The Golden Mile Alliance (GMA) was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in February 2012. The vision of GMA is to support the Route 40 area as a vibrant, diverse and accessible destination for shopping, dining, recreation and commerce in The City of Frederick.
Earlier this spring, the growing organization announced the exciting appointment of Christopher McDonald as its first full-time Executive Director.
Christopher McDonald brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Golden Mile Alliance. He previously held a twenty-plus year career in the hospitality industry, including as the Managing Partner at a highly successful restaurant in Grand Rapids, MI. He has also held business advocacy and municipally appointed positions in several areas of the country, including Local First of West Michigan, Local First of Arizona, President of the Eastown Business Association and Marketing Committee Chair for the Uptown Business Improvement District.
"The Board of Directors is thrilled that Christopher has decided to join the Golden Mile Alliance as its first Executive Director. His passion as an advocate for businesses and surrounding communities along with his vision and ability to strategically plan to meet objectives made him the perfect match to lead and grow this organization."
GMA Board President, Shantay Demar
In his role as Executive Director, Chris will collaborate with the Board of Directors and community members to support and grow the vibrant community of Frederick’s west side.
The appointment of the new Executive Director position comes at an exciting time for the Golden Mile area as a number of major public and private projects gain momentum along Route 40, including:
Multi-Modal Transportation Project Awarded Federal GRANT
A transportation project along Frederick's Golden Mile has received a $485,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to promote safer pedestrian and bicycle transportation in the city.
The project would build a bus-only lane and a 10-foot shared-use path along the northern edge of the westbound lanes of West Patrick Street, stretching about 1.25 miles from just west of Baughman’s Lane to Waverley Drive.
WestSide Regional Park
Westside Regional Park is a 135-acre City-owned property on Frederick’s west side.
The Ausherman Family Foundation recently engaged the Sports Facilities Companies, an industry leading sports, recreation, and wellness strategic planning, development, and management firm to complete an Action Plan relating to the development of Westside Regional Park.
A presentation of the preliminary findings by the Sports Facilities Companies was presented to the Mayor & Board of Alderman in May.
new VFW Facility
This past fall, the Route 40-based John R Webb VFW Post 3285 celebrated the groundbreaking for the construction of a new facility. The new building is planned for 5951 Old National Pike (adjacent to the current VFW building). The facility will feature 6,000 square feet on the first floor and a 3,000-square-foot lower level and will host offices, a kitchen, a back deck, open space and a memorial garden.
WestSide Library Project
Frederick County embarked on a feasibility study and concept plan for a future 15,000 SF library to serve the west and north side of Frederick City. The identified site is 4.15 acres which is currently a City-owned park along McCain Drive.
On May 15, 2024, the project team presented a feasibility study and initial conceptual design options for the layout of the site to the Mayor and Board of Alderman. To view Dewberry’s Feasibility Study: click here.
Continued Retenanting of District 40
Following the closure of the Frederick Towne Mall, the 580,000 SF building at 1301 W Patrick sat vacant for much of the last decade. In 2020, the property’s new ownership rebranded the property as the entertainment destination ‘District 40’ and negotiated a lease with it first anchor tenant — Warehouse Cinemas.
Now Spinners Pinball, formerly located on East Street, is overseeing the build-out of a 23,000 SF+ space adjacent to Warehouse Cinemas. The expanded facility is designed as a haven for individuals of all abilities, and will feature a sensory retreat room, youth learning center, kid's lounge, multipurpose party areas, and tournament arena.
Redevelopment of Westridge Shopping Center
In December of last year, the City’s alderman approved the rezoning and master plan for the redevelopment of Westridge Shopping Center as a mixed-use center.
The proposed plan would remove a little over 100,000SF of existing retail space from the Eastern side of the Westridge Shopping Center and replace it with up to roughly 200 multifamily units and 40 townhouse units.
To learn more about the Golden Mile Alliance, visit: www.GoldenMileAlliance.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.