New Lakefront Library To Call Downtown Columbia Area Home, Includes Housing Options

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — An innovative library slated to be the first of its kind in the region will be built at the Columbia Lakefront.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Governor Wes Moore unveiled plans for the project will be coupled with expanded mixed-income housing opportunities. The new Lakefront Library will provide more room for classes for all ages, Project Literacy and workforce development initiatives, equity initiatives and more.

“In Howard County, we dream big, we seize opportunities and we join together to deliver an excellent quality of life for every member of our community,” Ball said. “The Lakefront Library project is for the people and will serve as a transformative civic and educational center for all in Howard County. It will be a hub where education, the arts and nature all converge to spark creativity, critical thinking and community connections.”

The 100,000 square-foot structure has been designed by Heatherwick Studio, an internationally recognized firm that created the landmark “Vessel” public art structure in New York City and other distinctive buildings throughout the world.

The library will be built on land provided by The Howard Hughes Corp., which serves as Downtown Columbia’s community developer. Howard Hughes is also providing the land for the affordable housing units, as called for in the Downtown Columbia Plan.

The prior location of the replacement library site, in what is known as Columbia’s Merriweather District, is now planned to contain at least 240 units of mixed-income housing, twice the number as originally called for in the Downtown Columbia Plan.

“In Columbia, we see what happens when public and private sectors join forces to move a community forward,” Moore said. “Our administration is excited to finalize a budget that includes direct investments for the Downtown Columbia Library and affordable housing. As governor, my top priority is creating an economically competitive and equitable Maryland, and I am proud Howard County is taking the needed steps to make that happen.”

Ball noted that funding for the Lakefront Library will be included in his proposed fiscal year 2024 capital budget, which will be submitted to the Howard County Council by April 1. Pending Council approval, design for the project can begin later this year with the anticipation of breaking ground no later than 2026.

“The proposed iconic lakefront library and Merriweather affordable housing will strengthen Howard County by fostering community engagement, supporting economic mobility and enhancing our quality of life,” added Christiana Rigby, chair of the Howard County Council. “This proposal enhances a vibrant, healthy downtown community where all members have the opportunity to thrive and all will have a chance to connect with each other.”