Charlotte Hall Development Updates
Originally Published: May 7, 2024
Starbucks Moving; Autoparts, Lodging, More Coming
UPDATE: At the Planning Commission's May 13th meeting, it was stated that the change of Starbuck's location will trigger the development plans to be heard by the Planning Commission again. Changes to an approved concept plan that significantly alter the original proposal must reviewed by the commission.
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Demolition at the old Wentworth’s property on the corner of 5/Oaks Rd has begun, and Royal Farms is still slated for the area. However, updated listings from Friend Commercial Real Estate show altered plans for the retail/restaurant area. Once a likely home to Starbucks, the changed layout shows 5-10K SF of retail split across two buildings. The far ends of each building look designed to accommodate drive-thru service. A green space/patio area is between the two buildings, with 63 total parking spaces around the perimeter. The brochure highlights an average income of $132K within 5 miles.
Starbucks is likely moving further south into what will become Charlotte Hall Crossing, the former Farmers Market. The Planning Commission’s approval of the project in March covered Aldi, Chic-Fil-A, 30K SF of flea market buildings, 2600 SF retail space and 2400 SF restaurant. In an updated site layout, Starbucks is shown occupying the closet retail/restaurant space across from Chic-Fil-A. A site plan layout submitted to the Planning Commission during the review process shows that space is 1145 SF, with 5 parking spaces, and no place for a drive-thru shown.
Charlotte Hall Commons, the area where the VA Clinic is and Sheetz was recently approved, now shows a little more detail in the online listing as well. Beginning with Sheetz as Lot 6, the road frontage lots show the following: 3200 SF restaurant on Lot 7, 7200 SF O’Reilly Autoparts on Lot 8, an 8K SF retail/restaurant building on Lot 9, and a 36K SF lodging/hotel building on Lot 10. Interestingly, land records show approximately 20 acres along Route 5 at the southern tip of the property was once owned by the County. Approved by the County Commissioners, it was sold to Charlotte Hall Commerce Center LLC in 2020 for $185K. The parcel was divided from other County owned land, including the New Market Transfer Station, Fifth District Park, and Lettie Dent Elementary, by a utility easement. The land was originally granted to the County in 1978 by the Maryland Board of Public Works.
