David Orso Opens New Office In Historic Severna Park Building

The small office at the intersection of Evergreen Road and Riggs Avenue, long owned by Hal and Mary Quayle, is now the new home of the David Orso Group of Century 21 New Millennium. Having closed on the property in late October and now gearing up for a grand opening in January, Orso is thrilled to be settling into his new space.

“I’m excited to be in Severna Park,” said the real estate leader. “This is where I was born and raised. It’s where my roots are.”

Orso also wanted to find a place that had historical significance within the Severna Park community. His new building, being nearly 100 years old, was originally owned by Howard Wheeler, a renowned architect who designed much of the residential architecture in Severna Park, as well as Chartwell Golf & Country Club. Wheeler later sold his office to Dr. Gerald Church, who ran his general practice out of the building. When Hal and Mary Quayle bought the building, they made renovations to update the existing property — such as the stonework, as well as the patio out back along Evergreen — while also building the adjacent structure that became the home of Maine Cottage and later Sew Beautiful. “Now it’s my turn to take the property and run my real estate practice out of it,” said Orso, who sells more real estate than any other agent in the area and has been voted Best Realtor multiple times in the Severna Park Voice’s Best of Severna Park contest.

For Orso, the building’s heritage has significance. He likes the idea that it once served as the office of the area’s residential architect, and now can serve him in his career as the community’s leading residential real estate agent. He also learned that the property was once the location of the first hole on the nine-hole Severna Park golf course in the early part of the 20th century, and this bit of trivia resonated with him as an avid golfer.

Within the first month of being in the space, Orso and his team have made the place their own. They’ve painted and done some renovation work, including a redo of the flooring and a touch-up of the landscaping outside. Orso indicated that he still needs to put up a sign, but he plans to do that before the January grand opening. He even hopes to add a fire pit to the backyard where people can laze in Adirondack chairs and watch the games across the street on Severn’s athletic fields.

“I want this to feel like a home,” Orso said. “I want it to feel like a residence, warm and cozy, and I want to make updates that are indicative of what someone can do with their property.”

Although Orso will keep his Annapolis office, where he has been since 2009, he hopes that having a Severna Park location as well will help him connect better with the area he serves. “This is a place for my clients and customers from Severna Park to stop in and say hello,” he said. Already, he and his team have heard several honks and seen several waves from drivers passing along outside. “That’s been a nice welcome to the community,” Orso said.

People who want to learn more about the David Orso Group of Century 21 New Millennium can stop by 8 Evergreen Road in person or visit www.davidorso.com.

“My friends and family live right here in Severna Park and Arnold, and my business has grown through their referrals,” Orso said. “I’ve done so well through this area that I want to continue to be a part of it.”