The City of Frederick has worked for decades to bring about a massive revitalization of the downtown area and a major component of that effort has been the Carroll Creek Linear Park project. Formally dedicated in 2006 at a cost of approximately $15 Million, the Carroll Creek Linear Park traverses the heart of downtown Frederick and caps a critical $60 Million flood control infrastructure project. While the massive storm-water conduits below the surface protect the City, the park above enriches it — playing a strategic economic and recreational role in Frederick’s community.
Nearly 15 years after its dedication, the Carroll Creek Linear Park continues to attract visitors, businesses, investment, and notoriety to the City. Below we take a look at some of the most recent news from the Creek.
Creekside Plaza
The mixed-use building at 50 Citizens Way is nearing full occupancy— welcoming a variety of new office tenants in 2020, including Almacy CPA’s, Octavo Designs, Platinum PR, Age in Place Maryland, Climb Real Estate, HM Law, Bass Patent Law, 270Net, George Mason Mortgage, Trish Davies Financial, Pin Drop Audio Visual, and Maurer Reality. For information on remaining available private prime and flex suites in the building, visit veritarealestate.com.
Additionally, exciting new plans are underway to welcome first-floor tenant “Frederick Social “ by the end of the first quarter in 2021. Frederick Social will offer private event space, including outdoor creek-front options, for downtown parties, banquets, and meetings. Frederick Social intends to feature local products and will team up with neighboring Hometown Harvest to offer catering services for the venue.
Water Lily Wave
This fall, the City celebrated the unveiling of Water Lily Wave — a new public art installation by artist Thomas Sterner. Placed along South Market Street, the larger-than-life stainless steel flowers greet visitors at the entrance of Carroll Creek Park and help define the path of the park. The structure is illuminated at night.
This public art and placemaking project was led by the Downtown Frederick Partnership with support from the Ausherman Family Foundation and Transportation Management Services. A sister art-piece is slated to be installed on the west side of Market Street in the near future.
46 S. Market Street
Purchased last year by the owners of Transportation Management Services, the long vacant 46 S. Market Street property is being revitalized. Basic building structural work will commence shortly. Future plans for the space currently intend to include a new creek-side restaurant & distillery and second-floor office space.
CREEK Installations Honored BY Maryland Economic Development Association
Dr. Peter Kremers is the creative mind behind the implementation of two annual Creek installations — Color on the Creek and Sailing Through the Winter Solstice. This year, his hard work was recognized by the Maryland Economic Development Association, as not just a beloved community tradition, but also an important economic development initiative for the community.
Kremers’ creative projects have been a critical component of the Frederick’s tourism industry over the last six years. While not solely attributable to Kremers’ projects, over the span between 2013-2018, the number of visitors to Frederick increased by 16.1% and tourism revenue has increased by approximately 16% topping $428 million in Frederick County since Color on the Creek began. (Source: Visit Frederick.)
Truth + Beauty - Bar and Kitchen
Now open for business at 110 Carroll Creek Way, Truth and Beauty Bar & Kitchen serves lunch and dinner. In addition to indoor seating and carryout, Truth and Beauty also has outdoor seating on Carroll Creek. The new downtown restaurant features a full bar.
I think the biggest draw to the Creek is the incredible scenic beauty, traffic and fantastic existing businesses. [We’re looking forward to providing] great food, a comfortable, inviting atmosphere, and a genuine sense of community. We are so excited to become a part of Frederick's awesome, thriving downtown.” Doug Vaira, Owner
Art on Main
Designed by artist Parran Collery and located outside the C. Burr Artz Public Library, this new sculpture is part of “Art on Main,” a joint public art project connecting the five Main Street communities of Frederick County through temporary works of art. Other participating communities including: Middletown, Brunswick, Thurmont, and New Market.
Each individual sculpture reflects the uniqueness of the town in which it resides. Many of the flower tiles used in this piece were designed by Frederick residents. Sculptures will remain on display through 2021.
Delaplaine Arts Center
The new event deck at The Delaplaine Arts Center was completed in January 2020. The donor-funded 1,000-square-foot deck adjoins the Delaplaine’s Gardiner Hall and overlooks Carroll Creek Park. The event deck is used for rental events, earning income used to support the arts center's mission programs, as well as arts’ activities. The space already has proved a tremendous addition to the Delaplaine’s ability to serve the community, adding an attractive outdoor option for all sorts of gatherings--from wedding ceremonies to business meetings--during the current health crisis.
Claire McCardell Statue (Coming Soon)
The Frederick Art Club is currently driving a new public art endeavor to honor fashion designer and Frederick native - Claire McCardell (1905-1958). Credited with inventing American sportswear, McCardell created innovative fashions that have defined decades of American fashion.
The Claire McCardell Project will feature the installation of a larger-than-life bronze sculpture paying homage to the designer. The sculpture will be located at the east end of Carroll Creek Linear Park, across from the Union Knitting Mills building. Learn more & donate support here.
Union Mills Public House (COMING SOON)
Set to take the end space of the Union Knitting Mills building, Union Mills Public House will be a full service restaurant featuring outdoor seating on Carroll Creek. It will also be home to McCutcheon's "Cutch" Hard Cidery. The new business will feature one of Downtown Frederick's largest indoor venue spaces for weddings and private events. Union Mills Public House is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2021.
Steinhardt Brewing & Attaboy Barrel House
This year, the east-end of the Creek welcomed two new additions to its booming craft beverage scene. Steinhardt Brewing Co. moved into the Union Knitting Mills building, adjacent to Idiom Brewing Company — making it the fourth creek-side brewery.
Across the creek, Attaboy Beer also opened a second building. The new space — named Attaboy Barrel House— is dedicated space for barrel aging and blending, and is open to the public on Saturdays.
There are more projects on the horizon too! For additional information about opportunities in the Carroll Creek area, contact the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development at 301-600-6360.