Havre de Grace, MD – According to The Baltimore Sun, the city of Havre de Grace amended the zoning regulations for the former site of the University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital last week, paving the way for a new development focused on senior housing. The ordinance, enacted by Mayor Bill Martin, adjusts the zoning to permit the construction of Silver Housing Communities, which consist of single-family detached homes tailored specifically for seniors. These residences are designed to offer high-quality living options that align with the historic scale and natural environment of Havre de Grace.
The new homes will feature accessibility elements essential for aging residents, including at least one entrance with universal design principles, wider hallways, broader doorways, minimal steps, and elevated surfaces to enhance mobility and safety. This initiative supports the city’s broader efforts to create age-friendly environments within its community.
Adam Rybczynski, who serves as the city’s legislative liaison and senior aide to the mayor, indicated that developers plan to submit an application for subdivision approval to the Planning Commission within the next 90 days. Upon receiving approval, the demolition of the existing hospital structure will commence, a process expected to last between seven and ten months. The former hospital, which operated for over a century, has stood vacant since its relocation, leaving the downtown site ripe for redevelopment.
This zoning change was introduced in February as a key component of the Aging in Place initiative outlined in Havre de Grace’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan. The plan emphasizes enabling seniors to remain integrated into the local economy and the social fabric of the community. Mayor Martin highlighted the importance of such projects, stating, “We want Havre de Grace to be a place where you can live for your whole life. This ensures our residents have accessible options to stay in the city they love, close to friends and family, for years to come.”
The ordinance introduces an “S” zoning distinction for select lots within the Residential Office zoning strip, which extends approximately 10 blocks from Giles to Green streets. This area, previously known as the “hospital district,” was originally designated to accommodate support businesses like florists and pharmacies during the hospital’s active years. The amendment marks these parcels as suitable for senior-specific housing developments.
The Harford Memorial Hospital project represents the city’s first significant undertaking under the new zoning rules. Developers, led by local firm Trademark Homes, intend to raze the old hospital building and erect a mix of single-family homes, a public park, and the senior cottages. The development will occupy 16 lots bounded by Strawberry Lane and Washington, Lewis, and Revolution streets. Clark Turner, the project representative for Trademark Homes, assured that the new structures would emulate the architectural style of nearby Washington Street and Union Avenue, preserving the historic character of the neighborhood.
One specific example of the project’s community integration is the inclusion of a park, which will provide green space for residents and visitors alike, fostering social interactions among seniors and the broader population. Additionally, the 16 lots targeted for development highlight the scale of this initiative, transforming a once-medical hub into a vibrant residential area for over a dozen senior households.
This redevelopment not only addresses the housing needs of an aging population in Maryland‘s Harford County but also revitalizes a key downtown location. By prioritizing accessibility and compatibility with local aesthetics, the project aligns with ongoing efforts to support senior care and economic growth in the region. City officials anticipate that the subdivision approval process will move forward efficiently, bringing new life to the site in the coming years. For more information, visit The Baltimore Sun.