Cross Street Partners Joins Chesapeake Gateways

[Cambridge, MD] –The Packing House, a 60,000 square foot historic factory and the last remaining building of the Phillips Packing Company Empire, has been officially designated as a site within the Chesapeake Gateways Network. Located in the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the building features a full-scale commercial-grade kitchen, a 12,000 square foot event space, and a 7,000 square foot shared-use office space—all designed to support and grow regional opportunities in agriculture, aquaculture, environmental technologies, and tourism. This recognition honors both the site’s industrial heritage and its modern role as a welcoming hub that connects people to the Chesapeake’s history, culture, and natural resources. Guided by Cross Street Partners’ mission to support transformation in communities through the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, The Packing House continues to embody a vision where commerce, culture, and community thrive together while encouraging visitors to explore the wider region.

"We are honored to be recognized as part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network," said Margaret Norfleet-Neff, Partner. "This designation affirms our commitment to preserving the legacy of the Phillips Packing Company while creating a place that sparks economic opportunity, fosters community, and connects people to the cultural and natural treasures of the Chesapeake Bay."

In recognition of this significant event, the public is invited to a celebratory reception at The Packing House on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Following the reception the public is invited to attend one of two 45 minute focus group sessions at 11:00AM or 2PM to help shape the direction of the new exhibit at The Packing House. We’ll gather your input on the site’s significant history, priorities for programs and interpretation, and ideas that will guide future efforts and planning. RSVP by emailing info@thepackinghousecambridge.com.

The National Park Service provides financial and technical assistance through the Chesapeake Gateways Network to promote, enhance, and conserve special places in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Included in the network are diverse natural, cultural, historical, and recreational sites, trails, museums, parks, refuges, interpretive and orientation facilities, and associated programs. These places, and Chesapeake Gateways as a whole, serve as entry points and the key guide for experiencing the Chesapeake watershed. Please visit the NPS Chesapeake Gateways website for more information about visiting Chesapeake Gateways.
 
Cross Street Partners is a vertically integrated real estate company exclusively focused on re-building communities by creating vibrant urban mixed-use neighborhoods built on a foundation of innovation and entrepreneurial activity. Cross Street believes developing at a neighborhood scale builds strong communities.

Chesapeake Gateways was established by Congress in 1998 and is a partnership network and community assistance program coordinated by the National Park Service. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the program serves the full 41-million-acre Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting and promoting authentic Chesapeake experiences for 21st Century communities and visitors. Visit us at www.nps.gov/Chesapaeake, on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChesapeakeNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/ChesapeakeNPS.