About us

Downtown Live! is a multi-dimensional concept.

Devised by Demcore, this concept has been thoughtfully and steadily developing for over four years and is now picking up steam and rolling out in downtown Hagerstown. The new and vibrant Downtown Live! Hagerstown.

True to this vision, Demcore embarked on a steady campaign to assemble and shape the direction of the real estate in and around Hagerstown’s downtown core, an area which eventually became designated by the city as an Arts & Entertainment District. Demcore has been successful in gaining ownership and implementing complementary businesses within the new neighborhood, including new office, retail, residential, and entertainment destinations.

It is extremely important to understand the proximity of the existing anchors within the block. First, as part of the Arts & Entertainment District, it consists of The Maryland Theatre, the Washington County Library (main branch), a newly constructed parking deck, the Barbara Ingram School for the Performing Arts (projected to open in January 2009), the Washington County Arts Council offices and gallery, and many restaurants that are already open or planned to debut in the near future. All of these amenities are within a safe walking distance of Public Square in downtown Hagerstown; the crossing points north, south, east and west. Additionally, the University System of Maryland has opened a campus that has exceeded growth expectations and is looking for more office, and potentially, classroom space. In order to continue the momentum, Demcore’s multi-faceted approach has overcome issues that have held back progress in the past. Demcore initially bought properties within the district that were solid, income generating, mixed-use buildings consisting of ground floor retail, second floor office space and some under-valued apartments. The quality of the units detracted from the potential of creating a vibrant and successful area. Now, the key is renovating what were neglected properties into quality, useful spaces. By appealing to homeowners and renters who will feel pride of ownership and stewardship in their surroundings, the neighborhood begins to realize a solid base of residents and the vitality to spur the retail, office, and entertainment facets of the project.

Focusing on the residential aspect, it is highly important to consider the varying needs of the renters and buyers for the area. In this vein, Demcore believes the market to be somewhat fragmented in that there are either very upscale or very poor enclaves of rental housing and residential condominiums.

The housing stock within the immediate area has traditionally been poor. In fulfilling the concept, all Section 8 housing units within the district will become either renovated market-rate rentals or condominiums. Additionally, vacant multi-family buildings will begin to be renovated with the intention of introducing more units into this new neighborhood. Some of the conversion of apartments has already begun. In addition to The Residences, there are approximately thirty units within the block that have been vacated and are in different stages of renovation.

Therefore, it is worthy to note: for the innovative individuals who have already discovered the charm of Hagerstown, and for those with an insightful nature who are interested this early in the process, Downtown Live! is creating an exciting and rewarding future.

Finally, in reviewing similar projects in other areas, the desire to visit, work – or more importantly – live in an historic, cohesive neighborhood is significant. The tremendous growth the area is experiencing due to the influx of government-based workers and the push outward from the larger metropolitan areas of Baltimore, Washington, and even Frederick, will fuel the concept. As the cost of living in these areas continues to rise, our products will be assessed according to market demands, and will undoubtedly be priced lower than these markets.

The Residences on South Potomac is not one lone project in t he middle of an area in downtown. It is one piece of an evolving area in the core of downtown Hagerstown; the new and vibrant Downtown Live! Hagerstown.

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