The QG to Expand into Baltimore County

From Lawrence Howard & Associates, Inc.: The QG (short for Quintessential Gentleman), a clothier, spa and barbershop, is set to open February 1 within the lower level retail space at the Executive Plaza complex in Hunt Valley. The four-building portfolio which contains approximately 550,000 feet of office and retail space, is owned and operated by Hill Management Services, Inc., and fronts Shawan Road directly off Interstate 83. The retailer is occupying approximately 3000 square feet of space. Approximately 3250 square feet of space, with frontage along Shawan Road and McCormick Road, remain available in the business community.

This represents the inaugural Baltimore County location for The QG, which operates a six-floor boutique department store on S. Calvert Street in Baltimore City, but originally started the forefront men’s grooming movement by opening as an upscale barbershop in 2005. The QG has since evolved into an iconic shopping center and social destination, providing luxury men’s and women’s wear, custom tailoring, a full spa, member’s lounge and a speakeasy-style restaurant and bar.

Although contained within a reduced amount of space compared with the downtown location, owner Craig Martin indicates the QG intends to offer a full menu of services, clothing and accessories at the Executive Plaza. “This will be a one-floor version of our Calvert Street location, and we have been more strategic in our layout and design,” Martin explained. When searching for the first expansion location for the concept, “Hunt Valley kept emerging over and over again. Many of our customers currently live and work along the I-83 corridor, so this will be exceedingly more convenient for them. Parking will never be an issue, given the large surface lot.

“The locations will complement each other since the downtown location is aspirational and includes a restaurant/bar, a cigar lounge, an extensive spa and membership lounges, so we see many clients using both locations, especially since membership benefits will be transferable,” he added.

Martin indicated Hunt Valley represents the initial move in an expansion program that is expected to accelerate later this year. “We have strong interest in Columbia and also the Northern Virginia area,” he said. “People are attracted to quality and expert craftsmanship. The grooming and overall experience we provide is truly unique. Our client feedback says there is a fertile opportunity to expand our brand,” Martin explained.

“All of our clients are professionals and they appreciate the high level of personal service that we provide. When we first started in the City, we differentiated ourselves from the traditional barber shop and quickly grew in popularity. Over the years, some of our clients have changed jobs or moved away from the City, and driving downtown became less convenient. So, we are coming to them. Hunt Valley kept resonating as the most strategic move. Seeing the recent investments Hill Management has made, as well as their understanding of how our concept would be an amenity to their complex was a significant attraction,” Martin concluded.

This is the second new retailer to open within Executive Plaza within the last several months with Three Dog Deli initiating breakfast and lunch services in November. Operated by Michael Brooks, III, the deli offers made-to-order sandwiches, homemade soups, grab-and-go items, pastries, snacks and hot and cold beverages.

The Executive Plaza project is in the final phases of a $3 million renovation strategy that focused on improvements to the restrooms, elevator lobbies, exterior and common-area spaces.

Additional on-site amenities contained at the Executive Plaza buildings include a daycare facility, fitness center, branch of the United States Post Office, Texas Roadhouse restaurant, hair salon, dry cleaner and a card and gift shop. Hill Management also offers business services including conference facilities and an executive dining room.

Ashley Zito of Hill Management Services represented the landlord, and Scott Wingrat and Drew Peace of Cresa represented the tenant in this transaction.

“The QG represents an important piece to the retail mix at Executive Plaza in our intended program to create a well-rounded roster of products and services for our tenants and the surrounding business community,” explained Danielle Beyrodt, Vice President of Hill Management Services. “The concept has established a highly-recognized brand in the Baltimore City marketplace, and the addition of their salon services, spa and clothing offerings adds a destination retailer to our tenant mix. With more than 1000 employees working within the four-building complex, this concept has a daily captured audience to tap into, as well as more than 75,000 employees working in the surrounding business communities.”

Founded in 1976, Hill Management Services, Inc. is a privately-owned, full-service real estate development company. Located in Timonium, Maryland, Hill Management owns more than four-million square feet of office, industrial and retail space as well as several hotel and self-storage facilities. Hill Management Services seeks to provide long-term investments, exceptional customer service, and develop long-lasting tenant-landlord relationships. For more information visit here.

Photo courtesy of Lawrence Howard & Associates, Inc.