Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
UMES buys former True Value building, plans entrepreneurship hub in Princess Anne
Summary
UMES has purchased the former True Value Hardware in Princess Anne and plans to renovate it into an entrepreneurship hub with a culinary launchpad, rotating vendor kitchens, retail micro-stalls, makerspace and business education; UMES expects a phased opening and an engineering study will guide scope and timing.
Dr. Pamela Allison, endowed chair of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), told the Princess Anne council that UMES purchased the former True Value Hardware building on November 18 and will renovate it into an off-campus entrepreneurship hub intended to boost local economic activity.
The project will combine an FDA-compliant culinary launchpad for cottage-food producers, rotating vendor kitchens for 18–24 month business incubation, a general store for artisans, four small 10-by-10 retail stalls facing the street, shared offices and conference rooms, and a makerspace equipped for prototyping and packaging, Dr. Allison said. UMES also plans classes in financial literacy and mentor-led support to help entrepreneurs price products and transition to independent operations.
"We bought the building right across the street from us ... we're really excited to tell you what's coming," Dr. Allison said, emphasizing a phased approach to opening parts of the building as renovations proceed. She said grant funding and donations helped make the purchase possible and that an engineering study already underway (estimated at about six to eight weeks) will determine whether portions of the building must be replaced or can be renovated.
Councilors and members of the public asked about parking, flood risk and site work. Dr. Allison said Monoclum Park's adjacent large lot could be used for parking but noted it is in a critical flood zone; she reported she had been "told they don't care if cars flood" while explaining the practical tradeoffs being considered pending final engineering guidance. UMES also said it has applied for a grant to renovate the adjacent street and alley into a walkable trail to better connect the site to the community.
UMES staff said online vendor applications have opened and brochures were available at the meeting; selection for on-site vendor spaces will be made by a committee roughly one year before opening. Dr. Allison described a "ramp up" rent model rather than indefinite free space, with mentor support and a mix of commission-based retail shelf sales and low rent for dedicated vendor spaces.
The council thanked UMES for the presentation and said it looked forward to updates; Dr. Allison encouraged council members and community volunteers to participate in education and compliance discussions as the project proceeds.
Next steps: UMES will complete the engineering study, pursue the streetscape grant and proceed to bid and phased construction; UMES representatives asked the town to expect periodic updates and engagement as plans firm up.
