An idea conceived in 1971 by Wilfred T. Azar, the twelve-story Empire Towers became reality in 1974 and stands today in northern Anne Arundel County's landmark location for business. The modern office building in the heart of Glen Burnie became the goal around which a dozen prominent businesses united to form the Empire Corporation. They shared a dream - Anne Arundel County's first high-rise office building.

First came the land along Ritchie Highway, then the plans for the 250,000-square-foot tower and its underground parking garage. Armed with the necessary permits from the county, state, and Federal Aviation Administration, the team of farsighted developers approached what was then Maryland National Bank for a construction loan.

Not only did the Empire Corporation get its loan, they landed their first tenant too. Maryland National was growing into northern county, and the proposed office tower suited their plans for a branch bank location perfectly. Empire Towers and the bank opened for business in 1974. a barber shop and travel agency soon followed.

Occupancy climbed to a stable 92 percent in 1978 with the average tenant occupying offices of 1,000 square feet.

A sign of the direction of growth in Anne Arundel County, the Empire Corporation was approached in the late 1980's by several wireless communication companies. They were looking for antenna, satellite, and microwaving receiving and transmission sites. What better than the tallest building in northern Anne Arundel County, which also just happened to be sitting atop some of the highest ground in the area? Empire Towers proved to be the premier site for the equipment of wireless communication companies, an important component in the growth of information age industries in Anne Arundel County.

Today, Empire Towers houses a full-service bank with an outside ATM, a full-service travel agency, a barber/styling shop, and several support service businesses that require space from 250 to 7,500 square feet.
A building ahead of its time, Empire Towers remains a landmark. Although now more than thirty years old, it has the look of today that continues to attract businesses of the future.