MCB REAL ESTATE'S REPOSITIONING OF WESTRIDGE SQUARE IN FREDERICK, MARYLAND ATTRACTS NEW ANCHOR

Crunch Fitness, national franchise concept which fuses fitness and entertainment, opens new two-story, 40,000 square foot facility in 252.000 square foot shopping center

FREDERICK, Md., March 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Soon after acquiring Westridge Square in 2022, MCB Real Estate launched a comprehensive repositioning strategy focusing on tenant relocations, new leasing efforts, zoning and entitlement approvals, and extensive property upgrades, an approach that is now delivering results. Among the highlights of this multi-faceted campaign undertaken at the 252,000 square foot regional shopping center in Frederick, Maryland was attracting another anchor tenant in Crunch Fitness, a national franchise concept which recently opened within a 40,000 square foot space at 1005 West Patrick Street. The total investment by MCB Real Estate, a privately-held institutional investment management firm and development firm headquartered in Baltimore, eclipsed $6 million over a two-year period.

"Upon analysis of all the intricacies of Westridge Square and its placement within the greater Frederick-area retail landscape, one factor was immediately apparent," explained MCB Principal Drew Gorman. "This was an asset that had far fallen behind its peer group in the Frederick region and was desperately in need of a major facelift, merchandising strategy and creative thinking to best satisfy the local community's diverse shopping needs."

One Westridge Square aspect that did not need improvement was its location. According to Gorman, the center's positioning along Frederick's "Golden Mile" near the MD Route 40 corridor, the center benefits from strong demographics, ample traffic, and high visibility. Less than a quarter mile from I-270, it offers easy access to a growing population of nearly 140,000 residents and 6,200 businesses within a 15-minute drive, attracting commuters seeking a balance of affordability, low-density living, vibrant community amenities, and convenient access to the DC metro area.

"Consumer shopping habits and trends have changed considerably since Westridge Square was delivered in 1985, and to best compete with newer retail venues, it was important to reformat the site plan, reinvigorate a dormant courtyard plaza area, introduce new tenancy, and significantly upgrade the appearance of the asset," Gorman said.

MCB embraced the challenge of the center's varying elevations by making significant structural modifications within the two-story portions of the center. This was accomplished by connecting the former one-story Gold's Gym space with the majority of the upper-level courtyard space, transforming it into the two-story Crunch Frederick. This was complemented by a complete renovation of the exterior façade, incorporating new signage facades, wood-style finishes, and a completely new color palate for a modern, upscale appearance. New signage, placemaking elements, and landscaping were also introduced, inviting consumers to linger, socialize, and enjoy the open-air environment.

Crunch Frederick now occupies two levels totaling approximately 40,000 square feet at Westridge Square, establishing a state-of-the-art, fitness facility. The layout of the center was ideal for introducing this market-leading concept, which was configured in response to evolving fitness trends. In addition to its expansive indoor offerings, Crunch Frederick features a 2,500 square foot outdoor space as part of the revisions to the courtyard area.

According to franchise owner Chad Smith, this outdoor area is popular in warmer weather climates such as Florida but has been successfully executed around the country. "Exercising outdoors became a necessity during COVID, and input from our members show that they enjoy breathing fresh air and having the sun on their faces," Smith said. "Few fitness centers offer this option but this feature has become a significant draw. In addition, when Westridge Square shoppers see people exercising out in the open, it might encourage them to give our concept a try."

Crunch Frederick Opens with Record-Breaking Pre-Opening Demand

This is Smith's 13^th Crunch Fitness opening and the strong consumer market in Frederick has contributed to record-breaking pre-opening numbers, exceeding any in the franchise group. He attributes this success to "our ability to deliver a signature high-quality experience at a price point which generates tremendous interest among members at all experience levels." Discounted rates begin at $9.99 per month and prospective members can enroll for just $1.

The facility offers cardio and strength training equipment, personal training, a dedicated group fitness and boxing studio, Hot Yoga, Ride cycling classes, Olympic lifting platforms, TRX®, a functional HITTZONE™ training area with indoor and outdoor turn, HydroMassage® beds, fitness therapy, cryotherapy, Kids Crunch babysitting, and full-service locker rooms with showers and a sauna.

"Boutique-style health and fitness facilities are in vogue and our concept gathers many different work-out and health elements under one roof for every fitness, wellness, relaxation and recovery experience," Smith said. "Westridge Square checked every box for us, and the unique two-story layout perfectly suited our vision. We are filling a void in the Frederick area as our pre-membership numbers clearly demonstrate."

Approximately 50 trainers and support staff work at the facility. Crunch Fitness serves more than two million members with more than 500 gyms in seven countries, including locations in 41 U.S. states.

The Future of Westridge Square

Crunch Frederick co-anchors Westridge Square with H Mart, strengthening its appeal as a vibrant shopping and lifestyle hub. With a diverse tenant mix, including il forno Pizzeria, Biomat USA, Westridge Liquor, Outback Steakhouse, and a soon to open Chase Bank, the center continues to attract highly regarded retail and service providers. MCB Real Estate is also exploring a residential component to enhance long-term success, following rezoning approval in late 2023. Positioned in a high-growth area with strong demographics and easy highway access, Westridge Square is evolving into a premier mixed-use destination, blending modern living with exceptional retail and lifestyle experiences.

About MCB Real Estate

Founded in 2007, MCB Real Estate is a community-centric, privately-held institutional investment management and development firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. The company boasts a nationwide portfolio of operating assets totaling approximately 15 million square feet of industrial, office, retail, mixed-use, multi-family, and life sciences properties with almost four million square feet of space in its development pipeline. The firm offers a seamlessly integrated suite of commercial real estate investment services, including development, construction, property management, asset management, acquisitions, and legal expertise, thus ensuring comprehensive support throughout every stage of an asset's lifecycle. Backed by a passionate and experienced team, MCB Real Estate transforms spaces into purpose-built places. www.mcbrealestate.com

SOURCE MCB Real Estate