Ritchie Revival - Bringing Back the Fort by Frederick News-Post

FORT RITCHIE

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A Rousing Revival

FORT RITCHIE REDEVELOPMENT TAKES OFF

BY KATE MCDERMOTT

Since it officially closed in 1998 as a result of the Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, Fort Ritchie has been the focus of a series of unsuccessful redevelopment projects –until now.

It’s current developer, Ritchie Revival, has successfully renovated 90 buildings on the 638-acre property in Cascade, Maryland. In the process, they have created new residential, retail and manufacturing spaces that are tapping into the potential of a long-neglected mountaintop property that has been described as “a diamond with a lot of dust on it.”

But the dust is being swept away and people who thought Fort Ritchie was just an abandoned army post with lots of old buildings are in for quite a surprise.

Visitors to the fort today can fill up at several eateries, including the Greenhouse Café, which is housed in the former general’s quarters, or the Top Secret Tap Room, which offers food and drinks beside the parade field. Sweet tooths can grab some treats at the Mountain Top Ice Cream Shop while the Ritchie Rations convenience store offers locally sourced organic produce and other groceries.

Long-time visitors to the fort will be pleased to know that Lakeside Hall, the former officers’ club with views of Lake Royer, continues to be a sought-after destination for special events and weddings. But it now has several new neighbors, such as the Flat Top Suites, Mystical Paws Pet Grooming and Apotheke DuJardin, which offers holistic health and wellness products.

Later this year, a bakery and you-pick flower farm will open at the fort as well.

These retail businesses, along with Harmon Automotive Services and Meritus Health Primary Care, are supported by the burgeoning residential development happening at the fort.

Residents of the 58 renovated townhomes in the Whistling Ridge neighborhood enjoy complementary memberships to the Fort Ritchie Community and Fitness Center, while the Barrick Project is restoring the century-old “Finger Buildings” near the fort’s main gate into a mix of residential and retail spaces. Currently, 17 of the 35 buildings are ready for occupancy.

{If it’s standing, we’re going to fix it.”

JOHN KRUMPOTICH, Owner & President of Ritchie Revival

UNEARTHING THE PAST WHILE BUILDING THE FUTURE

John Krumpotich, owner and president of Ritchie Revival, the developer behind all this progress, says that to date, his company has renovated 90 buildings on the property. “We are never not digging,” he joked, noting that repairing the property’s old Army infrastructure has resulted in miles of new electric lines and sewers as well as more than 70 new water taps.

In creating the fort’s future, construction crews have unearthed many relics that speak to its historic past. This includes a mural believed to have been painted during World War II by Nisei soldiers (first- or secondgeneration Japanese Americans) who volunteered and served at the Military Intelligence Service training center then located at Fort Ritchie. The mural has been preserved and is on display at Fort Ritchie’s Nisei Gallery, which hosts exhibitions as well as

“We’ve uncovered lots of pieces of Army insignia and much more,” Krumpotich said. Many of those finds then find their way to the Ritchie History Museum, where a growing body of artifacts and soldier stories are educating new generations about the men and women from the fort who participated in every major conflict from World War II to the Gulf War.

With its imposing stone architecture, including the main gate that features two castle towers, it’s no surprise the property has caught the eye of Hollywood producers as well.

Paramount+ filmed much of its military drama “Special Ops: Lioness” at Fort Ritchie. Fans of the show are likely to recognize many of the backdrops used during the filming.

Krumpotich says given its size and historic structures, Fort Ritchie has become well-known among movie makers. “We get film requests on a regular basis but we have to be selective,” he said, especially since the fort is already a buzz of activity with the ongoing redevelopment of its buildings.

INVESTING IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY

In addition to Fort Ritchie’s new residential and retail businesses, the property has also attracted large manufacturers. The fort’s former PX is now home to JRJ Manufacturing which produces air handler units. The old commissary houses Harshman Automotive, a maker of aluminum automotive parts.

We are creating hundreds of new jobs for people in western Maryland and southcentral Pennsylvania.

JOHN KRUMPOTICH, Owner & President of Ritchie Revival

Ritchie Historical Museum

Finger Buildings

Located within the portion of Fort Ritchie that has been designated a Foreign Trade Zone, these manufacturers can take advantage of customs and import duty exemptions. The businesses also recognize the benefit of Fort Ritchie’s proximity to the major transportation hubs of Hagerstown and Frederick.

It seems that at last, Fort Ritchie is finally fulfilling its promise as an economic engine for Washington and Frederick counties in Maryland and Franklin and Adams counties in Pennsylvania.

“With our growing mix of manufacturing, retail and residential construction, we are creating hundreds of new jobs for people in western Maryland and southcentral Pennsylvania,” Krumpotich said. “And each new business and new resident is also supporting the surrounding areas by growing the local tax base. It’s a win-win for all.”

The years of hard work and tireless determination are now paying off.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to bring this place back,” he added. “We realize that for a long time, Fort Ritchie has remained somewhat of a well-kept secret, but we don’t want to be secret anymore.”

