Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development Secures Grant for Adaptive Reuse Project
Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development (QACETD) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a grant from Rural Maryland Council to conduct a market analysis as the next phase of predevelopment in the adaptive reuse of the former Sudlersville Middle School building in Sudlersville, Maryland.
Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Company (SVFC), in partnership with QACETD, has been diligently working to repurpose the former Sudlersville Middle School building. This collaborative effort began with the application and award for a Community Development Block Grant in 2021, allowing for a comprehensive feasibility study on the property. The feasibility study, completed in early 2023, identified the building as an ideal candidate for adaptive reuse, presenting four potential options within the existing footprint.
To ensure that the redevelopment process is successful, QACETD recognizes the importance of extensive predevelopment work. The next crucial step involves conducting a market analysis to gauge the feasibility and support for proposed uses, such as workforce housing, and/or commercial and retail spaces. This analysis will provide essential information for refining reuse concepts and aiding in the identification of potential funders, development partners, and end users.
For the execution of this phase, QACETD and SVFC will be partnering with the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). MEDCO will provide real estate-related consulting services, contributing expertise in market analysis, cost estimating/financial modeling, design considerations, site due diligence, and the management of professional firms as needed. Their involvement is integral to informing the project approach, scope, and next steps.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from Rural Maryland Council, which will allow us to move forward with the crucial market analysis phase of our adaptive reuse project,” said Heather Tinelli, Director at QACETD. “This partnership with SVFC and the support of MEDCO positions us to create a transformative development that aligns with the needs of the Sudlersville community.”
The market analysis is expected to commence in early 2024, and QACETD anticipates sharing the findings with the community as part of its commitment to transparency and community engagement.
For media inquiries, please contact: Rebecca Clark, Economic Development Coordinator, Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development, rclark@qac.org, 410.604.2100
