This Week on Carroll Creek - October 12, 2015

Changes and improvements continue along Carroll Creek Park, between East Street and East Patrick Street. Several new walls are nearing completion with brick, stone and cap stone work. Retaining walls running along the creek's edge and the edge of the park are just a small but integral part to the final project.

Access across the creek is the Wisner Street pedestrian bridge (below). The second photo shows the south end abutment. The recesses in the brick are accents to the wall. The high stone wall to the right of the brick is the handicap ramp access to the pedestrian bridge.

Union Mills, which fronts East Patrick Street and is adjacent to the Creek, is under renovation and will welcome its first tenant in early 2016.

About the Next Phase of Carroll Creek Park

This next phase of park improvements include new and widened multi-use paths, landscape planters, lighting, water features and crosswalk improvements. The work is complete between Bentz Street and S. Market Street and continues between East Street and East Patrick Street. More than $100M in new and renovated private construction is planned along the new park/path sections, which will eventually result in hundreds of new jobs and increased state and local tax revenues.

News: Tenth Ward Distilling Company Announces Plans to Open New Distillery in Downtown Frederick

Press release provided courtesy of Monica Pearce, 301-608-8645

monica@tenthwarddistilling.com 

Frederick, MD (September 2015)

- A pair of local spirit enthusiasts are well on their way to opening a new distillery in downtown Frederick, MD. Tenth Ward Distilling Company will focus their products mainly on whiskey but will also be producing some brandies and other barrel aged spirits. They aim to be progressive and a little offbeat by experimenting with unconventional ingredients, recipes and aging techniques.

The distillery is on schedule to open in the spring of 2016 at 508 East Church Street. In the late 19th century the area was known as Frederick’s Tenth Ward and served as the inspiration for the company’s name. As part of the industrial area of Frederick, there’s a strong tradition of hard work and grit that the owners hope to carry through their products and the distillery as they begin construction on the space.

The founders have started Frederick’s distillery network group, are members of the Maryland Distillers Guild and are excited to be one of Frederick City’s first distilleries in decades. 

“Our area is already known for its craft breweries and wineries. The growing craft distillery industry is a perfect fit for Frederick,” said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick.   

“A vibrant craft distilling industry brings skilled jobs, visitors and an enhanced focus on locally-produced products." said Kevin Atticks, Executive Director of the Maryland Distillers Guild.

Tenth Ward’s equipment is being built by Anthony Zaca out of Washington state. The 2 custom made stills will forge unique small batch spirits, including some limited edition products.

The distillery will feature a tasting room and tours and special events will be available for adventurous tasters.

Interested parties can sign up to receive email updates on the company’s website, www.tenthwarddistilling.com.

twitter.com/tenthwardco

instagram.com/tenthwardco

facebook.com/Tenth-Ward-Distilling-Company-438307099710706/timeline/?ref=ts

NOTE:

City code was amended in December of 2014, which permitted small craft distilleries in the Downtown Frederick area. For more information on the legislation, read the related post, "Are small distilleries the next big thing for Frederick?"

This Week on Carroll Creek - September 14, 2015

Work and improvements continue on both ends of Carroll Creek Park, with the Grand Opening of the East West Fountain (Spring House) across from LaPaz scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2015. Join City officials at the Creek's edge and see a collage of construction progress photos. 

Attendees will receive a free entry ticket to the Random Act of Country on the Creek special event featuring Brothers Osborne with Wesley Spangler as the opening act. The concert kicks off at 5 p.m. at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater. 

On the east end of the park, work continues on the Mill Pond Fountain. As seen in the photo below, water fills the new shape and boundaries of this water feature. The fountain is actually three-in-one, and it has special lighting effects that will enhance its presence along the Creek. The Mill Pond Fountain will use water from Carroll Creek and not from the public utility lines. 

