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Downtown Frederick Partnership Celebrates Growth and Future Initiatives

On April 28, 2025, the Downtown Frederick Partnership gathered community leaders and business owners for its 2025 State of Downtown breakfast at The Visitation Hotel. This annual event serves as a platform for local stakeholders to discuss the economic landscape and projects affecting the future of Downtown Frederick.

This year's gathering held particular significance as it marked the 35th anniversary of the Downtown Frederick Partnership, a milestone that underscores three decades of dedicated community effort and progress. Executive Director Kara Norman reflected on the partnership's journey, acknowledging the vibrant culture and thriving businesses resulting from years of collective collaboration.

Norman's heartfelt message resonated with the attendees, noting, "The vibrant streets and sense of place we cherish have taken years of hard work to build. Our vision is to create a downtown that is inclusive, resilient, and accessible to everyone."

During her presentation, Norman highlighted key milestones in the Partnership's history, including its inception as the Greater Frederick Development Corporation and its subsequent official designation as a Main Street program in 2001. The Partnership has launched a variety of signature initiatives that have contributed to the downtown area's appeal.

Some notable programs include:

• - First Saturdays: Monthly events that energize the downtown area, drawing residents and visitors alike.
• - Alive @ Five: A series of evening events featuring local music and food.
• - The Downtown Frederick Gift Card Program: A unique way to promote local businesses and encourage shopping within the community.
• - Placemaking Projects: Initiatives aimed at enhancing public spaces, making the downtown experience more enjoyable.
• - The Ambassador Program: A community-centered initiative fostering connections between local business owners and visitors.

The Partnership also took this opportunity to present findings from the 2024 Business Performance Survey, which indicated that while 54% of businesses reported an increase in income, only 24% were optimistic about the upcoming year—an evident decline from the previous year. Primary concerns noted by respondents included weekday foot traffic and escalating operational costs, with a striking 60% of businesses emphasizing the need for increased foot traffic as a pivotal priority for 2025.

In response, the Partnership is poised to bolster its marketing initiatives, establish strategic partnerships, and foster community programming. This proactive approach aims to invigorate year-round engagement downtown. Norman further outlined several major upcoming projects aimed at enhancing the downtown experience:

• - Downtown Food Hall: In collaboration with McClintock Distilling and the City of Frederick, this initiative will provide a platform for budding culinary entrepreneurs in a renovated historic structure.
• - Retail Incubator Program: A joint effort with SOUL Street designed to offer shared retail spaces, mentorship, and resources for diverse new retailers (pending funding acquisition).
• - Downtown Streetscape Project: This transformative vision will reimagine 15 blocks along Market and Patrick Streets to improve safety and walkability.
• - Downtown Hotel and Conference Center: The much-anticipated project will introduce a Marriott hotel featuring over 200 rooms, meeting facilities, and a revitalized historic building to the heart of downtown.

The breakfast culminated with an inspiring keynote speech by Ed McMahon, Chair Emeritus of Main Street America. His emphasis on place-based economic development and the essence of investing in community character resonated deeply with attendees. McMahon articulated, "Downtowns are the heart and soul of a community. You can't have a healthy city without a thriving downtown. To anticipate the future, we must create desirable spaces for people to congregate."

As Downtown Frederick continues to expand, with projections of over 2,000 new residents in the upcoming years, the Partnership remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that downtown evolves intentionally, cultivating an environment of opportunity, culture, and community connection.

About Downtown Frederick Partnership

Founded in 1990, the Downtown Frederick Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the livability and vibrancy of Downtown Frederick. With a commitment to promoting and preserving this nationally recognized Main Street community, the Partnership has effectively managed the Main Street program since its official designation in 2001. For additional details, visit downtownfrederick.org.