Reconnecting Neighborhoods: Carroll Creek & The Communities of Frederick, MD

Abstract

Frederick, Maryland is a unique and beautiful city, rich in history and steeped in historic architecture. Situated at the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, the City is a robust employment center. Its location within forty miles of Baltimore and Washington D.C., allows Frederick residents to commute to jobs in these cities and their outer suburbs. Founded in 1745, Frederick possesses a rich texture of historic residential, commercial and civic architecture. The city is principally defined by Market Street, the main commercial spine of the city, and by Carroll Creek. Carroll Creek crosses Market Street at a low point, passes through Baker Park and residential neighborhoods on the City’s west side, and terminates in the light industrial areas on the east. In the 1970’s, Carroll Creek flooded twice, devastating the commercial enterprises in the downtown and causing great hardship to the regional economy. In an effort to reduce the risk to downtown Frederick and restore economic vitality to the historic commercial district, the City built Carroll Creek Park. This project provides flood control and protects the downtown while offering new public outdoor space and civic amenities. Today, more than $150 million in private investments are underway or planned in new construction, infill development or historic renovation in the park area. The first phase of the park improvements total nearly $11 million in construction. New elements to the park include brick pedestrian paths, water features, shade trees and plantings, pedestrian bridges, and a 350-seat amphitheater for outdoor performances. The Carroll Creek project has been a tremendous success for the City as a rebirth of the downtown is underway.