Glen Burnie businesses get relief after Empire Towers closure and safety zone

Businesses operating in and near Glen Burnie’s Empire Towers have a new potential source of financial relief after structural damage forced a shutdown and restricted access around the privately owned office complex.

The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation launched the Empire Towers Disaster Recovery Grant program for businesses affected by the closure and safety zone. The program follows damage to the 10-story building during work on its parking garage.

Road closure and safety perimeter

The damage occurred July 9, 2026, during construction work that was described as unpermitted. On July 13, the county shut down a road leading to the building and maintained a 150-foot safety perimeter because the complex was not considered safe.

Those restrictions affected businesses inside the safety zone and operations in the surrounding Empire Towers area. Companies were forced either to shut down or operate under conditions that created financial harm. Employees, customers and delivery drivers also faced the practical effects of the closure, while traffic around the complex remained affected.

The documented impact is limited to businesses in or near Empire Towers and does not establish that all Glen Burnie businesses were affected.

Stabilization plans remain in progress

The building owner is working with a licensed structural engineering firm on stabilization plans. The available reporting does not establish when the building or access road will reopen.

It also does not determine the full amount of structural damage or the final repair cost. No information was provided on whether the building has been condemned, and the available sources do not establish legal liability for the owner or contractor.

Grant details still limited

The new grant program is intended to assist businesses facing losses from the sudden shutdown and safety restrictions. However, the available sources do not specify the program’s maximum award, total funding or application deadline.

For businesses dealing with interrupted access, lost operations and disrupted deliveries, the grant launch is the clearest immediate relief measure identified in the reporting. The longer-term outcome depends on the owner’s stabilization work and the county’s future decisions about the safety perimeter and road access.

As of the available reporting, no reopening date has been announced.