Towson University May Lease Commons Space

Towson University is in talks to lease 110,000 square feet of unused space at Towson Commons.

The prospect was first reported in a Baltimore Sun article on Wednesday. According to the Sun, the university would use the space as classes and office space for its College of Health Professions.

University officials involved in the talks were not immediately available for comment.

Towson Commons opened in 1992, but high rents started a cycle that drove many tenants out. The 100,000-square-foot retail side of the complex has sat largely vacant for several years. Tenants still thrive, however, in the 220,000 square feet of office space there, and in the attached Lafayette Building on Susquehanna Avenue.

Capmark Financial, the Commons' owner, on its purchase of the property. After previous owner Western Development defaulted on millions in loans, Capmark, the lender, essentially bought the property from itself at a

A Capmark spokesman did not return calls Thursday. Nor did Genny Hardesty, Towson Commons' manager.

This would not be the first time Towson University has shown interest in outside space. Most notably, the university submitted a proposal to take over Baltimore's Senator Theatre in 2009, a bid that was later revoked. University president Robert Caret said last February, before the bid was pulled, that TU was looking at other options in Towson, including the Investment Building.

Councilman David Marks has spoken in the past about wanting the university to have a larger presence in downtown Towson, both as an economic engine and to help "further the impression that Towson University is going to be a good neighbor." However, he said he has not met with any representatives of Capmark since their foreclosure sale, a fact he called "a little frustrating."

"I am really interested in hearing about their plan," he said.

Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, has witnessed several false starts there and said she was cautiously optimistic.

"If this were to happen we'd be thrilled to death," Hafford said. "I feel like I've cried wolf so many times I don't even want to say anything anymore and I won't do it."