SF have already begun to be tenanted. New tenants include: Elements of Style Hair Studio & Day Spa, Edward Jones, Worman’s Mill Nails & Spas, a bakery, and cafe. 12,020 SF of ground floor retail — including a restaurant pad site - is immediately available.
Explore the project here.
The Bottling Plant
Rendering by BrickLane
Construction has begun at 1705 North Market Street. This adaptive reuse project will transform the historic Coca-Cola bottling plant into a 121,200 SF mixed-use complex consisting of 9,200 SF of retail and 86 apartments.
In a recent FNP article, Devon Lauer, vice president of development for Brick Lane, said that construction is slated to be completed in November or December of this year. Lauer stated the commercial tenants are undetermined at this point, but that the developers are hoping for a restaurant/retail tenant. The residential units will range from one to three bedroom rentals with communal amenities such as a pool, fire pits, an outdoor area, clubhouse and other elements typical of a modern apartment building.
The project sits at the north-end of Downtown Frederick, adjacent to Thomas Johnson High School and Rose Hill Manor.
Explore the project here.
Former Visitation Academy
Initial plans for another adaptive reuse project with mixed-use intentions were approved by the Historic Preservation Commission earlier this month. The project will take place at the Downtown site formerly home to the Visitation Academy.
As described in a recent FNP article: “Developers of the multimillion-dollar project plan to turn the main three-story building at 200 E. Second St., which includes the former school, chapel and monastery, into a 62-room boutique hotel with a bridal suite, restaurant and bar with a kitchen, meeting space in the auditorium, a small fitness center, shops and a salon. The developers plan to retrofit the majority of the rest of the property, which includes a courtyard and another detached building, for parking and two new buildings set to contain 20 to 25 condominiums.”
Next the project must seek site plan approval from the Planning Commission. Project owner Jim O’Hare is hopeful approval and construction will be completed in roughly two years.
Read more here.
Renn Quarter
Rendering by Matan Companies
Renn Quarter, a planned development on Frederick’s east side, will be home to 1000+ new residencies, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family units. The new community will also feature 31,920 square feet of retail space.
Accentuating the prioritization of walk-ability, this new project will excitingly be connected by pedestrian trails to Downtown Frederick. The developing company, Matan Companies, has committed to the extension of the public Carroll Creek Shared Use Path that currently ends at Patrick Street. When completed, the path will continue past the back of the Fairgrounds, along the Creek, and into a new 70-acre park that is also to be created at Renn Quarter to service Frederick’s East-side communities.
Explore more here.
To learn more about future commercial opportunities in the City of Frederick, contact the Department of Economic Development online or at 301-600-6360.
Cover photo from livevillagecenter.com