Merriweather Post Pavilion Gets a New Owner

The Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC), the community developer for Downtown Columbia, has officially transferred ownership of Merriweather Post Pavilion (MPP) to the non-profit Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission (DCACC). Joined by County Executive Allan Kittleman, County Council Chairman Dr. Calvin Ball, Councilwoman Mary Kay Sigaty and other local officials to celebrate the future of Downtown Columbia, HHC Senior Vice President John DeWolf and Vice President Greg Fitchitt presented a ceremonial key to DCACC Executive Director Ian Kennedy.

“This is a historic day in Downtown Columbia. The future of Merriweather Post Pavilion is now assured. As we move forward with the Downtown Columbia plan, Merriweather Post Pavilion is integral to creating a vibrant, exciting Downtown Columbia,” said Greg Fitchitt, Vice President of Development, The Howard Hughes Corporation. The Merriweather District is intended to be the Center of Culture and Commerce for the acclaimed master planned community founded by visionary developer James W. Rouse nearly 50 years ago.

“I want to thank The Howard Hughes Corporation for the role that it has played as a faithful steward of Merriweather Post Pavilion and for delivering on its commitment to transfer ownership today,” said Allan Kittleman, Howard County Executive. “Under the Downtown Columbia Plan passed in 2010 and the recent tax increment financing plan, Howard County is moving forward with a permanent parking solution for MPP as well as realizing the vision of a walkable urban core in Downtown Columbia.”

On November 9, 2016, the Howard County Council approved $90 million in funding for public infrastructure improvements in the Merriweather District - the crescent of land surrounding the Pavilion. When completed, the Merriweather District will include a five million square foot mixed-use development. Phase One will include a 2,500 space parking structure for Pavilion patrons and other users, one million square feet of commercial office space, 750 residential apartment units and 250,000 square feet of street retail.

“Today, the citizens of Howard County truly own the music of Merriweather Post Pavilion, and I want to thank HHC for their efforts to deliver the vision of the Downtown Columbia Plan,” said Dr. Calvin Ball, Howard County Council Chairman. “I also want to thank HHC for agreeing to an unprecedented community benefits agreement as they revitalize Downtown Columbia.”

“With the transfer of ownership of Merriweather Post Pavilion, we are poised to truly fulfill our mission of expanding artistic, cultural, educational, and civic programming at this amphitheater and throughout the new Downtown,” said Ian Kennedy, Executive Director of the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission. “As Merriweather nears its 50th birthday, the Commission is excited to help strengthen its reputation as Maryland’s premier home of arts and entertainment for the next 50 years and beyond.”

The transfer of Merriweather Post Pavilion from The Howard Hughes Corporation to the non-profit Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission (DCACC) included remarks by (from l.) The Howard Hughes Corporation Senior Vice President for Development John DeWolf, DCACC Executive Director Ian Kennedy, The Howard Hughes Corporation Vice President for Development Greg Fitchitt, Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, Howard County Council Chairman Dr. Calvin Ball and Howard County Council member Mary Kay Sigaty. Kennedy, who has been growing a beard in anticipation of the transfer, received a ceremonial shave at the end of the festivities.