Made in Frederick: Monocacy Brewing Company Offers Creative Takes on Craft Beer

The Monocacy Brewing Company opened in 2012 as an expansion to Brewer's Alley in Downtown Frederick, and has been brewing a variety of local craft beers for three years in its current location. The company was created when Brewer's Alley reached capacity and needed to brew more beer.

Jim Bauckman, the sales marketing director for Monocacy Brewing Company, said that the goal of the company is to create a great local beer made for a diverse group of people.

“We strive to represent really creative takes on the growing varieties of craft beer,” said Bauckman.

The brewery is located just outside of Downtown Frederick, and customers can buy and sample beer in their tasting room and tour the facility. Thanks to a recent change in the laws, customers can also buy beer by the pint on site.

Bauckman says that Monocacy's beer is made from locally grown and malted grain. “We are uncompromising when it comes to the quality of our products, from the tap to your refrigerator,” he added.

According to Bauckman, Frederick is a great location for Monocacy because of how many people in the surrounding area know about the city.

“Everyone knows where Frederick is and the city is becoming a great attraction,” said Bauckman. “Frederick has a lot to offer any business.”      

Monocacy Brewing plans to expand its market base while still having a positive impact on the local community.  Bauckman said that Monocacy has hosted events for Frederick nonprofit organizations.

“We do our best to give back to the community,” said Bauckman. 

If You Go

Monocacy Brewing Company's tasting room is open to the public for sampling, full pours of draft beer, and growler fills. Tours are offered on weekends as well. For more information and hours, visit

Monocacy Brewing Company's website. 

Jim Bauckman, Sales & Marketing Director, and Tom Flores, Brewmaster. 

This post was written by Hood College intern, Nick Masucci. 

5 Benefits of Frederick's New Manufacturing Tax Credit

A Program Overview

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen established a new tax credit program targeted at Frederick manufacturers looking to make a substantial investment in their facility and workforce.  The ordinance was approved on August 20, 2015 and created a 10-year tax credit against the increased assessed taxable value of a manufacturing facility.  Frederick County approved a similar program on September 1, 2015.

"The tax credit will increase Frederick's competitiveness and is intended to attract new capital investment and job creation," said Richard Griffin, The City of Frederick's Director of Economic Development. Specifically, the credit assists the City in its ability to attract and retain advanced technology and manufacturing businesses, a targeted industry for the City of Frederick.

Manufacturing is especially important to Frederick's economic vitality.  Unlike many professional services businesses where workers can be located almost anywhere, manufacturers make significant capital investments in their site and rely on the local workforce to operate the facility. In addition to hiring from the community, manufacturers often create indirect jobs through related supply chain opportunities and partnerships.

In order to qualify for the credit, a manufacturer must 

1. Increase the value of their facility by at least $100,000 (as a result of the expansion project), and 

2. Add at least 3 net new jobs at the facility.  

Depending on the value of the new investment and the number of new jobs created with the project, the 10-year tax credit increases on a sliding scale from 20% to 100% (outlined below).  

While businesses will receive tax relief on the portion of their tax bill related to the expansion project, businesses will continue to pay property taxes on the the portion of the site not related to the expansion.

How it Works

• A manufacturer plans to either acquire a new site or expand its current site with a new building or an addition to a current building.

• The business constructs the updated facility and hires new employees.

• Following completion of the project, the State Tax Assessor reassess the property and determines the dollar figure of the new assessment that can be attributed directly to the expansion project.

• The business will now apply for the tax credit and will receive the credit on the number that was determined by the State. The business continues to pay its normal property taxes on the value of the property not related to the expansion.

5 Benefits of the Manufacturing Tax Credit

1. It increases jobs. The tax credit encourages job creation as the program requires a business to not only make a capital investment in their facility, but to add net new jobs at a minimum of 150% of the federal minimum wage.  Manufacturing jobs provide family supporting wages and are vital to Frederick's economy.

2. It encourages investment and reinvestment. Businesses will not be penalized with a higher property tax bill for investing in their facility and hiring new workers.  The tax credit gradually phases the increased taxable value of the building over a 10-year period.