As word spreads, Krumpotich envisions a Fort Ritchie bustling with residents and visitors enjoying a range of year-round activities. That might mean taking in the fort’s stunning backdrop of fall colors, grabbing a hot chocolate after a winter stroll in the shadow of the snow-dusted Blue Ridge mountains, welcoming spring with local produce and flowers, or stopping for an ice cream cone after an afternoon of fishing in Lake Royer.

“I like to say we’re closely isolated,” he said. “We are close to Hagerstown, Frederick and Gettysburg, but when you come up to the top of the mountain, it’s like you’re in another world.”

History of Fort Ritchie

Fort Ritchie, formerly Camp Ritchie, started construction in 1926 under the National Guard. The former area of the Buena Vista Ice Company was the prime location because of the rail and telegram line, close proximity to Washington D.C., and the summer heat not being an issue. The base was named Camp Ritchie after Maryland Governor Albert C. Ritchie.

The Army rented Camp Ritchie from the National Guard for $1 a year during the Second World War. Using men who had knowledge of foreign languages and cultures, the Army designated Camp Ritchie as the Military Intelligence Training Center (MITC). Individuals were taught how to intercept enemy communications, how to establish battlefield communications, and how to conduct interrogations.

After World War II, the Army returned the property to the National Guard, but bought it in 1948. Once Camp Ritchie was in the hands of the Army, they dissolved the MITC, established Ritchie as the more permanent Fort Ritchie in 1951, and

transformed it into a communications base. In 1975 the 7th Signal Command was activated at Fort Ritchie. The property was abandoned in 1998 due to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act of 1995, an act by the government to save money by shutting down military bases.

In May of 2021, locals John and Joyce Krumpotich bought the fort with the intention to bring it back to life. Since the founding of Ritchie Revival, nearly 100 buildings have been renovated and turned into residences, businesses, and overnight lodging. The current project for Ritchie Revival is the renovation of the 35 former mess halls, known as the finger buildings.

1926 National Guard Training Camp 1942

MITC (Military Intelligence Training Center) 1950

Raven Rock Mountain Complex Above Ground Command

Fort Ritchie Closed 1998-2020

Bought and sold by a number of development companies 2021

Life at Ritchie Revival

Reviving History, Building Community:

At Ritchie Revival, our mis sion is to bring back the magic of Fort Ritchie, an abandoned treasure perched atop the Appalachian Mountains. We are all about cherishing the stories of Fort Ritchie and breathing new life into Cascade, Maryland.

Since the Forts purchase in 2021, Cascade Properties and Ritchie Revival have spearheaded the revitalization of Fort Ritchie through the revival and management of the existing buildings on the fort.

Each home has been completely renovated, and new shopping, dining, and entertainment projects have been opened nearby. Residents enjoy off-street parking, in-home laundry, grounds maintenance and snow removal, as well as included membership to the Fort Ritchie Community and Fitness Center.

Ritchie Revival has had open ears to any business interested in opening their doors within these gates. From manufacturing to pet grooming, The opportunities are endless.

For more information on Ritchie Revival, contact 301-241-2231 or RitchieRevival@ritchierevival.com.

The Barrick Project is the ongoing renovation of the finger buildings in the historic district of Fort Ritchie. These nearly one hundred year old buildings lived many lives, such as mess halls, offices, bachelors quarters, and classrooms. Just under half of the finger buildings have been converted into housing, businesses, and overnight lodging.

Artists renderings subject to change.

HARSHMAN AUTOMOTIVE

HARMAN AUTOMOTIVE

MOUNTAIN TOP ICE CREAM

RITCHIE REVIVAL

RICTHIE CHAPEL

APOTHEKE DUJARDIN NISEI GALLERY

RITCHIE HISTORY MUSEUM

LAKESIDE HALL

THE GREENHOUSE CAFE

FORT RITCHIE COMMUNITY CENTER

TOP SECRET TAP ROOM

MYSTICAL PAWS PET GROOMING

RITCHIE RATIONS

Greenhouse Cafe

The Greenhouse Café is an established coffee shop that opened in October of 2022. The Greenhouse Cafe sells locally roasted coffee, breakfast and lunch, plants, and secondhand books. It’s the best place to get some work done, meet up with friends, and just enjoy the beautiful scenery of the fort!

Nisei Gallery

The Nisei Gallery is an art gallery located in two finger buildings, with a connector that was built in 1942. After the addition, the building served as the co-location for the Post Signal Office and Western Union on base during WWII. In 1959 the building turned into a craft and hobby shop. The Gallery is focused on building a community of local artists and artisans, and providing affordable exposure to new techniques, mediums, and equipment. Classes and Workshops are hosted by local artists with a wide variety of skills and expertise.

Top Secret Tap Room

Built as the 5th Regimental HQ in 1934, this building is now a casual neighborhood pub offering happy hours, local craft beer, food, and an excellent view. Hosting weekly events like live music, karaoke, trivia, and more!

