LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A long-anticipated redevelopment of St. Mary’s Square Shopping Center is officially moving forward, marking a major milestone in efforts to revitalize the heart of Lexington Park, according to St. Mary’s County Commissioner Scott Ostrow.
Ostrow announced Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, that the property’s owners plan to make a significant investment in renovating the aging shopping center, which has long been seen as a cornerstone site for community and economic renewal. Cleanup work is already underway, with construction expected to follow in the coming months.
“The St. Mary’s Square renovation marks another significant step in revitalizing the heart of Lexington Park,” Ostrow told The BayNet. “The planned improvements will transform the aging shopping center into a modern, welcoming hub for local businesses, services, and community activity.”
During his Oct. 7 “Commissioners Time” YouTube update, Ostrow added that visible progress is already taking shape. “The people that own St. Mary’s Square Shopping Center have agreed to put a substantial amount of money into a renovation of that square,” he said. “They’ve already started the work—they’re out there doing the main cleanup right now, getting rid of all the old trash and tires. It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful shopping center when it’s done.”
He noted that upgrades will include new facades, resurfaced parking areas, and other site improvements. “They won’t be replacing the entire parking lot, but it will be fully resurfaced, restriped, and no more potholes,” Ostrow said. “Over the next several months, we’re going to see a huge difference in that St. Mary’s Square parking lot and the whole center.”
Ostrow said the county has worked closely with the property owners and developers to ensure the project aligns with broader goals for economic growth, safety, and walkability.
“Together, the St. Mary’s Square renovation and YMCA projects are strong examples of how public and private investment can work hand-in-hand to keep our county moving forward,” he said.
Specific design and tenant details have not yet been released, but county officials and residents have expressed optimism that the long-awaited improvements will breathe new life into Lexington Park’s commercial corridor along Great Mills Road.
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Let me guess.. they’re using contractors who have pre-established connections with the property owners and local government administration..
Hopefully it’s torn completely down and left down
Lipstick on a pig.
Renovate all you want… still doesn’t change the neighborHOOD.
This could be better thought out. Prior to renovation work, explore the options to resolve the majority of the problems that affect the Park and cause it to have a negative connotation. If the improvement of the Park starts with tackling the main problems affecting the people living there like unemployment, broken single-parent households, alcohol abuse and drug abuse, domestic violence, gang activity, loss of purpose, etc., then cosmetic improvements should not only be easier, but wouldn’t it also be viewed more as a worthy step and less as a vain throw of money to a problem that is never solved? It would be nice to see the Park turned into a pleasant place for families and true charity, but hard work needs to be done first. The Park is part of the county and shouldn’t be shut down as “too far gone” or “a lost cause”. Especially if it being improved means fewer new developments that increase urbanization, sprawl, and traffic by providing the needs in a preexisting area. Perhaps I am wrong.
You have to get rid of the Hood first before you have any shot of success, until then it’s just a waste of money
What do you think is the best way to accomplish that?
Simple, tear it all down and leave it down, problem solved