Black Water Bakery is launching plans to expand its restaurant space in downtown Cambridge. With newly installed window graphics announcing the news, construction is slated to begin this fall. Known for its friendly, welcoming feel, Black Water has been a downtown staple for coffee, locally sourced breakfast and lunch, and made-in-house baked goods since it opened its doors in 2017.
The expansion will double the indoor seating area from about 40 to 80 and allow more space for Black Water’s pastry chef to create pastries, artisan breads, custom wedding cakes, and more. The main entrance and existing area will remain largely as they are now, but will open into a 2,200-square-foot space next door that can be used for general seating or private events.
“We’re thrilled that we’ll be able to accommodate more people,” said Jamie Summers, who owns the bakery with her husband Brett Summers. “Now we end up turning people away because we don’t have enough space.”
With Christine Dayton Architects as the architect and Hill-Kimmel Contracting as the contractor, the expanded space should be ready to welcome customers by mid-2024, Jamie said. “We’ll still have the same eclectic, cool vibe where people love to gather and hang out,” she added. One fun feature will be a refurbished, classic phone booth that once stood at the original High Spot, a much beloved eatery for generations located a few blocks from Black Water.
The expansion project is being partially funded by a Project Restore grant through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Project Restore is a program developed during the Hogan Administration to provide financial support to existing or new businesses to incentivize commercial investment in vacant retail and commercial properties.
“We ask the community to be patient with us as we activate another vacant retail space in downtown Cambridge,” said Jamie, referring to the six buildings the couple has transformed with thoughtful, historically accurate restorations. “We’re continuing to improve Cambridge one space, one building at a time. As 23-year ‘locals,’ we’re very passionate about Cambridge. It’s such a great place.”
Black Water Bakery is located at 429 Race St., Cambridge, MD. Find out more at black-water-bakery.com.
We have Black Water Bakery right near where we live. I could rhapsodize over the pastyrand the bread. When they open in Cambridge, don’t walk. Run to avail yourself of their offerings.
This is wonderful news. I do hope that owners and builders will take into consideration the acoustics factor so that the noise levels are moderated.
Best wishes Jamie and Brett, you create magic!!
Best wishes Jamie and and Brett!!
Our favorite Bakery and Breakfast place…
Or, snack time, take home desserts and everything in between. ❤️Those cinnamon rolls!!
Hope to see you next time we’re in town!!