Lakeside Hall

A HISTORICALLY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Built in 1927 by the Maryland National Guard as a clubhouse and later used as the officers club for the US Army until 1998, Lakeside Hall sits resolutely along beautiful Lake Royer. With a large deck overlooking the lake, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, and high ceilings with American Chestnut beams, Lakeside is a perfect place for special occasions.

UNBEATABLE VIEWS

EVERLASTING MEMORIES

ACCOMMODATE 150 GUESTS

Photo by J&M Photo Video

The Chapel

The Chapel at Fort Ritchie was constructed in 1942 to accommodate the religious services of our service members. The Chapel was non-denominational and hosted over 70 nationalities of soldiers who trained here from 1942-1946. On any given week, it hosted Catholic, Protestant, Hebrew, Greek Orthodox, and Christian Science services, however most every religion has worshiped in the building at one time. The Fort Ritchie Chapel has recently been brought back to hosting service.

Mountain Top Ice Cream Shop

One of Fort Ritchie’s first businesses on site, Mountain Top has become a staple in the community during the summer months. Serving ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, and snacks. The perfect place to beat the heat and eat a sweet treat.

Ritchie Rations

Recently opened and is a general store that will take you back in time to the general stores you grew up going to. Offering penny candy, sodas, locally sourced organic foods, and more.

FUNS FACTS ABOUT FORT RITCHIE Did you know?

While the Finger Buildings were never used as barracks, they were used as Officer’s Bachelors Quarters during the construction of Raven Rock around 1951.

1 2 3 6 5

The Greenhouse Cafe is the former home of base architect Robert Barrick.

The Castle was built in 1928 and used as a reception center, post commanders office, and then the post headquarters from the 1950s until 1998.

Meritus Primary Care is the first primary care facility in Cascade, Maryland.

9 4 7 8

The last ice house at Fort Ritchie was destroyed to make way for Lakeside Hall

The current headquarters for Ritchie Revival is inside of the firehouse. This building was finished in March of 1995, one month prior to the introduction of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act 1995 that closed the base three years later.

The Parade Field is home to the Liberty Tree and Normandy Tree. The Liberty Tree is grown in soil from Independence Hall and features stones from the 13 original colonies. The Normandy Tree is planted in soil taken from Normandy Beach.

The Ritchie History Museum building has a long history, from being an officers’ mess hall, post office during WWII, administrative offices, and even the Robert Barrick Memorial Library.

The Fort Ritchie Chapel was used many times by Jimmy Carter during his stays at Camp David.

Special Ops: Lioness, a show on Paramount+, has garnered enthusiastic acclaim from both reviewers and its audience. A significant portion of the show was shot at Fort Ritchie.

The Growth of Fort Richie

The growth of Fort Ritchie is a testament to the dedication of our team and the ongoing support from the community of individuals who hold it near and dear to their hearts.

The remnants of a once abandoned fort stood as a blank canvas for years, begging all who entered its gates to imagine what it could be. As the revival continues, some of these dreams have become reality while others wait in the wings for upcoming businesses to bring them to fruition. Our goals here at Fort Ritchie fall into two categories: community and development. For decades, this fort was brimming with activity. The teams of civilian and military groups that brought events and engagement through the gates made Fort Ritchie a station enviable for those in service. Those who visit reminisce on the memories they made here and are often delighted to hear that we’ve kept some of those traditions alive. While the historic buildings and traditions still stand tall, we are bringing new life to the fort.

Our primary focus is the full renovation of the historic buildings on base. We want to honor the legacy that the fort has had through this continued effort.

The Barrick Project is the renovation of the 35 finger buildings that line Barrick Avenue, the hub of the historic district. Through the completed renovation of half of these buildings, we have introduced residences, businesses, and overnight lodging to the fort. This is just one example of the work being done to the historic district. We will be bringing more businesses into this area with Stone House Urban Winery in the castle, and Discovery Station in the SCIF beside the Top Secret Tap Room. These projects are on the immediate horizon for us. As we look towards the future, we have fewer and fewer buildings to renovate. Our next step is expansion. We are currently in the early stages of developing a plan for the addition of 10 new buildings behind the museum and the upcoming commemorative garden. Though they are still conceptual, these buildings are intended to be constructed with the same style and influences as the rest of the historic buildings to preserve the historic look and charm of the fort.

With all of this focus on the buildings, we can’t forget about the grounds themselves. The destruction of the wooden barrack buildings behind the finger buildings left big open fields that we would like to continue to nurture and eventually improve with the addition of various outdoor spaces. The Nature Center will be a welcome addition to the fort in what was formerly known as the teen center. Providing information on the Appalachian background that surrounds Fort Ritchie, classes, and other activities.

It is no question that the journey to rebuild is a long one. Here at Ritchie Revival, we don’t care how long it takes. Our final goal for Fort Ritchie is for it to become a place where people can visit from all over to pay respect to those who served here, to experience the beauty that is the Appalachian Mountains, and to live and thrive in a community that loves this place just as much as we do.