|
|
 |
Write
for Us |
If
you are interested in writing a column for Eldersburg.Net, send
your resume to news@eldersburg.net |
|
| |
|
 Chronicles
of E-burg
The Challenge of Carrolltown Center
Walter J. Zalis
July 1, 2005
In
the first edition of the “Chronicles of E-burg,” I mentioned
the few places that existed in the Burg back around 1986 when I
first moved here. One of those places is what we now know as the
Carrolltown Center.
Actually, many of us may know it as that bulky building where young
teenage kids and members of the elderly community go when they have
nothing else to do.
I know the only time I head up in that direction is to stop by the
office that publishes this column. In the past, I occasionally appeared
there to grab a sub from Subway, but since then even they have jumped
locations. I would enter the back way, where all those little offices
are. The first thing I always saw were those usual middle school
and young high school kids, sitting and/or messing around with a
skateboard or something. The second thing: a lot of empty space.
No people. No stores. Just some dirty tile, some old chairs and
tables, and a glass ceiling gone to waste.
Needless to say, when I heard that Black Oak Associates had re-acquired
the Center’s property and had plans for a 2-3 year, over 30
million dollar renovation, I knew they would have their work cut
out for them. Many stores have left, and customers along with them.
The “anchor stores” are K-Mart, Peebles, Dollar General
and Big Lots. Talk about a lackluster lineup.
With the Center already in such a deep hole, is it really worth
a $30 million investment? I mean, the idea sounds pretty cool. Knocking
down the middle section of the mall and replacing it with a main
street approach- different shops on both sides. It would definitely
bring back the open-air feeling the center once had. However, what
shops will be down this cute little boulevard? The same ones no
one goes to now? Will the main stores still be ones that no one
shops at, like Peebles? Or the cheap shops like Dollar General and
Big Lots?
I have played a spirited game of phone tag with the president of
Black Oak Associates, Dixon Harvey, this week and managed to get
one of my questions answered before my deadline hit me. I asked
him about the current anchor stores and if they had any ideas on
future anchor stores. He told me, “we’re not too sure
about that just yet.” True, there is a significant amount
of time even before construction begins, but I hope Black Oak looks
to improve the quality of our current “department” stores.
So, is the construction worth it? Depends. The way Eldersburg continues
to develop, it only makes sense that the old Center take a step
forward. It has to do it the right way however, and bring something
fresh to the table. New, brighter, better shops and stores, combined
with a unique shopping environment. People flock to Columbia and
Arundel Mills because of these characteristics, and that is what
it’s going to take for Eldersburg to capture the serious shoppers.
E-burg has already attracted many major chains like Kohl’s
and Home Depot. Carrolltown Center needs to improve to survive.
And if the fine people at Black Oak are listening, maybe you can
throw in a quick touch-up to the movie theatre? Maybe buy the property
on the corner of 26 and 32? Please buy that property. Please, please,
please.
Previous Chronicles
of E-Burg Columns by Walter Zalis
July 29, 2005 - The Restaurant
Customers Guide to Etiquette
July 22, 2005 - Ms. Carol's Denny's
Nite Club
July 15, 2005 - Review: The Gyms of
E-burg
July 8, 2005 - Eldersburg falls in
line with Popular Society
July 1, 2005 - The Challenge of Carrolltown
Center
June 23, 2005 - The Streets of E-town:
Is there a Drug Problem?
June 17, 2005 - Graduation? Senior
Week
June 9, 2005 - Not Your Granny's Town
Anymore
|
Eldersburg.Net
E-Mail Newsletter |
|
|
|
| |
| Eldersburg
Area Sponsored Links |
Maryland Mortgage Services
- Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Refinancing, Reverse Mortgages, More from Gold Standard Financial
Peke Construction -
Sykesville based home improvement services, decks, patios, more
SearchCarrollCounty.com -
Carroll County, Maryland Business Directory
Kent Systems
- Carroll County, MD carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, ceramic tile cleaning, and emergency water extraction
Advertise Here - Promote your business
on Eldersburg's #1 Web Site! |
|
| |
|
|
|
