Paca Street is ready to begin a new chapter in its history. LUMA, LLC is approaching the end of a remodeling project that will revitalize 206 and 208 Paca Street, bringing new, updated apartment options and versatile retail or office space to Downtown Cumberland using funding support from the Invest Allegany grant.  The classic brick buildings, located just off Interstate 68, were first constructed in 1900. Shortly thereafter, 206 Paca Street became home to Geatz’s Restaurant, one of Maryland’s longest-running eateries, originally established in the town center in 1880. During its early years, Cumberland residents could enjoy a locally made lager at the restaurant for just five cents. After 137 years in business, the anchor establishment closed its doors in 2017.

107 Polk Street, an architectural landmark in Downtown Cumberland, is stepping into a new era. Using the Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD) Invest Allegany grant, the former Junior Masonic Lodge has undergone a transformative refurbishment, creating five modern, market-rate apartments. This construction is part of a strategic effort to revitalize vacant and underused properties in Allegany County. Hunter Abell is a third-generation contractor and President of his family’s construction business, Jack Abell, Inc. The firm has a long history in Cumberland, Maryland, where it was established in 1978. Originally purchased as a personal property, Abell bought the building in 2005 and saved funds to renovate it to its former glory.

As Allegany County continues to develop and expand, the demand for residential housing options grows. Responding to this need, the Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD) Invest Allegany grant program provides a financial conduit to spur adaptive reuse projects in the county’s downtown and main street areas. The program incentivizes the conversion of vacant or underutilized downtown spaces into viable mixed-use properties to help create housing options and boost business.N Mechanic Street, a principal thoroughfare alongside downtown Cumberland’s Wills Creek, will soon host three new apartments in upper-level space that had previously been commercial offices using funding from Invest Allegany. The building is under refurbishment by the North Mechanic, LLC. team, John Macy and Constance (Connie) LePrevost.  

Ristorante Ottaviani believes that family and community are the same. As it approaches its 17th year in business, the classic Italian restaurant continues to serve authentic recipes, employ family members across the generations, and welcome all visitors to Cumberland as if they are a part of the Ottaviani family. “Family is at the center of everything we do,” shares founder Adrienne Ottaviani. “Whether that is with our staff or those who come in to eat—everyone becomes family with us.” Now under her son Tony’s ownership, the restaurant has branched into new ventures with the Ottaviani’s Tasting Room and Lounge, next door to the original restaurant. 

After years of vacancy, 118 Baltimore Street is now the focus of a transformative renovation in downtown Cumberland. Now known as “The Rosenbaum,” this former department store is being renovated by CG Enterprises into a mixed-use commercial and residential space. The aim is to draw businesses, create jobs, and provide residential living options. Given its central location, The Rosenbaum will serve as a hub where residents, businesses, and tourists intersect, fostering connections and providing a chance to explore and engage with the distinct offerings of Allegany County.The five-story building, built in 1899, was home to the Rosenbaum Brothers Department store. Owned by Jewish-German immigrants, the store employed 200 people at its peak. Even after its closure in 1971, the site left a lasting impression on Cumberland residents. CG Enterprises’ principal team members, Garrett Eagan and Chris Hendershot, remember the building from their childhood in Cumberland. Eagan shares, “My family knows local Cumberland history. Between their stories and seeing the building in paintings of old downtown, Chris and I were aware of the Rosenbaums even though the department store had closed before our time. The building’s facade remains a focal point of Baltimore Street.”

Entering 2024, the Allegany County Economic and Community Development Department is set to continue its initiatives aimed at regional growth and progress. This year, residents, business owners, and partners can expect to see critical long-term investments materialize, along with the commencement of various additional projects. A major focus for Allegany County Economic and Community Development is to make the area a more livable community through accessible housing, diverse quality-of-life services, robust business attraction efforts, and ample job and career opportunities.“All parts of the economic and community ecosystem need to improve to move Allegany County forward,” impresses Jeffrey Barclay, Director of Economic and Community Development. “Businesses can thrive here if housing is available for employees. Residents can work if childcare services are accessible. Added amenities in the area make it more enjoyable to live here. We have improvements to make, and all areas of our community are strengthening in 2024.” 

After months of intensive rehabilitation, The McMullen Building, Baltimore Street's iconic anchor building, is opening its doors to new, upper story residents. Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ECD) caught up with CG Enterprises principals Chris Hendershot (CH) and Garrett Eagan (GE), the group behind the historic renovation, to learn more about the project's final months and plans to come. The below interview was edited for clarity and brevity. If you haven't already, take a moment to read our previous interview with the group and see some of the work in progress.Photos courtesy of Lorie Rummer Photography.

The McMullen Building, a well known anchor structure on the corner of Baltimore Street and N. George Street, is undergoing a major renovation and will soon be home to 14 luxury apartments and additional commercial frontage. The former department store building is being redeveloped by the building's owner, CG Enterprises, and was awarded $250,000 from the Allegany County Commissioners as a winner of the Invest Allegany grant program.Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ECD) had a chance to walk the site with partners Chris Hendershot, Garrett Eagan and Zach Hattenfield last September to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with redeveloping a legacy building into modern and desirable housing. During that interview, the team generously allowed us to photograph the construction of the building. The images below represent early, in-progress renovation of this historic building.This is the first part of an ongoing series profiling Invest Allegany grant award winners and the adaptive reuse projects that are revitalizing the County's architectural landscape. The below interview has been edited for content and clarity. Photos courtesy of Janelle Mulétz Photography.