Calvert Health Department Will Move To Second Floor Of The Howlin Building

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert County Health Department got the green light to move to a larger, upgraded space at its Chesapeake Beach location.

Citing staff and caseload increases, the Health Department requested a new lease on the second floor of the Howlin Building. The department currently operates out of suites 102 and 103 in that building. The second floor will give it additional room, including space for group therapy and areas to support its community health initiatives. Suite 200 in the Howlin Building is 4,620 square feet and able to support expansion needs.

The Health Department asked the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to authorize the board president to sign the lease agreement for this move. The BOCC approved this measure as part of the consent agenda in a unanimous “yes” vote at the May 5 meeting.

According to a memo submitted by Jennifer Moreland, director of community resources, the lease agreement outlines a 10-year term with a monthly cost of $11,100, consistent with the Chesapeake Beach market rate of $28 to $30 per square foot annually. Rent will not be charged during the renovation period, and annual increases are capped at 3%. Based on this structure, the county’s contribution toward leasehold improvements is estimated at $138,352 in fiscal year (FY) 2026 and $50,000 in FY 2027. The Health Department will contribute the remainder from its budget.

Funding supporting the annual lease is already included in the FY 2027 budget request. Funding for renovations is coming from funding set aside for renovations in the FY 2026 Health Department budget and in the county’s Health Department & Agencies FY 2026 and FY 2027 Rent Cost Center.

The Department of Health has not yet provided dates on when the move will begin or be completed.

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