Waterfront demolition in Cambridge promises mixed-use development, as former hospital torn down

CAMBRIDGE, Md. –  An iconic fixture of the Cambridge Waterfront is being torn down to make way for a waterfront renovation that is set to revamp the town’s economy and businesses.

The University Maryland Shore Medical Center will be completely demolished by the end of the year, as part of a 35-acre plot of land set for development by the public-private partnership Cambridge Waterfront Development Inc.

The project is set to bring parks, mixed-used development, restaurants, stages, and hotels to the grounds once occupied by the hospital.

Executive Director Matthew Leonard tells us the funding is secured through a series of grants, bond leases, and other investments through the state that will keep the project going for the decade expected to bring the project to completion.

“We are going to develop these acres about half will remain public spaces, a promenade all on the waterfront with a stage and beach and playground and events, the rest will be hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use space,” he said adding  “those verticle developments are many years away but the stages and parks can be done within two to three years,” Leonard said.

He tells us that while the renovation is set to be completed this year, he understands the sentimental value the hospital has had in the community.

“We understand people are born here and people were healed here, and so we are making bricks from the demolition available for that sentimental value for the community,” Leonard said.