Recently, development companies, Cordish Cos. And Heritage Properties, partnered up to start construction on Towson Square, a commercial real estate development in eastern Towson. Since the complex’s announcement back in October 2012, there has been some contention between supporters of Towson Square and well-known Bethesda Row as to which will serve as the centerpiece of their respective areas.
Here, we’ll break down what each commercial juggernaut has to offer:
Towson Square Complex – downtown Towson – Projected completion date: summer 2014
– Slated to cover 4.2 acres of land bounded by East Joppa Road, Virginia and Pennsylvania Avenues. Features include:
- Cinemark Theatre with 200-seat balcony level with full bar, 15 screens and 3,400 stadium-style seats.
- Three confirmed restaurants (Nando’s Peri Peri, La Tagilatella and On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina), with five more restaurants expected.
- A modest offering of retail stores and luxury condominiums.
– The Square is projected to create 1,500+ jobs, including 600 in construction and 870 following the opening of Cinemark and restaurant/retail spaces.
Bethesda Row Complex – downtown Bethesda – Acquired in 1994
– Covers about a 3-mile radius in between Elm Street and Bethesda Avenue.
– Features include:
- 533,000 square feet of retail and office space and 298 parking spaces.
- Notable spaces include: Giant, Sweetgreen, Lulu Lemon, Ginger, Raku, Sassanova, Mon Ami Gabi, Lebanese Taverna, The Apple Store, Aveda, Lucy, Redwood Restaurant and Bar, Bluemercury, Cafe Deluxe, Jaleo, Austin Grill, Landmark Theatre and much more.
– Future plans include:
- Upstairs at Bethesda Row, multi-unit condominium complex with everything from resident-only garage parking and fitness centers to electric vehicle charging stations and open-air terraces.