Frederick Begins Demolition to Prepare for $100 Million Downtown Hotel and Conference Center

The City of Frederick marked a major milestone Thursday morning as officials began demolition at the site of the long-anticipated Downtown Hotel and Conference Center.

The project, a $100 million public-private partnership, is set to bring more than 200 permanent jobs, boost local tourism, and transform downtown Frederick into a premier destination for conferences and events.

This initial demolition of the former Frederick News-Post press room paves the way for the eventual construction to begin on the centerpiece development along Carroll Creek Park. This project builds on the decades-long vision of a thriving Carroll Creek Park, enhancing downtown Frederick as an economic hub and tourist destination. The City was joined by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and Gov. Wes Moore, and dozens of state and local officials.

Mayor Michael O’Connor emphasized the importance of the project and the journey to this milestone:
“To make a project like this happen, over the length of time we have been working, you need a nearly endless list of partners — and you need the stars to align. That’s what today is: the final aligning of those stars. This project represents untapped potential for economic growth, for smart, sustainable development, and for creating opportunities for families in Frederick. It will elevate our city, support our businesses, and bring new vibrancy to downtown Frederick.”

Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick, highlighted the project’s historical significance:
“This hotel and conference center fulfills a vision that was part of the original master plan for the revitalization of Carroll Creek Park. Leaders like Mr. George Dredden and former Mayor Ron Young saw how transformative this project could be for Frederick. As Mr. Dredden reminded me back in 2010, ‘Frederick needs this project to create jobs, build our tax base, and serve the needs of our community.’ Today, we’re not just breaking down walls; we’re breaking through to a new era for Frederick.”

The event also highlighted the collaborative efforts required to bring this project to fruition, with local and state officials, business leaders, and community advocates playing essential roles. Demolition will only occur on the non-historic former press room building, and the historic trolley building is planed for a full renovation to become retail and office space.