Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Inspiring Offices: Jean Peterson Design



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. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Jean Peterson Design's inspiring office space. 
Established in 1996, JPD is an award-winning firm specializing in the development of compelling communications that deliver results. They are located in the Everedy Square in Downtown Frederick. 

Jean Peterson Design
Q&A with Emily Dorr, Vice President, Creative Director, Jean Peterson Design 

Why did you choose your current office location and how long has JPD been located here? 
For 20 years Jean Peterson Design has been strategically located in downtown Frederick. When we moved to Everedy Square 7 years ago, we had previously been in a location on Church Street very close to Market Street. Being in the heart of downtown allows us to be integrated into the community that we serve. Plus, we simply love downtown and all the amenities it offers our business and our staff. From the amazing restaurants where we can take our clients, to the exciting events that happen nearly daily, it seems there is always something to do and experience in downtown Frederick. Since we host client meetings, having free off street parking is a big perk of being in Everedy Square, and something you don't get at many locations downtown. 



Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out?
Originally built in the 18th century to house The Everedy Company, Everedy Square was restored and preserved by Bert Anderson, 40 years ago. Our office has housed several design and marketing firms and we could see why. It's inspired and inspiring and the reason we felt at home the minute we came for the walk-through. While many modern build-outs try to emulate the old warehouse feel, there's nothing like the real thing. Old buildings have their challenges but they have immensely more character. 





What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space?
The previous Jean Peterson Design office was filled to the gills with our own creative work. With this space we allowed the building to really shine through keeping artwork to a minimum and furnishings modern with clean lines. The artwork we do have is contemporary and done by mostly local artists such as Ed Remsberg. Most people notice the warehouse nature of our space followed immediately by our large Apple monitors. 





What are the most unique aspects about your office space?
Our office features exposed brick walls, rough sawn beams, and high ceilings – everything you'd expect from an old warehouse. Add to that lots of glass, a semi-circular conference room, corrugated metal paneling and unique rooftop views of Frederick. 





What do you or your employees like best about the office space?
Our staff loves the location not only because we are downtown but because of the warmth of the Everedy Square and Shab Row community of businesses—everyone looks out for one another here. For the out of town commuters employed at Jean Peterson Design, access to the major highways and Rt. 15 is a big plus. The open floor plan is another feature the staff likes. It allows for collaboration throughout the day, which in the creative field is highly necessary, and we have enough breakout space for private meetings or phone calls when necessary. 

Frederick Day in Annapolis 2017


Priority Projects 2017
Together We Can Grow Frederick's Future

Each year the City's Department of Economic Development leads the charge for Frederick Day in Annapolis. This annual event gives Frederick community leaders the opportunity to say thank you for state investment in Frederick projects and provide information about upcoming priorities and requests.  This year’s sponsors include Frederick County Office of Economic Development, Leidos Biomedical, Chamber of Commerce, The Tourism Council of Frederick County, Downtown Frederick Partnership, Fort Detrick Alliance, and Frederick Innovative Technology Center Inc. (FITCI).   
  
MD 180/351 Corridor Improvements

The City of Frederick is partnering with SHA, Frederick County, and AstraZeneca to improve the MD 180/351 Corridor. The $40 million investment will break the bottleneck along Ballenger Creek Pike (MD 180) from south of I-70 to north of US 15 and will address longstanding traffic problems on MD 180. The scope of work includes road widening along MD 180 and Solarex Court near AstraZeneca and the construction of a new bridge over US 15. Improvements will provide Maryland residents and employees of AstraZeneca, one of Frederick’s major employers, with improved safety and traffic relief along this route. 

Budget
Private      $2M
State         $36.2M
County      $1.3M
City           $0.5M
Sub Total $40M

Frederick Municipal Airport Safety & Capacity

Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) is the second busiest airport in Maryland and is the preferred executive airport in the National Capital Region. The City has planned a multi-year capital program through 2023 to extend the primary runway and create space for aeronautical development. Current projects include:
  • Demolition of aviation obstructions
  • Relocation of utilities
  • Design and construction of a snow removal equipment (SRE) building (with MAA)
  • Lengthen runway by 600 feet to 5,820 feet by 2020
  • Leasing land for private construction of hangars

These projects will enhance safety, increase capacity, and provide better service to corporate operators by offering competitive airport amenities and hangar development opportunities. 

