Potential developers express interest in Cambridge Harbor

By P. Ryan Anthony, Special To Dorchester Banner
Posted 11/29/22

CAMBRIDGE - Nov. 15 closed the 123-day period for potential development partners to respond to a Request for Expressions of Interest in the Cambridge Harbor project.

The REOI was issued by …

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Potential developers express interest in Cambridge Harbor

Posted

CAMBRIDGE - Nov. 15 closed the 123-day period for potential development partners to respond to a Request for Expressions of Interest in the Cambridge Harbor project.

The REOI was issued by Cambridge Waterfront Development Inc., the nonprofit corporation created through an agreement of the city of Cambridge, Dorchester County and the state of Maryland to develop Cambridge Harbor.

CWDI received 27 responses from developers, general contractors, designers, vendors, site activation entities and others interested in helping to plan, develop and activate the waterfront project.

“We are very pleased with the results,” said CWDI Executive Director Matt Leonard. “The quantity and quality are exactly what we need to move the process forward.”

Cambridge Harbor is to be built on 30-plus developable acres along Cambridge Creek and the Choptank River, which already include a deep-water port, 470-foot public wharf, boat ramp and working waterfront. Next to the development area is Sailwinds Park, public open space that includes a beach, playground and visitor center.

This new district will feature a biking/walking promenade, hotel, food and beverage establishments, entertainment and public recreation venues, retail shops, office space and mixed-use residential structures.

Developed in partnership with and to the benefit of the community, it is to be a highly activated area that will promote Cambridge and Dorchester County’s history, heritage and culture while also serving as an inviting tourist destination.

Starting on July 15, CWDI proactively sent the REOI to potential respondents directly as well as through its mission partners. The request asked interested parties to tell about themselves and their desired position in the harbor project, what they have done in the past in a capacity similar to that required for this endeavor, and how they can repeat that performance with CWDI.

In collaboration with the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, two in-person sessions were held Aug. 15 and Oct. 18. CWDI also performed face-to-face visits to respondent sites in such places as Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida. Additionally, 24 of the prospects inspected the Cambridge Harbor site personally.

“The aim of the REOI process is to identify and conform a group of best development and activation partners,” said Leonard. “The collaborative and interactive REOI process helped broaden the types of respondents while improving the quality of their responses.”

CWDI will spend the first quarter of 2023 evaluating the capabilities of the respondents and how well they might fit the project. The goal is to make Cambridge Harbor an enjoyable place to live, work, play and visit.

For additional information, contact Leonard at matt.leonard@cwdimd.org or 434-579-0374.

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