Dear East Frederick Community,
Fall is in full swing, and so is East Frederick! From community gatherings to new projects and partnerships taking shape, there’s a lot to be excited about on the east side. This season, we’re celebrating the progress that comes from collaboration—between neighbors, businesses, and the City—as we continue shaping a more connected, walkable, and vibrant community. Whether you’re exploring our latest development updates, discovering new local businesses, or getting involved in civic life, there’s no better time to be part of East Frederick’s story. Let’s dive into what’s new and what’s next!
In This Issue:
- Letter from the President: Heather Goddard
- Community Spotlight: East Frederick Fall Community Meet-Up
- Upcoming Events & Public Meetings
- Community News & Updates
- Business Spotlight: Relove & Rewind
- Community Round Up: City Elections & How Can You Support EFR
- Contact Us
Letter From the President by Heather Goddard
Dear East Frederick Community,
Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of the East Frederick Rising Newsletter!
Throughout East Frederick, neighbors are heading out into the crisp fall air to gather and celebrate the season, and there’s so much to do: farm festivals, the festival of Flight, Oktoberfest celebrations, Halloween parades, trunk or treat events, Diwali celebrations, and our own EFR Community Meetup, had neighbors getting together to share in good times. Fall is definitely in full swing!
In our Fall newsletter, we are sharing highlights from our October Community Meetup, where community members, vendors and business owners came out to the AOPA National Aviation Community Center to catch up on the latest East Frederick news! Even if you missed the fun, you can follow the link to our presentation and get all the latest news on what’s currently under construction in East Frederick. Special thanks to Flying Koala Aerial Imaging for the very cool bird’s eye views of many construction projects underway, and a few other key spots around town that are soon breaking ground!
Inside this issue, you’ll find updates on private developments moving forward through the pipeline of our permitting process. This newsletter features updates to the Galleria project and the redevelopment of the Roads and Rails Train Museum, located at 220 N. East St.
This issue will also share information about projects our city is working on. These projects, known as CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) projects, are things our tax dollars are funding in our community. The City’s investments in the infrastructure needed to keep our communities walkable, connected, complete, attractive, sustainable, vibrant, and safe, set the table for private investment. Public projects and private projects go hand in hand. We believe that our community has a voice here as well, and as we provide updates on the construction you see around town, we hope you also advocate to decision-makers the other ways you want your tax dollars working for our community. The CIP spotlight in this issue is the expansion of Harmon Park!
Remember: election season is upon us! City elections will take place November 4th. Ballots are already in your mailbox for easy return by mail or in a dropbox, or you can vote in person. You can find all the details on how to exercise your civic duty and make your voice heard for the future of Frederick.
East Frederick Rising has officially renewed their Memorandum of Understanding with the City Frederick! EFR now has the responsibility (and authority) to “fully represent and support its mission to promote and market the EFR area to be a vibrant mixed-use sector of the city.” We are excited to continue this work in partnership with the City!
This issue is also full of events, business spotlights, and many reasons why East Frederick is your choice to live, work, and play. Thanks for caring, and we’ll meet you on the East Side!
Warmly,
Heather Goddard
Board President, East Frederick Rising
Community Spotlight: East Frederick Fall Community Meet-Up
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Fall Community Meet-Up! We enjoyed connecting with neighbors, local businesses, and community partners who make East Frederick such a vibrant place to live and work.
A special thank-you goes to our wonderful vendors for setting up tables, sharing your work, and contributing to the event’s success. We are also sincerely grateful to AOPA for their hospitality and generosity in allowing us to use their beautiful community center.
During the event, attendees enjoyed an East Frederick Community Update presentation highlighting current projects and initiatives shaping the area’s future. Guests also had the chance to participate in a raffle drawing for a gift basket generously donated by Upper East Apartments, a prize our lucky winner was thrilled to receive!
This event provided an opportunity for meaningful engagement and connection, and the lessons learned will help guide us as we continue to plan future community gatherings. Keep an eye out for future events in 2026, we look forward to seeing you there!
