Officials Give Update On Compromised Glen Burnie Building

Construction work to make the Empire Towers building in Glen Burnie structurally sound is expected to begin this week.

By Gaby Arancibia, Patch Staff

Jul 14, 2026 8:03 am EDT

The Empire Towers building in Glen Burnie was declared unsafe after construction work compromised its structural integrity. (Google Maps)

GLEN BURNIE, MD — Work to stabilize a structurally compromised 10-story building in Glen Burnie is expected to begin this week.

Anne Arundel County officials said in a late Monday release that the owner of the Empire Towers building was in talks with a licensed engineering firm that would complete the work.

Authorities said the repairs would take about 10 days to carry out.

Helping Impacted Local Businesses

Businesses unable to operate due to the building's closure, the 150-foot safety perimeter, or road closures are urged to get in touch with the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation by email.

The AAEDC is also launching the Empire Towers Disaster Recovery Grant program, which offers grants worth $2,500 to eligible businesses at 7310 Ritchie Highway or within the safety perimeter.

"Businesses that meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply as soon as possible while funding remains available," reads a notice.

The grant program ends July 24.

Road Closures

County officials said work was being done to open detours for businesses impacted by road closures along northbound Crain Highway.

"The county will share updated route details as soon as they become available," the release said.

Road closures are currently in place at Sixth Avenue, both at Crain Highway and the southbound lanes of Ritchie Highway. Detours are currently in place on Eighth Avenue and Route 648.

What Happened To The Building?

The Empire Towers building at 7310 Ritchie Highway was officially declared unsafe on Friday, a day after unpermitted construction work on an underground garage caused structural issues.

At the time, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department evacuated 100 people from the building and barred the public from entering the grounds. No injuries were reported at the scene.

Related:

To stay updated on the latest changes, residents are being directed to the county's Empire Towers webpage, which includes next steps and safety guidance.