Construction on a new mixed-use building in the Merriweather District is set to begin later this month. The Howard Hughes Corporation announced today (2/3/2021) accelerated plans for breaking ground on development across their portfolio of nationwide projects, including on Marlow - the second residential building set to be constructed in the Merriweather District. Marlow will be located on the opposite side of Color Burst Park from Juniper. The 510,118 square foot building will add 472 residential units and 32,000 square feet of retail to the neighborhood. Initial occupancy is being targeted for the end of 2022.
Below is an excerpt from the company's press release.
Downtown Columbia The seven-story, 510,118-square-foot Marlow will become the second residential product in Downtown Columbia's Merriweather District, solidifying the next phase of growth for a neighborhood which is rapidly becoming a burgeoning destination in Columbia—the "third city" in the Baltimore/Washington, DC corridor.
The announcement of Marlow follows the strong leasing velocity demonstrated by Juniper—the Merriweather District's first residential product—since its delivery in the first quarter of 2020. Marlow will feature 472 residential units and 32,000 square feet of retail at its base, with residents placed in the center of the Merriweather District's walkable neighborhood of offices, shops and restaurants.
"We've been able to create an unmatched new community founded on Jim Rouse's vision for Columbia and we have the entitlements and opportunities in place for continued expansion," said Greg Fitchitt, President, Columbia, The Howard Hughes Corporation. "As we advance forward, we expect Downtown Columbia to be a driving force with the development of future office, retail and multifamily assets backed by historically strong demand."
Marlow is set to break ground this February and is targeting initial occupancy beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022.
As I have noted recently in recent articles and Facebook "bikeabout" posts, the Merriweather District is really beginning to take shape. Clove & Cardamom is now open. The Charmery does not seem far behind. Busboy & Poets is aiming for a summer opening and just started work on an cool exterior mural. And the winter ice-skating rink will now stay open through the end of February. Confirmation that Marlow is moving forward is exciting news for enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown Columbia and the continued development our burgeoning urban core.
For more on the Marlow and Downtown development, Baltimore Business Journal also put out a good piece today.