Carpenter’s Garage, a 1920s auto repair shop and former Ford dealership in the Town of Indian Head, is now a revitalized site supporting the growing energetics and defense industry in the Western Charles County Technology Corridor. Thanks to a creative renovation project led by the town’s own Energetics Technology Center (ETC), this once dilapidated building is now revived and fully occupied by ERG, a contractor for over 20 years with the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Indian Head Division that needed space outside the naval base’s gate.
If you haven’t seen it yet, we’ve already talked about why the base matters so much in these blogs:
- It’s All Hands On Deck as Charles County Rallies Around the NSWC Indian Head Modernization Plan
- NSWC Indian Head Is Mission Critical to Charles County and the Nation
Given the energetics renaissance happening now in Indian Head, along with the town’s revitalization, commercial real estate is in high demand. ETC was the first business of its kind to relocate in the Town of Indian Head in 2017. ETC provides engineering and data analytics services, policy development, and technology development to government, academia, and private sector—and also contracts with NSWC Indian Head. ETC is deeply invested in Charles County’s economic development, not only focusing on defense-related technologies, but equally as important, engaged in growing the STEM workforce pipeline to meet the needs of the future through operating numerous STEM camps, internships, and workshops in Charles County.
A Renovation with Purpose
So how did ETC end up in the business of restoring a historic building? ETC’s Executive VP/CFO Matthew Martin said, “We received a state grant of $750,000 that was designated for facility improvements. We initially pursued constructing a new building, but that didn’t pan out. Then we noticed this blighted, forgotten building at the top of the hill—Carpenter’s Garage.”
The garage had stood vacant since 2008 and was in major disrepair. Parts of the building had collapsed, and the facility required heavy investment to be brought back to life These obstacles didn’t deter ETC from tackling this project and paying homage to its history in Indian Head. Martin said, “We knew the projects would be a significant undertaking, however ETC was well postured to take on the challenge. We wanted to give the building a modern use while visually making it look like it did in the 1920’s. Hence the re-adoption of the Carpenter’s Garage name.”
ETC purchased the building and signed a construction contract, and the very next day, ERG approached them and said, “We need office space. Can we have the whole building?”
About ERG
ERG was founded in 1984, and its core work has primarily been environmental. That is how it got its start, but getting contracts with the Navy built the company. ERG Vice President Frank DeCarlo shared, “Our Navy support started with facilities planning type of work, but over time, we got more and more into providing engineering support to the energetics manufacturing effort. And, that's grown considerably since then.”
They had only a few employees supporting the base in the beginning, but they now have over 200 people who touch the base in some form, including support for the base’s energetics manufacturing effort. In 2024, they were awarded a new contract, to provide Facility Support Services (FSS), working alongside the NSWC Infrastructure Division to support critical energetics manufacturing, testing, and disposal facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization.
The ETC and ERG Connection
ERG’s DeCarlo had worked years ago with Matthew Paesch at the NSWC Indian Head, and Paesch is now an employee of ETC. The two met at a MAC (Charles County Military Alliance Council) event at the USBTA (United States Bomb Technician Association) building and started catching up. Paesch told DeCarlo, “If you guys are ever in the market for office space, let me know. I might be able to help you.”
ERG had been on the base as a contractor for over 20 years and had offices there, but as the base saw an increase in demand, and with recent “return to work” orders, they were in need of new space outside the gate. They also saw an advantage to having an office in Indian Head. Their headquarters are in Massachusetts, with offices in Arlington and Fairfax. DeCarlo says, “I brought that idea of Carpenter’s Garage back to our leadership, and I said, ‘we've been toying with this idea for a while. We think that things are really going to grow in the near term. Office space is at a premium on base. Now might be a good time to invest in office space in the town.’” So, they connected back up with Paesch at ETC, and the rest is history.
ERG now fully occupies Carpenter’s Garage. The building is split into two sections. The front half of the building has 2,400 square feet, and 1,600 sq ft in the back half. The front is fully occupied by ERG, and the second half is in the process of being renovated; it will be available in the next couple months.
Opportunities Abound
Both companies see opportunities for the future in Indian Head. ERG’s DeCarlo said, “We’re staffing up because there’s so much work to do, and we have such high expectations with the work coming down the pike. I’ve been with ERG for about 14 ½ years now, but I’ve never seen this level of excitement about the amount of work coming. The NSWC’s modernization plan is a huge part of that.”
ETC’s Matt Martin is already looking at future redevelopment projects. He said, “The demand is here and the support of our Charles County Delegation and Commissioners are unwavering and greatly appreciated. When the community sees a project like Carpenter’s Garage in motion, they respond. It was telling that we had a tenant before the renovation was even done.”
Carpenter’s Garage is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of transformation and a sign of what’s ahead. Two contractors, one historic building, and a shared commitment to advancing the Western Charles County Technology Corridor.
Explore more about this growing innovation hub on our Western Charles County Tech Corridor page.
