Merchants, Business Owners Excited About New Shopping Center

July 21, 2015 / / News

By Kevin McManus, WFMD Radio
Monday, June 20, 2015

Merchants and business people along the Golden Mile are excited about what will be taking place at the site of the now-closed Frederick Towne Mall.  The developers of the site are not only planning to build a 155,000 square-foot Wal Mart, but also 40,000 square feet of retail space around the department store.

Justin Kiska, the President of the Golden Mile Alliance, says that 40,000 square feet includes 16 spaces for retail outlets and offices.  There will also be  two PAD sites for restaurants. “It is going to bring a new fresh look to the Golden Mile, and especially to a property that has pretty much fallen apart over the  past several years,” he says.

The project, which consist of four buildings, will be known as the Frederick Towne Center.  The former Frederick Towne Mall will be demolished  with the exception of Boscov’s and Home Depot.

Kiska says one exciting facet of this project is  the two, 6,000 square foot PAD sites that could be used for restaurants. “I know that companies like Chipotle and Panera, they tend to look at areas right around major hubs like this.  But the good thing we could also see brand new restaurants or brand new shops like there are along Shab Row in downtown Frederick,” he says.

He says Gary Brooks, the owner of Barley and Hops on Urbana Pike, is considering opening a second restaurant in Frederick and it could be located at Frederick Towne Center.

While many believe the Golden Mile has  lost some of  its luster, Kiska says it’s still very vibrant. He says it’s estimated that 50,000 travel down West Patrick Street each day, and this shopping center could give that area an economic shot in the arm.  “The merchants, the business owners, they all realize that this is going to increase the traffic along Route 40.  As in traffic I mean people coming to shop, to dine, looking for services,” says Kiska.

“This is actually going to be that visual symbol that the Golden Mile is alive,  is vibrant, is revitalizing,” he says.