The site was purchased by Quantum Loophole.
Frederick, Md (KM) The former Eastalco site is Buckeystown has been sold. The 2100-acre site has been purchased by Quantum Loophole. In a joint venture with TPG Real Estate Partners, Quantum Loophole plans to develop what the county says is an “environmentally friendly” data center campus.
Helen Propheter, the Executive Director of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, says these facilities don’t normally generate a lot of jobs. But the ones they do create are high tech positions. “The average pay is quite high,” she says. “What we hear from the industry is the average pay is about $100,000.”
Propheter says Frederick County is well known for its biotech companies, recently landing Ellume, which has a Department of Defense contract to manufacture COVID-19 test kits. But she says the county can also accommodate data centers. “We love the new industry. But we also know who we are, and what success we’ve had with biotech in the past. We hope there’s enough room, and we know there’s enough room for both.”
As part of its move into Frederick County, Propheter says Quantum Loophole will be meeting with the community and local officials to seek their input as it drafts a master plan for the site. The County says in a news release that the company plans to include efficient design for sustainable electric power and water use, and to protect viewsheds and reduce visibility from public roadways. Along that, it will preserve existing structures important to local history.
The Eastalco property was an industrial site for many years. But Propheter says there shouldn’t be any danger from toxic chemicals in the soil. “Eastalco did exactly what the State of Maryland told them to do,” she says. “Quantum Loophole did their due diligence and feels comfortable with the remediation that was done to the property.”
Eastalco smelted aluminum on the property for many years. It closed in 2010.. “Very excited that the site sat empty every since I’ve been in economic development for 15 years, is now breathing new life,” says Propheter.
By Kevin McManus