Lee & Associates | Maryland brokers sale of Fosters Corner, is named leasing agent for site, and attracts Turtle Rock Ebikes as first new tenant in project containing 16,000 square feet
Third generation family-owned company Ensor Plumbing has acquired Fosters Corner, a three-building property situated in the Monkton section of Baltimore County and recently relocated its corporate headquarters and 15-person workforce to the site from Owings Mills. The historic property, which formerly housed the community hardware store and general store among other uses, cumulatively contains approximately 16,000 square feet of commercial office and retail space. Lee & Associates | Maryland brokered the transaction, has been selected as the exclusive leasing firm to fill the remaining vacant spaces, and recently attracted Turtle Rock Ebikes as the newest tenant. Glenn Ulick, Senior Vice President, Brokerage and Ben Brooks of Lee & Associates are handling the leasing requirement
Ensor Plumbing Owner and President Stacey Goettner explained that, with her family having roots in the Hereford area dating back for many generations, this move brings “everything full-circle” and sets the stage for the company to become more intimately involved in the local community. The company was founded by Goettner’s grandfather Roger Ensor, Sr. in 1961 and provides plumbing, light construction, water and well treatment and other services to residential customers. Ensor Plumbing services customers throughout the Baltimore, Carroll, and Harford County areas, as well as parts of Baltimore City.
Realizing that Fosters Corner was available for purchase represented the “perfect storm” based on the family’s history and familiarity with the site. Ensor explained that the property was an integral part of the Hereford-area community given the presence of hardware and grocery store, and that her father-in-law worked at Foster’s Hardware when he was younger, and her father shopped at the store as a young plumber. Goettner has fond memories visiting many of its different shops and boutiques.
Brian Kopp (Photo credit: Turtle Rock Ebikes)
The company recently occupied approximately 6,000 square feet of space within 16925 York Road, a 9,800 square foot building that is also leased to various professional services and general business companies. The location accommodates Ensor Plumbing’s administrative and sales teams, and will also be used by its service technicians as a home office.
16927 York Road, a 4,200 square foot building, is completely vacant and available for lease and the 1500 square foot 19621 York Road has been totally leased by Turtle Rock Ebikes.
Initiating apprenticeship program with Hereford High School
“The property satisfies every real estate requirement including a dedicated training space,” Goettner said. “We have also approached Hereford High School, where I graduated from, to initiate an apprenticeship program designed to introduce young people to the plumbing trade. High school students, especially those not interested in attending four-year colleges, would do well to take a harder look at this profession with provides steady work and good pay and benefits,” she added. “This is one way in which we intend to make the local community better and stronger.”
Doc House emerges as perfect setting for Turtle Rock Ebikes
After working as head mechanic for several area electric bike sale and repair shops, a number different of circumstances convinced Brian Kopp that he was ready to venture out on his own. It became clear that the owner of the operation where he previously worked was retiring in the near future, Kopp wanted to specialized in the electric rather than traditional bicycle industry and, over time, he had become quite proficient at his craft. He was extremely familiar with the Northern Central Rail Trail which was near where he worked and lived, and he had watched the growing popularity of electric bikes. His wife had a steady teaching position at Hereford High School, so all the planets in his orbit seemed perfectly aligned.
His new concept, Turtle Rock Ebikes, was a silent nod to Loch Raven Reservoir, a place where he spent countless hours exploring, swimming, and socializing. They always noticed the red, yellow, and green Eastern-painted turtles sunning themselves on the rock formations, and it was not long before they gave the area a pet name.
Turtle Rock Ebikes expects to open in 16921 York Road, a 1,500 square foot building also known as the Doc House. Kopp explained that he is positioning the concept as the “Apple Store” of Ebikes in the greater Baltimore area with a focus on repairing equipment. Customers can also purchase Ebikes in the $1000 to $4000 dollar range.
Kopp said electric bicycles are experiencing a surge in popularity of late among all demographic audiences. “Young people realize they can substantially increase the range of their bike ride with the support of an electric bike, and the older population depends on the boost for rides of all length,” he explained. “Business people have gravitated to the product to use while commuting to work.”
The Northern Central Rail Trail extends from Hunt Valley to York, Pennsylvania and its woodchipped and tree-shaded path provides the ideal situation for leisurely or extended bicycle rides – either using traditional or electric bicycles.
Fosters Corner is situated a short drive from the trail, so this was the natural place to establish Turtle Rock Ebikes. He also is fascinated by the history of the project.
“This project was the center of commerce and activity for the greater Hereford and Monkton region for many years, and I believe we can return Fosters Corner to its former luster with the addition of compelling uses,” Kopp said. “I am going to certainly do my part of make this happen.”
“There are always special considerations for a historic property and, in this case, the histories of both buyer and seller were remarkably intertwined. Retail brokerage is all about finding the right uses for the right places. Ensor Plumbing has a reason to be there, our new Ebike tenant has a reason to be there, and we will find the right user for the remaining space. Out of respect for the history, Stacey is keeping the Foster’s Corner name and has even ordered upgraded signage. Foster’s Corner has always been, and will remain, someplace that the community can be proud of,” said Glenn Ulick, Senior Vice President, Lee & Associates | Maryland.
Lee & Associates is a commercial real estate brokerage, management, and appraisal services firm. Established in 1979, Lee & Associates has grown its service platform to include offices in the United States and Canada. Lee & Associates provides superior market intelligence in office, industrial, retail, investment, and appraisal to meet the specialized needs of our clients. Visit https://www.lee-associates.com/offices/office/?id=1591.