Upcoming Events and Public Meetings
Frederick Weddings Expo
- Location: Frederick Fairgrounds (797 East Patrick St. Frederick, MD 21701)
- Date: November 2, 2025
- Admission: FREE for all attendees with advanced registration ($5 at the Door) (Eventbrite Link)
Planning your big day? The Frederick Weddings Expo is the perfect place to meet local wedding professionals ready to help make your celebration unforgettable. Bring your fiancé, friends, and wedding party to enjoy an afternoon filled with inspiration—from tasting delicious cakes and catered treats to exploring the latest trends in wedding design, décor, and style.
Talk Turkey to Me Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Class
- Location: Idiom Brewing Co. (340 E. Patrick St., Ste 104 Frederick, MD 21701)
- Date: November 16, 2025
- Time: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
- Admission: Ticket Information
Don’t be a Turkey! Grab your flock and join us for an afternoon of cookie decorating fun! In this 1.5 hr class, you will learn how to decorate 5 Thanksgiving themed cookies with Angie from Creative Cookies by Angie! You will learn basic cookie decorating techniques such as: how to outline a cookies, how to flood a cookie and how to add details and definition to cookies.
Maryland Christmas Show
- Location: The Frederick Fair (797 E. Patrick St. Frederick, MD 21701)
- Date(s): 11/21/2025, 11/22/2025, 11/23/2025, 11/28/2025, 11/29/2025, 11/30/2025
- Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission: $10 per adult | $4 per child | $2 Parking
- Tickets & Website: https://www.marylandchristmasshow.com/
Get into the holiday spirit at one of Frederick’s most beloved seasonal traditions—the Maryland Christmas Show! This annual event brings together talented artisans and merchants from across the region for two festive weekends of shopping and celebration.
Spread across seven buildings at the Frederick Fairgrounds, the show features an incredible variety of handcrafted gifts, fine art, pottery, jewelry, clothing, wreaths, ornaments, and more, everything you need to make your holidays bright. Each weekend offers a different mix of exhibitors, so there’s always something new to discover. Join visitors from near and far and experience the magic of the season right here in Frederick!
Give us a follow on social media for the most up to date information on public meetings, workshops and more!
To view the City of Frederick’s public meeting schedule, visit: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=14
To view public meeting agendas, staff reports and additional meeting materials, visit: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/901/Public-Meetings
Community News and Updates
Harmon Park Expansion Moves Forward with Brickworks Development
As part of the ongoing Brickworks development, the applicant has submitted a final site plan for Harmon Park and the associated 6.9 acres of parkland dedication. On July 17, 2025, the City Council approved the plan, which includes 3.62 acres of afforestation. After accounting for the Potomac Edison (PE) easement and a required road reservation, approximately two acres remain available for the expansion of Harmon Park—effectively doubling its current size.
The existing Harmon Park has already seen significant upgrades, including:
- A 30,000 sq. ft. open lawn area
- A tot lot
- A 625 sq. ft. pavilion
- Walking paths
- A 20-space parking lot The existing building on site will remain.
The proposed Brickworks parkland will further enhance the area with:
- Pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts
- A 6-foot-wide sidewalk path
- An 8-foot-wide shared use path that continues through Harmon Park
To improve connectivity, two sections of the fence currently dividing Harmon Park from the Brickworks parkland will be removed. With both areas designated as City parkland, staff has determined that a dividing fence is no longer necessary. A shared use path will also be constructed along the east side of South East Street, with a crosswalk connecting to the west side for improved residential access. Additionally, an 8-foot shared use path will link East Street to Winchester Street, with the crosswalk location coordinated with the Brickworks Lot 1 intersection.
Caption: Harmon Park Final Site Plan
Community Feedback and Requests
East Frederick Rising has submitted several community-centered recommendations for the expanded park space:
- Perimeter Walking Paths: To encourage walkability and accessibility throughout the park.
- Cooling Features: With the rise in 90+ degree days, we recommend installing a mister or water feature to improve comfort and usability—especially important while newly planted trees mature and shade remains limited.
- Soccer Goal Installation: A single soccer goal at one end of the open field would provide a low-cost, high-impact amenity. Parks like Kidwiler have seen great success with smaller goals for youth play.
- Wayfinding and Identity: A dedicated sign for Harmon Park would enhance visibility and community identity. While Third Street Park may not be missed, its signage serves as a valuable placemaking tool.
