The residents are expected to be released to guardians or placed in community settings such as group homes over the next 18 months.
State officials said the overwhelming majority of residents can live in community settings.
"We're not going to tolerate any shortcuts," Colmers said. "Everyone will have a safe and secure place to live."
Rosewood was established in 1888 as the Asylum and Training School for the Feeble Minded of the State of Maryland. Today, there are 26 buildings comprising more than 480,000 square feet on the grounds.
O'Malley said it is too early to speculate how the land will be used.
brent.jones@baltsun.com
Rosewood Center timeline
1888: Center opens as the Asylum and Training School for the Feeble Minded of the State of Maryland on 683 acres in Baltimore County.
1912: Name is changed to Rosewood State Training School.
1961: The school becomes Rosewood State Hospital.
1969: The facility is renamed Rosewood Center.
January 2007: Admissions to Rosewood are halted after a resident is found to be in immediate jeopardy.
August 2007: Facility is found to be noncompliant in seven of eight conditions of licensure and is issued an immediate jeopardy letter.
January 2008: Gov. Martin O'Malley announces closure of Rosewood Center.
