commercial development

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High Flying Hangars: New Hangar Development at Frederick's Airport

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High Flying Hangars Breaks Ground on Multi-acre Development at Frederick Municipal Airport in Maryland

High Flying Hangars has celebrated the groundbreaking event on June 18, 2026 at its development is now in progress at the Frederick Municipal Airport in Maryland (FDK). The milestone was celebrated with an official ceremony and reception, featuring airport and city management, local dignitaries, and company leaders. Frederick City Mayor Michael O’Connor; Airport Manager Andrew Moore; Richard Griffin, Director, City of Frederick Dept. of Economic Development; Randy Sibold, CEO of Warner Construction; Kenny Hinkes, CEO of High Flying Hangars and Jodie Bollinger, Director, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, were on hand to commemorate the first turn of the shovel for the new hangar community at Frederick.

The need for hangars in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area continues to outpace supply, and High Flying Hangars is on its way to meeting this demand with the first new hangar construction on the Frederick airport in more than 20 years.

Frederick Municipal Airport Manager Andrew Moore said of the milestone, “The Frederick airport team looks forward to working with High Flying Hangars to make this project a reality and welcome new aviators into our FDK community. This project represents a significant investment into the growth story of the Frederick Municipal Airport as the preferred access point to the region.”

The Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) serves a general and business aviation market that encompasses the surrounding region in Maryland in addition to the northern Washington, D.C. metro area. (Photo credits: Stephen Yeates/High Flying Hangars)

Kenny Hinkes, CEO of High Flying Hangars, commented on the importance of the Frederick development, from both a local and regional perspective, as well as for the company. “As Maryland’s fastest-growing city, Frederick is a community on the move,” said Hinkes. “New businesses are choosing to locate here, new families are making Frederick their home, and the airport has an important role to play in supporting that growth. These hangars are another step in ensuring that the airport continues to serve the needs of a vibrant and expanding community.”

The 11.45-acre development will be located at midfield within the airport layout and will be constructed in two phases, with 44 hangars to be built in Phase 1, and about 34 hangars planned for Phase 2. The Hangar Club clubhouse forms a key part of the Phase 1 build, and it will feature multiple restrooms, a meeting room, a commercial-grade kitchen, a patio and a sky deck for optimum flight line viewing, high speed internet, and a large, open floorspace on both levels.

The design plan can be viewed on the High Flying Hangars website, with the ability to make initial reservations for interested owners. Hangars are available in several sizes: 1,245 sq ft (41.5 ft by 30 ft), 2,000 sq ft (50 ft by 40 ft), 3,600 sq ft (60 ft by 60 ft), 4,200 sq ft (70 ft by 60 ft), and 8,000 sq ft (100 ft by 80 ft) and feature Diamond Bi-Fold Doors with a clear opening that varies with hangar dimensions, and Smart Door technology for the ultimate in security.

Larger hangars (2,000 sq ft and larger) are planned to come with an in-unit bathroom, frost-free hose bibs with a wash basin, and in-floor drainage. All units include the following amenities:

  • Bright LED lighting

  • High-speed internet

  • Fully insulated, American-made all-steel construction

  • Densified and polished concrete floors

  • Large warehouse fans

  • Overhead infrared heat

This $40 Million airplane hangar project will be a catalyst for economic development in Frederick providing valuable infrastructure to serve and support Frederick. The project will help to stimulate opportunities for next generation pilots and aviation entrepreneurs.

Reach out to the Frederick Municipal Airport team to learn about additional hangar development opportunities or connect with our Economic Development team to understand available programs and resources! Schedule a meeting with our teams here!

Bisnow in Frederick - Where Growth Meets Opportunity

Bisnow — one of the largest commercial real estate news and events platforms, reaching over 600,000 subscribers across 27 metropolitan markets in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. — recently brought more than 200 industry leaders to Frederick for a deep dive into one of Maryland’s fastest‑evolving regions. Attendees from across the DMV gathered to understand why Frederick County has become a magnet for growth, investment and innovation.

What they heard was clear: Frederick is no longer just a commuter community. It has emerged as a regional hub with a diverse industry base, a strong workforce and a development pipeline that reflects both rapid expansion and long‑term strategic planning.

A Fast‑Growing Community With a National Identity

Since 2010, Frederick County has grown at an impressive 2% annually, making it the fastest‑growing city and region in Maryland. This surge has reshaped the region’s identity and accelerated demand across residential, affordable housing and retail sectors. Frederick consistently ranks as Livability.com’s Top 100 Places to Live in the USA!