3. It gives Frederick a regional competitive advantage. In conjunction with a 100% tax credit for manufacturers acquiring new personal property, the tax credit program is another tool the City can utilize to market its business cost advantage to manufacturers considering a location in the region.

4. It attracts new business. When a businesses is looking to open or relocate a business, every expense matters. This can tilt the scale between Frederick and another jurisdiction. 

5. It helps small businesses. 95% of all businesses in Frederick are small businesses. The tax credit program doesn't just assist large corporations. It also assists small and locally owned manufacturers looking to expand or locate within the City of Frederick.

To find out more about the Manufacturing Tax Credit, contact The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development. 

Video Debut: "Work Where There's Room to Play" - Frederick, Maryland

The City of Frederick's new three minute film, "Work Where There's Room to Play," showcases the benefits of working in Frederick, Maryland. From thriving Downtown Frederick to outdoor activities, the film highlights the opportunities of life outside of work.The three minute film debuted on Friday, August 21, 2015 at Downtown Frederick Partnership's "Movie Night on the Creek" event. 

The project was developed after Tech Frederick, a Frederick area non-profit that advocates for the local IT industry, indicated recruiting top talent to Frederick was a priority. While the film was developed with IT professionals in mind, any Frederick area business can use it in coordination with their recruitment efforts. 

"There are many advantages to working in Frederick," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick. "This three-minute video features Frederick's great downtown, the arts, amenities, and quality of life we all know and love. It shows that Frederick offers a great place to play when people get off of work." 

Local talent featured in the film included narrator, Ashley Miles, local musician and Frederick resident; Jeanne and Eric Rhodes, Frederick residents; Steve Ellis, recruiter for local software development company Regent; and Justin Saltzman, insurance agent and community volunteer. They volunteered their time to appear in the film.

Local company Digital Bard produced the film with additional film footage courtesy of Visit Frederick, Downtown Frederick Partnership, and drone footage by Mike Purks. 

3 Ways Businesses Can Use This Video
Businesses can use this video in three ways to support their recruitment efforts: 

1. Share it. The easiest way to use this video immediately is to share it on your website's employment or recruitment page. Use this to link to the video: https://youtu.be/aXaanozKY_Q. You can also share the video via Facebook. 
2. Make it Yours. Customize the existing video with your company's message or branding at the beginning and end of the video. Contact the production company, Digital Bard, to discuss this option.
3. Be Inspired. Use this as inspiration to develop your own recruitment video to meet your individual hiring needs. 

Inspiring Offices: Wood Street

In The City of Frederick, business spaces go beyond basics. Here, unique offices allow businesses to cultivate creativity, express their company's culture, and create a work environment that inspires.  From industrial to classic, artsy to funky, historic to high tech, spaces abound to meet a variety of needs. 

Inspiring Offices is a feature that highlights some of the creative and unique office spaces in Frederick.

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek inside this month's inspiring office in Frederick - Wood Street.

 Wood Street partner Jamie Stup answered a few questions about what they love about their office space. 

August 2015 Inspiring Office - Wood Street

Founded in 2002, Wood Street has built a reputation of consistently dedicating itself to outstanding web design and development, as well as quality customer service. They are located at 303 East Patrick Street in Frederick.

Through these core principles, we have been able to acquire top-notch design, development and marketing talent as well as ally ourselves with some of the area’s leading experts in the industry.

Wood Street is managed by the partnership of James Stup, Jon-Mikel Bailey, Jason Giuliano, and Derek Jubach. Their partner team has over 35 years of combined web design and development experience. Smart growth has been, and continues to be, a top priority for the company. Through this philosophy, they are able to provide cost-effective solutions to existing and potential clients.

Why did you choose your current office location and how long has Wood Street been located here? 

We choose our office based on several factors, including its proximity to Downtown Frederick, that we have plenty of parking, and the office layout is very open. We've been here since 2011.

Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out?

