The 1920‑built Packing House, first home to the Cambridge Furniture Company, later became a key site for Phillips Packing Company, producing food and military rations during WWII.
Cross Street Partners and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, backed by a $1 million state grant from the Maryland Department of Commerce, converted the vacant structure into a mixed‑use complex with office, retail, and event spaces.
A cornerstone of the project is an oyster‑processing and biotechnology lab, anchored by Blue Oyster Environmental and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, aimed at restoring Chesapeake Bay's Eastern oyster population.
"Revitalizing historic properties is an important part of building stronger, more sustainable communities across Maryland," said Maria Mougridis, DHCD project manager.
The center will open later this year, with DHCD's Cambridge office among the first tenants, and is slated to host community workshops and research programs.