Local leaders emphasized that Frederick’s growth is not accidental. It reflects years of investment in infrastructure, land‑use planning and economic development — all aimed at positioning the county as a place where people and businesses can thrive.

Communities across the region are now being encouraged to streamline processes, modernize zoning and explore public‑private partnerships to meet rising demand for housing and services. The message was clear: Frederick’s growth requires a strategic mindset and a shared vision for the future.

A Development Pipeline Shaped by Demand

Rapid population growth has intensified activity across multiple asset classes:

  • Residential development is expanding to meet demand from new residents seeking proximity to jobs, amenities and quality of life.

  • Affordable housing remains a priority, with leaders urging collaboration to create sustainable, long‑term solutions.

  • Retail and mixed‑use projects are emerging to support growing communities and evolving consumer needs.

  • Developers and investors are watching closely as Frederick’s pipeline becomes one of the most active in the state.

The Rise of Data Centers, Biotech and Advanced Manufacturing

One of the most notable shifts in Frederick’s economy is the rapid growth of data centers, biotech and advanced manufacturing. . Several factors are driving this momentum:

  • Access to reliable power and fiber infrastructure

  • Proximity to federal agencies and research institutions

  • A highly skilled workforce

  • Competitive land and operating costs

  • Supportive local policies and incentives

These industries are reshaping the region’s economic landscape, attracting new investment and creating high‑quality jobs.

A Magnet for Global Life Sciences Leaders

Frederick’s life sciences ecosystem continues to expand, anchored by global leaders such as Kite, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lonza and AstraZeneca. The county’s appeal to these firms stems from:

  • A deep talent pool

  • Proximity to the I‑270 biotech corridor

  • Strong partnerships with higher education institutions

  • Available lab, manufacturing and flex space

  • A business‑friendly environment

As demand for specialized space grows, Frederick is working to ensure it can support the next generation of life sciences expansion.

Policies and Incentives Fueling Growth

Frederick City and County has implemented targeted economic incentives to attract and retain companies in key sectors. These include tax credits, workforce development programs, infrastructure investments and streamlined permitting processes.

These tools are helping the county compete on a national scale — and win.

Collaboration to Meet Housing and Workforce Needs

With growth comes responsibility. Local government and private developers are working together to address the rising need for workforce housing and ensure that Frederick remains accessible to residents across income levels. Public‑private partnerships are emerging as a critical strategy, enabling the county to balance affordability, density and long‑term sustainability.

What This Means for Business

Frederick County is positioning itself as a dynamic hub for commercial development, biotech and manufacturing. With ongoing investment in infrastructure, workforce development and diverse real estate projects, the region offers significant opportunities for:

  • Developers

  • Investors

  • Life sciences firms

  • Industrial operators

  • Retail and mixed‑use builders

  • Public‑sector partners

The takeaway from the event was unmistakable: Frederick’s future is bright, and the region is ready to grow — strategically, collaboratively and with a clear vision for what comes next.

City of Frederick Economic Development and Procurement Team attending BisNow Conference in Frederick, Maryland

Interested in scheduling a time to meet and learn about opportunities in Frederick? Reach out to our team today! Call 301.600.6360 or Email businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov .

Frederick Showcases Prime Commercial Sites for Business Growth

Recently, our city, county and state economic development teams explored some of the promising commercial property development sites that are currently shaping business opportunities here in Frederick. This initiative provided our teams with valuable project updates and insightful perspectives about various areas of development across the city and select county sites. It was truly inspiring to see firsthand the progress being made and the potential these projects hold for our community.

During the tour, we had the opportunity to showcase several noteworthy projects located right here in the City of Frederick. Each of these projects is set to play a crucial role in driving economic growth and enhancing the business landscape in our region.

““What we toured reflects Frederick’s business‑ready environment—sites with modern infrastructure, clear zoning, and a predictable process. That combination is why companies choose Frederick and why our pipeline remains strong. Showcasing opportunities for business growth and expansion reinforces our commitment to supporting employers at every stage and strengthening Frederick’s long‑term economic vitality.””
— Mary Ford-Naill, Manager of Economic Development, The City of Frederick

To learn more about these sites or future development opportunities in Frederick, schedule a time to meet with our economic development team: Click here.

Photo Credit: DED, FCOED