The office space was technically move in ready, but it really needed some updates to modernize it - wood flooring in the conference room, new floors in the kitchen and bathroom, and a new coat of paint as well as some wiring. The "southwest" themed wall paper needed to come down as well as the teal carpeting in the conference room.

What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space?

We're still working on decorating. Obviously, we hung several pieces of our work as well as our awards and accolades, but for the most part we like having an empty canvas. We work daily in so many different mediums, its nice to have an office that grounds us.

What are the most unique aspects about your office space?

The openness, interior brick surface and the conference room overlooking the offices are by far the best qualities. The theme of our space is really one of collaboration and teamwork.

What do your employees like best about the office space?

The open-office design allows all employees to converse with each other as well as supervisors. Also, the high ceilings come in handy during our indoor corn-hole tournaments.

Find Your Own Inspiring Office

If you are looking to open or expand a business in Frederick, we can help.  

Contact us, and let us help you find your own inspiring office space so you can build your dream. 

If YOU know of any interesting office spaces, let us know and we will put them on our list to feature!

This Week on Carroll Creek - August 10, 2015

A grand opening was held last month to celebrate the first section of the final phase of Carroll Creek Park being completed. In case you haven't seen the new fountain, take a walk just past the Delaplaine and before East Street. 

On the west side of the Creek, things are moving quickly on the next set of fountains to come online - The Spring House Fountains across from LaPaz. Check out the beautiful stone work and progress. Look for updates on Facebook as details are announced regarding the opening of this section.

 Some additional photos of the east side of the park:

How to Market Your Retail or Office Space to Potential Tenants

An Introduction to Online Business Location Search

Whether a start-up or a business simply looking for new space, online property search tools are vital to finding a new business location.  Commercial brokers assist their clients and utilize online database services to locate potential business locations. 

For individual property owners interested in leasing space directly, it is important to also include your property listing in online commercial property databases.  Both CoStar and LoopNet are popular services and enable both commercial brokers and individuals to search for available business locations.  As a property owner, you may include your listing in both services at no charge for a basic listing.  Property listings can include details including a space description, square footage, photographs, and pricing.  Follow the instructions below to ensure your listing is viewable to your potential tenants and always feel free to contact the Department of Economic Development for additional resources.

How to add your listing to LoopNet

1. Add a Listing / Create an Account

- Begin your listing by accessing LoopNet's website.  Next, select "Add a lease listing".  You will also be prompted to open an account and provide your name, an email address, and to create a password.

2. Add Your Property

- This is your opportunity to include the important information prospective tenants are looking for, including the space size, price, pictures, and a complete property description.

3. Select Your Listing Type - Continue with a complimentary standard listing or select a premium listing. 

4. Track Your Listings - Once your property listing is live, you can monitor the listing and make any changes/updates in real-time.

How to add your listing to Costar

Once you have created a listing in LoopNet, you have the information necessary for inclusion in CoStar.  Unlike LoopNet, a representative must enter your listing into the system.  This service is also available at no charge by completing the following steps:

1. Contact CoStar at 1-800-613-1303 or support@costar.com.  Please be sure to include the listing description and photographs for your property listing.   

2. Review the proof of your listing.  Once CoStar has received your listing and entered the information into the system, you will receive a proof of the listing for your final approval.  Once the listing is approved, the property will become searchable in the CoStar database.

7 Farmers Markets in the City of Frederick

Everedy Square & Shab Row Farmers Market

Frederick is fortunate to be surrounded by bountiful farmland.  Farmers Markets in the area help those who live and work access locally grown and harvested items nearly every day of the week.  Some locations provide weekday convenience to those working in Downtown Frederick or at Fort Detrick.  

