The state-owned parking lot around the Savage MARC station soon will be developed into a hotel, restaurants, housing and offices.
“Today is a shining example of our ability to move forward and turn a quiet parking lot into a vibrant mixed-use community,” Gov. Robert Ehrlich said at a press conference at the station. “We are standing on a gold mine.”
He announced Tuesday the state has chosen Annapolis-based Petrie-Ross Ventures to develop the 15-acre site, bordered by Route 32, Dorsey Run Road and the MARC Camden Line.
The development is intended to meet the needs from the thousands of anticipated jobs to be created at Fort Meade under the federal government?s base realignment and closing measure.
The plan follows the state?s policy of transportation-oriented development, which provides pedestrian-friendly destinations near transit stations, said Phillip Ross, president of Petrie-Ross Ventures.
“We have a vision,” he said. “While it?s only 15 acres, we are bringing many uses here.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2008.
State officials also honored two longtime county families Tuesday. Ehrlich dedicated Route 108 in Howard County to the late state Sen. James Clark Jr., who died Friday. He also dedicated Route 175 in Columbia to the late Jim Rouse, who is credited with building Columbia, and his wife, Patty, who founded the Enterprise Foundation, which builds affordable houses.
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» Gov. Robert Ehrlich said the $175 million new development, dubbed Savage Towne Centre, will include one hotel, two restaurants and two 13-story residential buildings. There will also be 53,000 square feet of retail, 145,000 square feet of office space and a parking garage.
