Westridge Square Redevelopment to Replace Former Burlington Site With Housing and New Retail

Significant changes are on the horizon for Frederick's Golden Mile, as redevelopment plans move forward to reshape the Westridge Square shopping center along West Patrick Street. The transformation marks a major transition for the commercial corridor, combining new residential housing with updated commercial amenities. The project focuses heavily on repositioning the traditional strip center by replacing a substantial portion of existing commercial store space with a mix of residential units and modern commercial anchors.

The overhaul officially gained momentum when the Frederick Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a rezoning request and master plan for the property in December 2023, according to reporting by The Frederick News-Post. Under the parameters of the approved master plan, the mixed-use development was cleared for up to 244 total residential units, including both townhomes and multi-family housing. The municipal approval set the broader regulatory framework for converting underutilized retail space into a vibrant mixed-use center.

To make room for the residential component of the redevelopment, project planners outlined a strategy to remove approximately 100,000 square feet of existing commercial retail footprint. Although the master plan authorized up to 244 units, subsequent revised proposals scaled the residential portion down to 119 townhomes. This adjusted plan cut the initial prospective home count nearly in half, offering a more scaled residential footprint for the neighborhood.

The planned townhomes will largely occupy the eastern side of the Westridge Square property. This portion of the center is where the Burlington store has historically been located. By replacing the large retail box structure with townhomes, developers aim to introduce steady neighborhood activity while refreshing the overall appearance of the West Patrick Street frontage.

The repositioning effort, led by developer MCB Real Estate, aims to capitalise on the site's central location along the Golden Mile. According to company information, the property benefits from strong regional connectivity, situated less than a quarter-mile from Interstate 270. MCB Real Estate noted that the surrounding area encompasses a growing population of nearly 140,000 residents and approximately 6,200 businesses within a 15-minute drive, providing a solid customer base for upcoming commercial ventures.

Alongside the residential additions, major commercial upgrades are slated for the remaining shopping center space. A key piece of the commercial strategy is a $5 million investment to construct a 40,000-square-foot Crunch Fitness location. Planned for 1005-1077 West Patrick Street, the high-profile facility will serve as a prominent new commercial anchor for Westridge Square.

According to project details reported by The Frederick News-Post, the Crunch Fitness center will operate as a 24-hour facility. Planned features for the health club include an outdoor workout zone, saunas, tanning options, and on-site childcare services. The continuous operation and diverse amenities are expected to generate steady daily visitations to the center.

The redevelopment of Westridge Square reflects a broader effort to revitalize older retail corridors along the Golden Mile by blending residential living with active commercial destinations. As plans progress, the combination of new townhomes and updated fitness amenities aims to bring sustained activity to West Patrick Street.