Funding*
FAA          90%
MAA           5%
County      2.5%
City           2.5%
*Airport Improvement Program’s (AIP) federally funded projects

Downtown Hotel and Conference Center

The City of Frederick is teamed with Frederick County, the State of Maryland, and a hotel developer, selected through a competitive RFP process, to construct an $84 million full-service hotel and conference center in Downtown Frederick. The developer is providing $53 million (63%) of the funding. The public on-site improvements, including parking, the conference center, and road improvements, will cost approximately $31 million (37%). This is the top economic development priority for the City, County, Chamber of Commerce, and Major Employers Group. 

It is projected to offer many benefits, including:
  • 207 rooms
  • 24,000 gross square feet of meeting space
  • 100+ onsite public parking spaces
  • 280 total jobs
  • $1.5 million annually in State taxes
  • $25.8 million in direct, indirect, and induced spending
Budget
Private      $53M
Public       $31M
Sub Total $84M

Project Updates
Key Projects Underway to Grow Frederick’s Future

Monocacy Boulevard and US 15 Interchange
The #1 Infrastructure Priority for Frederick is Under Construction
  • This $60 million project has over 90% funding from the State and Federal Government
  • Provides a full-diamond interchange and other safety improvements
  • Eliminates at-grade intersections on US 15
  • Trails, sidewalks, bike lanes, lighting, and landscaping
  • Complements the $31 million combined Monocacy Boulevard Center Section Phase II and future Christopher’s Crossing road improvement projects (City/County funded), which will create a complete loop around the City to improve circulation and alleviate congestion on the US Highway and Interstate system
Frederick Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) Upgrades in Progress
  • 39% of this $45.8 million project is funded by state grants, and the remainder was supported by a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan
  • Upgrades will bring the plant into compliance with increased EPA mandates for ENR
  • Improves water quality by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus discharges to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries
  • Construction started in September 2015, with completion expected by winter 2017
Westside Regional Park
Planning for Increased Regional Recreational Opportunities 
  • Land acquisition costs of $18 million for this property were funded in part  through Maryland’s Project Open Space
  • Master plan passed in January 2017 
  • Proposed amenities include open space, recreational and aquatics facilities, and multi-purpose fields and sports complex
  • Walking trails, gardens, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions
  • Multi-year build out planned


Thank You for Your Support
The State of Maryland and Other Partners Helped Make These Projects Possible
 


Culler Lake, Phase I
Lake restoration, wetlands, stormwater infrastructure, and paths. This $1.7
million project was made possible thanks in part to $350,000 in state grants.


Shared Use Path Under US 15
Uniting east and west ends of the City. This $1.7 million project was made possible thanks in part to $310,000 in state contributions.












Carroll Creek Park 
Flood control project, park, and urban revitalization in Downtown Frederick. This $87 million project completed over 40 years was made possible thanks in part to $27 million in state contributions.













New HVAC System at the Weinberg Center
Ensures year-round arts and entertainment in Frederick. This $1.3 million project was made possible thanks in part to $100,000 in state bond bills.


Façade Improvement Programs
Encouraging private investment and improving neighborhoods throughout the City. FY17’s grant of $100,000 will be matched by private investors.



Thursday, January 5, 2017

Flying Dog Brewery finalizes purchase of city-owned land for brewery expansion




On Dec. 29, 2016, Flying Dog Brewery recorded the deed on the $2.55-million site it purchased from The City of Frederick in order to expand its brewery operation.

The agreement on the sale of Bowman Farm Lot 15 was approved by Frederick Mayor and Board of Aldermen at a public meeting on Sept. 17, 2015.

"The Bowman Farm property was a somewhat complex transaction, but right from the start, The City of Frederick moved the process along expeditiously while protecting the interests of The City. We tremendously appreciate everyone's assistance," said Jim Caruso, CEO of Flying Dog.

Flying Dog’s plans for the 31.69-acre lot include a 150,000-square-foot state-of-the-art brewery and a farm brewery. The company currently owns and operates a facility just outside the city limits at 4607 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick, Md.

“We look forward to continuing to develop this project and making this the new home for Flying Dog Brewery in the years to come,” said Caruso.

“Manufacturing is an important industry sector for The City of Frederick, and we are excited that Flying Dog Brewery is expanding and adding jobs right here in Frederick,” said Richard Griffin, director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick.

The City acquired the Bowman Farm in 2008, during the Jeff Holtzinger administration, for $5.4 million, in order to support critically needed infrastructure projects at Frederick Municipal Airport. Following the completion of airport infrastructure projects, the remainder of Lot 15 was deemed excess by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen and authorized for sale.

Mayor Randy McClement said, “Flying Dog’s plan is the best possible outcome for the Bowman Farm property: Available land being put to efficient use in a way that expands a solid local business, creates job opportunities and enhances the city’s appeal in general. It’s a win-win for the economy, taxpayers and beer lovers.”