7 Farmers Markets Located in the City of Frederick, Maryland (2015)

Everedy Square & Shab Row Farmers Market

Church and East Streets

Through October 29

Thursdays, 3pm – 6pm

West Frederick Farmers Market

United HealthCare Parking Lot

800 Oak Street

Through November 21

Saturdays, 10am-1pm

Frederick City Market

331 N. Market Street

Through October 25

Sundays, 9am – 1pm

Grace Farmers Market

9380 Butterfly Lane

Through Mid November

Fridays, 3pm – 6pm

Great Frederick Fair Farmers Market

Frederick Fairgrounds – East Patrick Street

Open Year Round

Saturdays, 8:00am – 2:00pm

Farmers Markets at NCI- Frederick

NCI-Frederick located on Fort Detrick - Open to Public

Outdoor Market space is located in the p

arking lot in front of the NCI Cafe/Scientific Library (Building 549)

Through October

Tuesdays, 11am – 1:30pm

YMCA of Frederick Farmers Market

1000 N. Market Street

Through October 6

Tuesdays, 3:30pm – 6:30pm

Learn more about other Farmers Markets in Frederick County. 

Updated: August 4, 2015

Frederick Businesses Honored at Best Places to Work Awards Ceremony

Best Places to Work Category Winners from L to R: City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement, Tony Benedetto - ASI, Michelle Michael - AstraZeneca/MedImmune, Victoria Johnston - Nymeo, Richard Fouke - Antietam Technologies, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner

Frederick area businesses were recognized during the annual Best Places to Work Awards held at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in Frederick, Maryland on July 30, 2015. 

Nearly 100 nominations were submitted, and six companies rose to the top after judges completed the scoring. 

Scoring categories included work-life balance, median salary, turnover rate, benefits, diversity, and professional growth.  

Primary category winners included:

Small Employer (1-10 employees)

Winner - Antietam Technologies

Honorable Mention - United Way of Frederick County

Medium Employer (11-50 employees)

Winner - NASW Assurance Services (ASI)

Honorable Mention - Go Ape

Large Employer (51-200 employees)

Winner - Nymeo

Honorable Mention - U.S. Silica

Major Employer ( 200+ employees)

Winner - AstraZeneca/MedImmune

Honorable Mention - Plamondon Companies

Two new categories were introduced this year: Best Entrepreneurial Opportunity and Most Creative Workplace Environment.

Winners in these categories included:

• Best Entrepreneurial Opportunity – Edward Jones Investments

• Most Creative Workplace Environment – CAS Engineering

From L to R: City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement, Jay Wandalowski and Linda Hobbs - Edward Jones Investments,  Curt Schreffler - CAS Engineering, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner

In addition to category award winners, six businesses were recognized with the “Unsung Hero in the Workplace” award. “This award recognizes owners or presidents of companies who go above and beyond to connect with their employees,” said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick.

The 2015 Unsung Heroes in the Workplace are:

• Business Management Company, Inc. - Brett Hess

• Regent Education - Randy Jones

• SoldierFit - Danny Farrar and Dave Posin

• Clagett Enterprises - Galen Clagett

• Essential Systems Solutions - Michael Tash and Jason Thompson

• Olde Towne Title - Peach Lapkoff

 2015 “Unsung Hero in the Workplace” Video

Helen Propheter, Director of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, said, "These companies join an elite group of businesses committed to retaining exceptional employees and their success. We are proud of the 2015 Best Places to Work recipients and proud that they chose Frederick County as their place to call home."

The Best Places to Work campaign is a county-wide program to increase quality of life opportunities for Frederick County employees.  The 2015 awards program is a partnership between Frederick County Workforce Services, City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, and the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information and photos of the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/FrederickCountyBPTW. 

McClintock Distillery to Call Downtown Frederick Home

A new business is in the process of calling Downtown Frederick and Carroll Creek Park home.

McClintock Distilling Company announced plans to renovate 35 South Carroll Street and open in the fall. They will focus on small batch, limited release products that use unconventional ingredients. 

McClintock Distilling on Instagram

A recent press release shared by the company states they will launch with a craft gin using Appalachian-inspired botanicals as well as a sustainably sourced white whiskey. 

