Chesapeake City Developer’s Vision is to Address Community Needs While Practicing Smart Growth
By Drewe Phinny
Builder Dean Geracimos dabbled in real estate with his businesses in Ocean City, Maryland. Then, in 1998, he and his wife, Pam moved to Cecil County, and that’s when he got the itch to make something really substantial happen through development. “My wife’s family is from Chesapeake City,” said Geracimos. “We were just starting our family and we wanted to bring our kids up in an environment like this. After we lived in Chesapeake City for a few years, there were a few things we thought would really enhance the town.” So Geracimos decided to tackle some development issues that would change things for the betterment of the community.
In his presentation to Chesapeake City Council, Geracimos fashioned his wide-ranging ideas into something called Vision 213. “I think Chesapeake City has enormous potential for improving its quality of life. We need to make sure we get the water and sewer bills under control, taking care of our telephone and electrical wires on both sides of town and making it an even better place to live.” Geracimos recommends smart growth and controlled development to keep Chesapeake City on the right path.
Geracimos’ first project involved South Village on Route 13. “One of the biggest things that bothered me was the entrance to the town,” he commented. “We wanted to try to accomplish two things: One was to beautify the entrance to Chesapeake City and secondly, we wanted to bring some services in that people really wanted here in town.”
Redevelopment is a specialized part of Geracimos’ body of work. An example of this approach can be seen on Route 40 in Elkton, where the old Boyd’s Motel used to be. “We had an opportunity there to rip down an eyesore, as some people would put it. We wanted to build a quality, good looking building.” The result is Alexandria Village Center, at 677-A Pulaski Highway, which includes a children’s swim school, a hospital, a gym and a party store, all useful additions to Cecil County.
It’s no accident that Alexandria Village Center is thriving, despite an unstable economy. “Before we start a project, we make sure we know what the needs are in the area,” he explained. “We even make sure we have the spaces filled before we start. That’s just a prudent thing to do, especially now. It’s best for all involved, including the banks.”
With all his accomplishments in Cecil County, Geracimos is especially proud of College Crossing. “That was one of my favorite projects. The way the building turned out, the stone, the roof, everything there. And the businesses we have there, from the Cecil County Book Store to Fox Hollow Coffee to Pizza Hut. We’re very excited about the services we’re going to bring to that area, and the look of the building. We had to move earth there to make it all work.”
At College Crossing, the size of the bookstore has reportedly doubled. “The bookstore is the most exciting part,” Geracimos said. “It’s the center piece. They’re actually going to have clothing in there now for all the sports teams.” The public, as well as the students can browse and purchase merchandise at the Cecil Bookstore.
In speaking about College Crossing, as well as some of his other Cecil County building ventures, Geracimos was quick to praise NBRS Bank. “NBRS has been a phenomenal partner in a lot of my work. Without their faith in us, we wouldn’t be able to do these projects.”
Somehow, amidst all this activity, Geracimos was able to add to his credits the Havre de Grace Medical Buildings. “We built a 30,000 square- foot medical center before College Crossing and we’re in the process of finishing up our second medical center there now. The medical business is tricky. It comes down to knowing what the community needs are and doing what’s best for the area.”
There are many ingredients that figure into the success of a developer in Cecil County, but Dean Geracimos keeps coming back to one word – quality. “I think it comes down to quality. If somebody has a choice of one or the other, they’re going to pick the best quality. I’m in this for the long run. I’m not going anywhere. We’re raising our family here in Cecil County and quality counts.”
And what does a prominent developer do in his spare time? “I’m involved with the Chesapeake City Little League, but, believe it or not, my favorite thing in life is coaching football at Bo Manor High School. That’s stress release for me and something I really enjoy and hope to continue for many years.”
Gercacimos Companies is located at 333 Walnut Drive in Chesapeake City, MD. You can call Dean at 410-885-9494. His email address is dean@geracimos.com.
