If you want the latest on the coronavirus, read the Sun, Post, or Times. Or go directly the CDC or Maryland coronavirus websites. If you want a smile; check out Italian balcony concerts or Gloria Gaynor’s #iwillsurvivechallenge. If you want to help those in need in our community, donate to the Howard County Food Bank. If you need food, try the HCPSS grab-and-go lunch program. If you want to support local businesses, buy a gift certificate from your favorite restaurant or store to use in the future. If you need some ideas on how to keep the kids entertained while at home, check out the comments in the "Coronacation" event in the Howard Count MD Facebook group.
But, if you want to take a moment to contemplate what the future holds once normalcy returns, that's where I can help! In these unprecendented times, I recognize that blogging about the places in our community that bring people together seems a bit irrelevant, but this will end and life will return to normal. So, allow yourself a moment to think about the public spaces and restaurants that await us once it's advisable to be back out in large social gatherings and join me on my latest bikeabout checking in on what is new in downtown Columbia (photos taken on March 13):
The turf has been installed at Color Burst Park.
I'm really digging the design of the Juniper building with the indented column with cool balcony area.
Per the leasing brochure, the 1,390 sqft "ice cream" shop that we now know is The Charmery will be on the east side of The Juniper around the corner from the park - pretty sure in this retail spot that has the big J on it now (or maybe the one just to the right of the J out of the shot).
Busboys & Poets continues to progress.
Construction at Merriweather Post Pavilion as part of the final stage of the venue's renovation to create new concessions, bathrooms, build a new retaining wall, and expand and raise the lawn a bit towards the back.
Future home of The Food Market at 10480 Little Patuxent, which now contains the temporary leasing spot for the Juniper. Going to be some pretty sweet outdoor seating among these trees.
Another view of 10480 Little Patuxent, which will house The Food Market.
Over at Two Merriweather, the corner space that has a blue ladder in it will be the home of the H.I.I.T. fitness studio F45.
Peering through the window of another large retail space that is available next to the F45 space at Two Merriweather.
Notice the slide on the hill at the future Mille Ballie Park and Veterans Monument being built next to Whole Foods along the lake.
The Sheraton Columbia Town Center hotel is being renovated. Constello Construction's project website has lots of pictures and details on the $25 renovation that will add 76 rooms, a new rooftop pool, restaurant, and terrace bar overlooking the lake.
Signage up at 7-Eleven.