CASCADE, MD (September 24, 2025) – The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development is proud to announce that Historic Fort Ritchie is undergoing a transformative revitalization, marked by new business growth, cultural enrichment, community engagement, and substantial private investment. Once a military installation, the site is being reimagined as a vibrant mixed-use community that blends history, wellness, commerce, and quality of life.
Several local businesses have recently opened at Fort Ritchie, including:
- Ritchie Rations
- The Greenhouse Café
- Nisei Gallery and Artisan Village
- Top Secret Tap Room
- Sweet Thyme Breads & Treats
- Mystical Paws Pet Grooming
- Flat Top Suites
- Meritus Health
The Ritchie History Museum continues to preserve and share the site’s unique legacy, welcoming visitors throughout the week.
A major milestone in the redevelopment effort is the establishment of SJ Incorporation’s 35,000-square-foot medical and device component production facility—the largest commercial investment at Fort Ritchie to date. This project is expected to create approximately 300 full-time jobs over the next four years, strengthening the regional economy and further establishing Fort Ritchie as a hub for business growth.
Community initiatives remain central to Fort Ritchie’s revival, with upcoming events including the Ritchie Boy Reunion, craft bazaars, holiday markets, and the development of a memorial garden. Restoration work is also underway on several historic buildings, with plans to expand residential, commercial, and recreational use across the site.
“The revitalization of Fort Ritchie represents an exciting chapter for Cascade and the broader Washington County community,” said Jonathan Horowitz, Director of Business and Economic Development. “With new businesses opening, historic sites being preserved, and hundreds of jobs coming to the region, Fort Ritchie is emerging as a vibrant hub where history, commerce, and community come together.”
The continued growth at Fort Ritchie highlights the site’s potential to serve as a model for sustainable redevelopment, where history, commerce, and community thrive together.
For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380.
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