- Shared Use Path Reminder: We encourage the Planning Commission to ensure the shared use path along Outlots A and B remains part of the final plan.
We’re excited to see Harmon Park evolve into a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected green space for East Frederick. Stay tuned for more updates as the Brickworks development progresses! ou can view application materials, staff reports and site plans here: City of Frederick Website
Proposed Infill Housing Project at Former Roads and Rails Museum Site
Ausherman Properties, located at 220 North East Street, has submitted a proposal for a new residential development on the site of the former Roads and Rails Museum. The property spans approximately 0.58 acres (25,417 sq. ft.) and is zoned Downtown Commercial/Residential (DB).
The proposed plan includes the construction of 18 two-over-two apartment units for sale. These units are designed as two-story “townhouse” or “row house” style dwellings, with one unit stacked above the other—each featuring its own street-level entrance. While architecturally resembling townhomes, the units are classified as multifamily for zoning and compliance purposes under the Land Management Code (LMC).
Key features of the proposed development include:
- Four units with detached parking
- Fourteen units with integrated garages
- Units 1–8 fronting North East Street
- Units 9–18 fronting East Second Street
- A central amenity plaza with hardscaping, landscaping, and seating
Caption: 220 N East St. Final Site Plan
Community Feedback and Planning Considerations
During the Citywide Planning Department’s Community Outreach Meeting on August 18, 2025, residents shared a range of feedback:
- Concerns about building aesthetics, including height and architectural compatibility with surrounding structures
- Preservation concerns regarding the demolition of the historic museum building
- Traffic and safety issues, particularly for residents exiting Austin Alley onto North East Street
- Lack of green space in the proposed design
However, there was also support for the project, especially its potential to bring much-needed housing to the downtown core, where walkability and higher density are increasingly valued.
East Frederick Rising’s Position
East Frederick Rising has met with Ausherman Properties to discuss the proposal and offer recommendations. We are encouraged by the infill nature of the project and its alignment with our vision for a more walkable, connected East Frederick. Our suggestions include:
- Wider sidewalks to enhance pedestrian accessibility – currently the plan shows a 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalk and a 5-foot-wide landscaped strip with street trees. In order to make the block match the surrounding ding blocks, we suggest using brick on the entire 10-foot section.
- Incorporation of historic design elements to better reflect the character of the neighborhood
- Sustainable building practices to support long-term environmental goals
- Consideration of East Street’s future redesign, including pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
We look forward to continued collaboration with the applicant and the City to ensure this project contributes positively to the evolving fabric of East Frederick. You can view application materials, staff reports and site plans here: City of Frederick Website
The Galleria Project Advances in Downtown Frederick’s East Side
The Galleria project recently received unanimous Planning Commission approval, marking an important milestone for one of Downtown Frederick’s most anticipated infill developments. The proposal moves next to Level II Historic Preservation approval, which will focus on detailed design elements such as landscaping, lighting, and building articulation.
The approved Final Site Plan calls for a 61,200-square-foot, seven-story mixed-use building that will include 210 multifamily residential units and approximately 4,000 square feet of nonresidential space on the ground floor. The site, currently vacant, is located within the Downtown Commercial/Residential (DB) zoning district and is subject to both the Carroll Creek Overlay (CCO) and Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO).
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) previously approved the project’s Level I review in July 2024, which focused on the building’s height, scale, and form within the historic context of Carroll Creek. The upcoming Level II review will address finer architectural and site details before construction can begin.
The Galleria represents a modern reimagining of a previously approved 2006 project, which proposed 127 residential units and 27,800 square feet of retail space under the 1986 Zoning Ordinance. The updated plan reflects today’s priorities—greater housing density, a smaller commercial footprint, and integrated structured parking designed to support downtown walkability and mixed-use living.
To meet parking requirements, the Applicant will provide two levels of underground parking, with 65 spaces on the ground level, 109 on Level 2, and 77 on Level 3, for a total of 251 spaces. This exceeds the minimum required number of spaces for both residential and commercial uses, ensuring flexibility for potential retail or restaurant tenants on the ground floor.
