Frequently Asked Questions

• The property is only about 12 acres – very limited for commercial development which must also include parking, stormwater management, green space and landscaping. The developer has designed a commercial development that incorporates some of the Charette recommendations from 2013 including a connection to Armory Road, Dares Beach Road, the multi-use pavilion at the former Armory building site and a planned wide variety of housing within a five-minute walk, a range of retail options with extensive landscaping and ample outdoor amenity areas.
• Current tenants can be seen by visiting the What’s Going Where Map.

• The developer is Armory Square LLC. The development team has a proven, successful record in Calvert County. They are local, and they are experienced in creating economically viable, attractive commercial properties throughout Maryland.

• The establishment is slated to include a grocery store and a variety of retail, services and restaurant establishments. However, the developer will determine the highest and best use for the property based on market trends and what is allowed onsite by current zoning of the property.
• The county will not speculate about what will ultimately go on the property. For the latest list of tenants, please visit the What’s Going Where Map.

• Conservatively, a total of 110,000 square feet of retail development is estimated.

• Conservatively, a total of 110,000 square feet is estimated.
• Approximately 300 new jobs.
• Estimated $300,000 annually in taxes.

• $40 million investment.

• Construction is now underway onsite. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2025, dependent on the submission, review, and approval of relevant permits. 

• Generation Properties is a commercial property management and development company formed by Eric Bailey, principal and sole proprietor, and Charles “Rick” Bailey, Jr., advisor, who previously ran the commercial division of Marrick Properties. Generation Properties continues to manage the commercial properties previously developed during their time at Marrick Properties in addition to providing third-party property management and construction services to other developers. They continue to develop and construct new commercial properties in Southern Maryland.
• MCB Real Estate is a community-centric, privately held institutional investment management firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. MCB boasts a nationwide portfolio of $3 Billion Assets Under Management totaling approximately 15 million square-feet. of industrial, office, retail, mixed-use, multi-family and life sciences properties with almost four million square-feet in its development pipeline. The firm was founded by David Bramble and Peter Pinkard. Principals include Drew Gorman, Mike Trail and Gina Edwards Chambers. In prior roles, Drew Gorman has worked with the Rick and Eric Bailey of Generation Properties and Marvin Ousler of Marrick Properties, in the development of Market Square in Prince Frederick, the Walgreen’s and Shore Bank in Lusby, and The Shoppes at Apple Greene in Dunkirk. .

• Julie Oberg, Director, Calvert County Department of Economic Development.

• The Board of County Commissioners may not legally develop commercial land.

• The prior 2010 Comprehensive Plan and current Comprehensive Plan call for economic development in all town centers. The property will be sold to encourage economic development in the Prince Frederick Town Center.

• As referenced by the Calvert County Code of Public Laws § 6-104 - Contracts for sale of real property [1985, ch. 715, § 2], notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, the county may grant and convey any county interest in real property other than by formal bidding procedures if the Commissioners determine that it is in the best interest of the county to do so, provided that:

1. The consideration for the transfer is not less than the highest of two independent appraisals; and
2. The Commissioners set out on the record the reasons for their determination; and 
3. Before conveying any property interest under this section, the Commissioners shall publish a notice describing the property and the sale for at least two consecutive weeks in at least two county newspapers.

The Commissioners approved the purchase and sale agreement as presented based on the following: (1) the project will add approximately 125,000 square feet of new commercial space, (2) create 450 new jobs, and (3) increase commercial tax revenue.

• The price was determined by taking the highest of two independent appraisals as called for by public law.

• The building was in a state of disrepair and demolished in 2012.

• None. The proposed multi-use development does not require any text amendments or new zoning regulations.

• This project will complement other commercial projects in Prince Frederick by offering new to market tenants and enhancing more efficient pedestrian and vehicular connections to adjacent commercial developments,, creating foot traffic for other businesses in the Prince Frederick Town Center, and offering another location in the county to procure services instead of going outside the county to obtain similar services.

• An update to the Prince Frederick Town Center Zoning Ordinance does not stop development in the Prince Frederick Town Center. Businesses can still obtain site plan approvals under current zoning regulations if they desire. Based on the anticipated size of the project, it can be developed under current regulations.

• The developer was required to conduct an independent traffic analysis for the project and make any required changes identified by that study.

• The Louis L. Goldstein National Guard Armory building in Prince Frederick was demolished to make way for an open-air, multi-use pavilion. This pavilion is designed to facilitate a variety of activities, including a farmer’s market, community events, arts, and entertainment. The plans for the space include amenities such as a commercial kitchen, restrooms, and a surrounding grassy area. Once finished, the new multi-use pavilion is poised to become a central gathering space in the heart of the Prince Frederick Town Center and will be a complementary use that is easily accessible from the Armory Square development. It will also preserve the agricultural character of Calvert County, featuring a memorial to honor the armory's history.

• Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, the county may grant and convey any county interest in real property other than by formal bidding procedures if the Commissioners determine that it is in the best interest of the county to do so, provided that:

1. The consideration for the transfer is not less than the highest of two independent appraisals; and
2. The Commissioners set out on the record the reasons for their determination; and 
3. Before conveying any property interest under this section, the Commissioners shall publish a notice describing the property and the sale for at least two consecutive weeks in at least two county newspapers.

• The board approved the purchase and sale agreement as presented based on the following: (1) the project will add approximately 110,000 square feet of new commercial space, (2) create 275 new jobs, and (3) increase commercial tax revenue.