The former Maryland State Police barrack on the corner of U.S. 40 and Baughman's Lane will soon come down, replaced by a new shopping center and bank site known as the "Golden Mile Gateway."The city planning commission approved the project's site plan this week, representing what some hope will contribute to a revitalization of Frederick 's busy shopping corridor.
"We call it the 'Golden Mile Gateway.' That's something we've been hoping would happen," said planning commission member Gary Brooks at Monday's meeting.
The project will include a 16,861-square-foot shopping center and a 3,194-square-foot, free-standing bank structure.
"It is the kind of project the public's looking for to give a bright new face to the Golden Mile," said Henry Forster, vice president of Clarksburg-based Core Development Group Inc.
The development group bought the 2.7-acre site five years ago, after the state police moved its barrack to the Frederick County Law Enforcement Center.
Forster declined to name any potential tenants at the shopping center.
"At the moment we don't have any deals we're in a position to announce to the public," he said.
The intersection where the property is situated is one of the busiest in the city. The developer will need to work with the State Highway Administration to improve the crossroads.
The improvements would include a median in Baughman's Lane and additional turn lanes.
Mayor Jeff Holtzinger said the traffic situation would be difficult for any developer to address.
"That one site is not going to make every improvement that needs to happen," he said. "I think they made the best of a difficult situation."
He hopes the shopping center will increase commerce along the ailing stretch of U.S. 40.
"You just hope everybody along the corridor will do better," he said.
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