Hagerstown Unveils Ambitious 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Plan

The City of Hagerstown is embarking on a comprehensive, decade-long strategy to transform its downtown core into a more vibrant, connected, and welcoming destination. Per a press release detailing the city’s 10-year downtown plan, this initiative, developed with input from Urban Partners, aims to address resident feedback and market analysis to guide future development and public space improvements. The plan outlines key strategies for enhancing the downtown experience, focusing on catalytic sites, public realm enhancements, and programmatic initiatives, as outlined in the December 16th Mayor and Council work session.

The plan identifies several crucial areas for development and improvement. Residents expressed a desire for increased vibrancy, with suggestions including more businesses, restaurants, and activities to draw both locals and visitors. The concept of a “connected” downtown emerged, emphasizing improved walkability, enhanced streetscapes, and better integration with surrounding neighborhoods. Furthermore, the plan highlights the importance of celebrating downtown Hagerstown’s unique architectural heritage and creating more public gathering spaces. A strong emphasis was also placed on making downtown feel safer and more welcoming to all.

Market analysis indicates a robust demand for rental housing, with opportunities for new market-rate apartments. The retail sector shows potential for growth in food and dining establishments, specialty food shops, and smaller footprint miscellaneous retail. While the office market faces national challenges, there is an identified need for smaller professional service spaces. The hotel market is poised for growth, with an estimated demand for 60 to 100 hotel rooms by early 2027. The plan also suggests the potential for niche entertainment venues like micro-cinemas and modern bowling alleys.

The plan identifies several “catalyst sites” as pivotal for downtown revitalization. These include the Summit Avenue Row, encompassing the Herald Mail building, County Court building, and Discovery Station, with proposals for mixed-use development including market-rate apartments and ground-floor retail. Other key sites include parcels in North and South Potomac Street, and East Washington Street, with suggestions for continued office use, potential hotel development, and residential opportunities. The former hospital site is envisioned as a central park with surrounding housing and the utilization of an existing garage.

Public realm improvements are another cornerstone of the plan. Strategies include “humanizing” downtown by improving streetscapes, adding trees, and widening sidewalks, particularly on city-owned streets. The creation of a “cultural loop” aims to build upon the success of the existing cultural trail, connecting key downtown attractions. Reimagining alleyways as pedestrian-friendly spaces with enhanced lighting and public art is also proposed. Additionally, the plan calls for “uniquely Hagerstown” elements, such as improved wayfinding signage, gateway treatments, historical storytelling, and potentially a “walk of fame” to celebrate local notable figures.

Programmatic initiatives focus on strengthening the housing stock through existing city programs for homeowners and prospective buyers, leveraging federal and state funding. Improving the perception of safety is a priority, with recommendations to continue downtown events, enhance promotion of these events, and consider the establishment of a Downtown Business Improvement District. Collaboration with the police department to increase their presence and communicate safety successes is also outlined. The plan recognizes the university as a key anchor, suggesting ways to foster stronger partnerships for student housing and synchronized business hours to benefit both students and local businesses.

For residents of Hagerstown, this 10-year plan signals a significant commitment to enhancing the downtown area. The focus on increased retail and dining options, improved public spaces, and a more vibrant atmosphere aims to create a more attractive environment for living, working, and visiting. The emphasis on walkability and connectivity will likely improve daily life for those living in and around the downtown area. While the plan involves substantial public and private investment, it also outlines opportunities for community engagement and leverages existing city programs to support housing initiatives.

Residents interested in providing feedback on the 10-year downtown plan are encouraged to visit mydowntownhagerstown.com.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from a City of Hagerstown press release.

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