Frederick history is tied to this new business as well. The story of a local figure and innovator in the 1800's, McClintock Young, is a source of inspiration for the company. According to their website, "McClintock Young's incredible story will be integral to the products and experiences of the distillery." 

Their website and Instagram account show current work being done on the interior of the building, including great time-lapse videos of the improvements to the space.

City code was amended in December of 2014, which permitted small craft distilleries in the Downtown Frederick area. McClintock Distilling Company is just one distillery expected to open as a result of the updated legislation. For more information on the legislation, read the related post, "Are small distilleries the next big thing for Frederick?"

"We've had inquiries from other distilleries as well, and are very excited to follow the progress of the craft distillery industry in Frederick," said Economic Development Manager Bobby Baumler. 

For more information visit www.mcclintockdistilling.com. 

How Dublin Roasters Makes "The Most Excellent Beans"

Made in Frederick: Dublin Roasters Coffee

Story by Nick Masucci, Intern, Hood College

When walking into Dublin Roasters Coffee for the first time, there is an open atmosphere that makes customers feel welcome. This was owner Serina Roy’s goal when she moved her coffee roasting business to Frederick, Maryland.

Roy began roasting coffee 15 years ago as a hobby for small coffee companies in Frederick and Westminster when she wasn’t working as a police officer for The City of Frederick. As she started delivering coffee to more coffee shops, Roy also started demonstrating her coffee-roasting techniques and speaking to customers at different events in the area. Her business grew after more customers tried her coffee and saw how she crafted it.

Roy originally started roasting coffee in her garage before moving into a shop in New Market, Maryland. Her business was located in New Market for three years before moving her shop to Frederick in 2010.

Today, Dublin Roasters creates a variety of roasted coffee beans in their shop, which is located on 1780 N. Market Street in Frederick. In her shop, she sells coffee by the cup, specialty drinks, baked goods, and locally-made products.  Dublin Roasters can also create custom coffee blends for customers for special occasions, such as weddings. All of their beans are locally roasted in Frederick.

In addition to roasting coffee beans, Dublin Roasters offers fresh coffee by the cup, specialty coffees, their special roasts by the bag, baked goods, locally produced foods and handmade items.

According to Roy, starting with a quality product is the secret to crafting a great cup of coffee. “We only buy the most excellent beans,” she said.  Her beans come from small family farms, and she personally knows the farmers.

When roasting her coffee, Roy said that “every single bean reacts differently to the heat and to the environment.” The beans tell you how to roast them and that each bean tells its own tale. This is one of the things that Roy enjoys most about her business.

“The coffee is freshly roasted; we only roast when a customer orders it or when we’re out of coffee,” said Roy. Roy said that Dublin Roasters prides itself on making fresh coffee for its customers, making sure their coffee is not acidic or bitter.

Bean roasting process step-by-step. 

Frederick offers a great community of people who support local businesses, she said. “People here want to put their money into homegrown things,” said Roy. The community goes out of its way to support local businesses and locally made products.

Roy considers Dublin Roasters a community center for the people of Frederick and for people who are passionate about coffee.  The shop’s open space allows different groups of people in the community to come together and meet.

At Dublin Roasters, “We want to talk to you; we don’t want to just serve you,” said Roy.

Learn more about Dublin Roasters www.dublinroasterscoffee.com

About Made in Frederick

-  Made in Frederick posts will feature items that are locally manufactured or produced within The City of Frederick. If you have a suggestion for a Made in Frederick feature, contact us. 

City of Frederick Represented at Maryland Municipal League Annual Convention

Donna Goff from The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development greeting visitors to the Frederick booth at MML.

For the 10th year, The City of Frederick is well represented during the MML Annual Convention. Along with hundreds of other Maryland city and town officials who gather at the Maryland Municipal League’s annual convention, Frederick's Mayor, Aldermen and City staff attend to learn about and discuss municipal issues and to network with fellow city and town officials. 

During the convention, exhibitors display a wide array of products and services including wireless technology, engineering, GIS systems, financial services, insurance, lighting, ordinance codification, recreation and parks equipment, water and wastewater supplies, consultants, and public works equipment and vehicles.

