The Howard Hughes Corporation today released the next phase of the company’s $5 billion, 30-year plan to revitalize Downtown Columbia.
The corporation will invest $325 million into the Lakefront District – the area around Lake Kittamaqundi.
The plan includes a $45.8 million, four-story, 86,000-square-foot medical office building that will rise along the south shore of Lake Kittamaqundi adjacent to Whole Foods Market.
The building will feature a boardwalk-style public terrace with views of the lake and space for exercise classes.
Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland (OACM), a division of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, will relocate its Columbia office and take over 20 percent of the new lakefront building upon its completion in 2024.
Howard Hughes also announced the debut of The Collective, a dining and entertainment concept, and a non-profit venture called The 3rd – an incubator supporting women of color and entrepreneurs – set to open in the southern end of the district this year.
“The Lakefront District will be a compelling example of what a healthy neighborhood can be, with its beautiful natural setting, promotion of healthy lifestyles through daily engagement, and access to many services and amenities befitting a revitalized urban core,” said Greg Fitchitt, President of the Columbia region for The Howard Hughes Corporation, in a news release.
The Lakefront District will also gain three new residential buildings in the north end, with a total of 675 units plus street retail, improved pedestrian and cycling connections, and green spaces.
Wincopin Circle will be reconstructed into a pedestrian-oriented street.
“Columbians have an emotional connection to the Lakefront, the historic town center for all of Columbia, and this upcoming phase of investment is the next step in restoring and enhancing the Lakefront’s iconic character and historic position in Howard County,” Fitchitt said.
The announcement comes after the company’s recently announced plans to invest $10 million into the renovation of Central District’s Corporate Row and the relocation of Evergreen Advisors to 30 Corporate Center.
