Towson Redevelopment At Circle East Begins

TOWSON, MD — Construction is now underway on Circle East, the project that promises hundreds of apartments and thousands of feet of retail and entertainment space in the heart of downtown Towson. At a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said that it was the latest in a string of projects that together total $1 billion in investments.

“With Circle East starting construction, downtown Towson continues its dynamic growth as a vibrant place to live, work and enjoy life," Kamenetz said in a statement.

Circle East will include redevelopment of the former Trader Joe's and Barnes & Noble stores on Joppa Road. The plan is to transform the corner of Joppa at York roads into a pedestrian friendly area with a 371-unit apartment building and 240,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

Retail Properties of America owns the property and is overseeing the project. It is in good company in selecting Towson for its endeavor, Kamenetz said.

"We’ve seen more than $1 billion in recent private investment in downtown Towson, adding jobs and economic vitality to the Baltimore County seat," Kamenetz said.

The $1 billion in private development consisted of the following, he said:

• More than 3,400 new downtown Towson apartments and townhomes, including Towson Mews and Flats at 703
• Towson Square (anchored by Cinemark), which will connect to Circle East

Circle East will mark the redevelopment of an iconic part of Towson, where the Hutzler's department store used to be from 1952 to 1990, according to the Maryland Historical Society.

• Circle East To Break Ground In Towson
• Future Of Towson Circle Unfolds As 'Circle East'

Image courtesy of Baltimore County government.