Project By: Chelsea Elliott, Meredith Rosson, Chase Williamson
Located in Allegany County, Maryland, Cumberland is a historic river town steeped in rich history. During the mid-1900s, Cumberland thrived as a hub of industry and commerce, earning it the nickname "The Queen City." However, the decline of manufacturing and the closure of key industries led to significant economic challenges. Today, Cumberland sits conveniently at the crossroads of major highways and railways, offering a quieter pace of life while maintaining close proximity to urban centers like Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh. It sits along the Potomac River and its historic charm make it a peaceful escape with a strong sense of community.
Canal Place
Baltimore Street
Willis Creek
Willis Mountain State Park "The Narrows"
The redevelopment of Cumberland Maryland implements a holistic approach that focuses on ecological restoration, mixed use development and activated public spaces. The design implementation focuses around three key characteristics; redevelopment that further integrates The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) into downtown Cumberland, the naturalization of Willis Creek and expanding public infrastructure that aims to provide complete streets to residents. With these three core initiatives our goal is to progress Cumberland towards environmental stewardship while preserving and maintaining historical and cultural elements of the Queen City.