Baltimore County has extended an open invitation to developers for proposals aimed at revamping the Security Square Mall, an asset with untapped potential due to its prime site at the junction of Interstates 695 and 70. The county envisions repurposing 69 of the mall's 88 acres, transforming a once-thriving retail space into a vibrant mixed-use community hub. Sameer Sidh, Baltimore County's senior deputy administrative officer, emphasized the flexibility of the undertaking, stating, "We'll entertain proposals that seek to keep the mall in place and keep its operation going and we'll entertain proposals that seek to renovate or potentially demolish the mall," WMAR2 News reported.
This solicitation comes as the county aims to inject a new lease of life into the ailing 1970s-era mall by inviting creative concepts similar to Metro Centre at Owings Mills. With the deadline for submission set for December 22, Sidh elucidated on the selection criteria, detailed by WYPR, "Our selection will be based on a concept for redevelopment." This redevelopment is to proceed even in the absence of the Red Line light rail project, which has been marked by an on-again-off-again status.
In a statement to WMAR2 News, Councilman Julian Jones Jr. noted the need to provide comparable resources and focus to this area of the county as have been afforded elsewhere, aiming to create a community space that fosters happiness regardless of where residents live. The chosen developer will need to blend residential spaces with amenities and green spaces, reflecting community desires uncovered during a series of meetings, according to Sidh's interview, as reported by WYPR.
