Room to Grow, Space to Thrive

Growth is not new to La Plata. We grew up on it. The mighty railroad industry at the turn of the 20th century thrust rural La Plata Station into the center of Maryland commerce with not much more than a warehouse and a passenger waiting room. In what would ultimately emerge as one of our nation's great economic eras, the Pennsylvania Railroad brought prosperity and proximity to Charles County, as well as people and business to La Plata.

The town's future had clearly arrived by rail. Growth spurred the relocation of the Charles County courthouse to La Plata. Its designation as the County Seat followed. Today, downtown La Plata hosts a vital cross section of businesses, financial institutions, major service providers, retailers, restaurants, professional practices and more - La Plata offers room to grow and space to thrive.

La Plata is also home to a vital, flourishing medical center - a regional, integrated health system that serves Charles County and the surrounding areas of Southern Maryland. Nurturing its community as well as regional growth, the medical center is aggressively expanding to accommodate the influx of physicians, their practices, and professional specialties.

A defining moment ...

Buoyed by the energy and opportunities of the new millennium, La Plata mapped out a vision and redevelopment plan for its historic downtown. It called for a better mix of business and the creation of a lifestyle-driven downtown that tapped in to values that keep communities alive and thriving. Simple, yet important, amenities such as sidewalks to link homes, offices, shops and restaurants were proposed. Pleasing streetscapes and landscapes were put on the drawing board. The plan would take time, and it would take money.

On April 28, 2002, La Plata's plans for growth were swiftly and painfully interrupted by a devastating tornado that leveled significant portions of the town. Yet, in adversity there is opportunity. The people of La Plata did what they have always done. They pulled together with unconquerable zeal and forged ahead on their redevelopment plan, now aided propitiously by the need to rebuild and by the funding from state and federal agencies.

Existing businesses have been restored and new businesses have arrived. Town landowners have built and expanded Class A office and retail space. The local economy is robust with strong parity to regional and national economies. And, as testimony to the strength of the region, the 2000 census listed Charles County as the seventh fastest growing jurisdiction among 17 in the Washington metropolitan area.

For businesses seeking relocation or expansion, La Plata brings to market one of the most dynamic and exciting opportunities in our nation's capitol region. It's a town with a vision, a can-do spirit, and a people who want businesses to thrive ...

Everything's here.
All we need is you.