With its mix of residential units, active ground-floor space, and thoughtful urban design, The Galleria represents a major step forward in the ongoing transformation of downtown Frederick’s east side and the Carroll Creek corridor. Located directly beside the MARC Train Station, the project embodies the principles of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)—supporting walkability, sustainability, and a vibrant, connected community. East Frederick Rising views this as a key opportunity to advance Frederick’s efforts toward earning an official TOD designation from the State of Maryland, which could unlock new grant opportunities and funding for future transit-supportive projects and infrastructure improvements throughout East Frederick.
Caption: The Retail Promenade Illustrative Design
Business Spotlight: Relove & Rewind, Bringing Sustainable Consumerism to the Frederick Community
318 E Church Street | Shab Row & Everedy Square
East Frederick’s newest gem, Relove & Rewind, is redefining what it means to thrift. Founded by Erika and Nick May, this locally owned shop brings a curated, upscale thrifting experience to the heart of Shab Row. What began as a creative pandemic project, To Dye For, quickly evolved from bleach-dyed and tie-dyed secondhand shirts into a full-scale vintage and thrift venture that has now found its permanent home right here in Frederick.
After years of traveling to thrift pop-ups across the region, Erika and Nick noticed a gap in Frederick’s vintage scene—and decided to fill it. Their efforts not only led to the creation of Relove & Rewind, but also to the launch of community events like The Thrift on Market at Olde Mother Brewing Co. and the Key City Thrift Expo at the Frederick Fairgrounds, both celebrating the joy of sustainable fashion.
Inside Relove & Rewind, shoppers will find a thoughtfully curated selection of clothing for all ages and styles, reflecting the duo’s belief that thrifting can be both stylish and sustainable. The store’s inviting, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere makes it easy to find something special—whether you’re shopping for yourself, your family, or simply browsing for inspiration. And if you love a good secret, don’t miss their hidden room, Rewind, tucked away inside the shop.
Erika says she believes “East Frederick chose us,” and it’s easy to see why. The store fits seamlessly among the vibrant mix of small businesses in Shab Row & Everedy Square, adding even more character to the growing East Frederick community. Looking ahead, Erika hopes to see even more businesses join East Frederick—complementing the area’s existing mix while strengthening its creative and local economy.
Through Relove & Rewind, Erika and Nick are helping promote a more sustainable lifestyle by offering an accessible alternative to fast fashion and overconsumption. Their goal is simple yet powerful: to get more high-quality, pre-loved items into the hands of local shoppers and make sustainable clothing choices the norm in Frederick.
Relove & Rewind is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by, say hello, and experience a fresh way to shop secondhand. Visit www.reloveandrewind.com or follow @reloveandrewind on Instagram and TikTok to see what’s new.
Community Roundup
Election Season is Here — Stay Informed & Get Involved
The City of Frederick’s 2025 municipal elections are right around the corner! As our city continues to grow and evolve, so does the importance of strong, informed local leadership—and that starts with you. The General Election will be on November 4, 2025.
Get to Know the Candidates:
A full list of those running for Mayor and City Council is available at:
🔗 2025 Candidate List
Make Sure You’re Ready to Vote:
Visit the City of Frederick’s official elections page to learn more about voter registration, mail-in voting, drop box locations, polling places, and more:
🔗 cityoffrederickmd.gov/elections
As a community-based organization, we encourage everyone in East Frederick to do your research, ask questions, and show up at the polls. Local elections shape the future of our neighborhoods—your voice matters more than ever.
Support the Future of East Frederick
East Frederick is growing—and East Frederick Rising is here to help guide that growth in a smart, inclusive, and sustainable way. From tracking city planning initiatives to amplifying your voice on key projects, we’re committed to keeping our community informed, engaged, and empowered. To continue this important work, we need your support.
Your donation helps cover the essential costs of running our organization—everything from printed outreach materials to event supplies—so we can stay active, visible, and effective in advocating for a more connected and livable East Frederick. If you believe in our mission, please consider making a contribution today.
Every dollar strengthens our ability to keep East Frederick rising. Thank you for being part of the movement!
Contact Us!
We value your feedback and suggestions. Feel free to reach out to us at: info@eastfrederickrising.com
Thank you for being an essential part of the East Frederick community. Be on the lookout for our next Winter Edition Newsletter on February 1, 2026. We wish everyone a a safe and happy holiday season!
See you on the east side!
East Frederick Rising