What Is a Brownfield Site—And Why Should You Care?
Not all opportunities come wrapped in sleek, modern buildings. Some are tucked away in quiet corners of town—idle factories, long-vacant gas stations, or shuttered commercial buildings. These properties, known as brownfields, may carry the stigma of environmental contamination, but they also offer unique and often overlooked redevelopment opportunities.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a brownfield is “a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” These sites exist in nearly every community, including throughout Washington County.
But why should business owners, realtors, and developers care?
Because brownfields can be hidden gems for redevelopment. They often sit on land with existing infrastructure, ideal locations near transportation corridors or downtown hubs, and significantly lower acquisition costs. Revitalizing these properties not only stimulates local economies but also helps preserve green space by reducing the need for new development on untouched land (known as greenfields).
Top Benefits of Brownfield Redevelopment:
- Leverages existing public infrastructure
- Increases nearby property values
- Encourages job creation and retention
- Expands the local tax base
- Revitalizes underused or blighted neighborhoods
In short, redeveloping brownfields makes both economic and environmental sense.
EDWC has carefully forged partnerships with public and private entities to drive a one-of-a-kind initiative for transforming seemingly challenging sites into the county’s next major economic development opportunity.
Coupled with our unique capabilities to package projects in ways that get deals done, and you have an experienced partner for your next redevelopment project.
