Project Overview

After thirty years of operating the Frederick Center at in Frederick, the Tourism Council of Frederick County determined in 2005 that future visitors to the City of would be better served at another location. Road changes that were then getting underway suggested that arriving visitors would be best assisted at a center located along the extension of S. East Street in Frederick to a new I-70 interchange, creating a new gateway to Downtown Frederick at a location central to the network of highways to other destinations in the county.

Preliminary analysis indicated that the preferred location would be along East Street between E. South Street and E. Patrick Street. A new Center could provide amenities not currently available, ranging from simply having more adequate restroom facilities to exhibits and orientation film viewing areas. The center would ideally also house the Tourism Council offices, with a combined floor area of 6,000 to 6,500 square feet for the visitor service area and offices. In late 2005 the Tourism Council identified and purchased a circa-1899 industrial warehouse to be converted into a new visitor information center, along the new "gateway" and within the corridor through Frederick. The project is scheduled for completion early 2011.