The convention is also a great opportunity for other city and town representatives to visit the City of Frederick booth and find out all the fantastic events and attractions throughout the City and County. As well, we take information about projects such as the Downtown Hotel, Carroll Creek Park and the Golden Mile to share with other municipalities in the event they have similar projects and issues.

Inspiring Offices: En-Net Services

In The City of Frederick, business spaces go beyond basics. Here, unique offices allow businesses to cultivate creativity, express their company's culture, and create a work environment that inspires.  From industrial to classic, artsy to funky, historic to high tech, spaces abound to meet a variety of needs. 

Inspiring Offices is a feature that highlights some of the creative and unique office spaces in Frederick.

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek inside this month's inspiring office in Frederick - En-Net Services.

June 2015 Inspiring Office - En-Net Services

Originally, En-Net offered networking and energy consulting services to government contractors and major utility companies. By 1997 their offerings expanded to include  information technology products to Federal Government agencies. In 1998 En-Net was awarded a GSA schedule that is still utilized today and have formed many partnerships which allows teamwork on additional contract vehicles. Today, they take pride in offering turnkey solutions to all public sector entities including federal, state and local governments, as well as education.

DED staff met with Brian Sheffer, the original founding member and President, and learned the history about their unique building and office space. 

Why did you choose your current office location and how long has En-Net been located here? 

En-Net has always been located Downtown, in a previous location from 1996 to 2009, and now in our current location on East Street.  We were looking to expand our facility and wanted ample parking for our employees.  Our current location provides both, plus easy access to all parts of Frederick County.  En-Net employees love the fact that they work close to wonderful shops and restaurants in Downtown Frederick.

Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out?

The previous owner of our building did a remarkable job in renovating and updating the building to accommodate a growing business.  However, due to our specific office needs, we reconfigured some of the office space.  We also repainted the entire interior and exterior of the building and just recently put in all new energy efficient lighting and windows.

An original torpedo hangs above the front porch entrance, honoring the building's 

original use as a torpedo manufacturer. 

What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space?

When redesigning our office space, we wanted to preserve the history of the original structure, which was a torpedo manufacturer, and then a gymnasium. We kept the original hardwood floors in the main entrance with the gymnasium logo. The office space also has an open warehouse ceiling, so we designed our sales staff offices to reflect the modern "aluminum and glass' feeling. Overall, we wanted to strike a balance with historical and modern while making the office space updated and functional for our business needs.

Another previous use of the building was the East Street Gym. Current owners Brian Sheffer and Kyle Yost kept the original hardwood floors and the gym logo intact.

What are the most unique aspects about your office space?

When sales representatives come into our office for the first time, they are amazed at how unique it is compared to other modular-style office buildings. We have vibrant colors on the walls throughout both floors and an original torpedo hanging above the front porch entrance honoring the original structure. The business unit locations on two floors allow camaraderie among colleagues while providing easy access for all employees to work together as needed. 

Offices retain an modern feel with aluminum and glass design elements.

What do your employees like best about the office space? 

En-Net prides itself in having a family culture among our employees. It was important for us to provide an office space reflecting this unique working environment. Our current office provides the appropriate balance of an efficient business operation with an updated and fun decorating style in a convenient location in vibrant downtown Frederick.

Enjoy More Photos of En-Net's Inspiring Office Space

Corrugated metal and artwork balance nicely against the original hardwood floors and a pop of green color. 

Metal mail slots are functional and allow staff to also express their personalities. 

Paintings such as the silhouette of a woman and the faux window scene add an element of fun and whimsy to the office space.

This cheerful office swag is sure to bring a smile to faces.

Find Your Own Inspiring Office

If you are looking to open or expand a business in Frederick, we can help.  

Contact us, and let us help you find your own inspiring office space so you can build your dream. 

If YOU know of any interesting office spaces, let us know and we will put them on our list to feature!