A skating rink that doubles as open market space in summer, a hotel with 300 rooms and conference space for 1,000, and a small-cities institute that draws people from around the world, all in a pedestrian-friendly setting.
Those are among the highlights of a $350 million plan that lays out the first phase of a transformation of downtown Columbia, an effort that could span three decades.
The much-anticipated redevelopment proposal for the commercial core centered on The Mall in Columbia is scheduled to be unveiled tonight by developer General Growth Properties Inc.
Tonight's glimpse of the future caps off years of public discussion and depicts the first wholesale remaking of the planned Howard County community since it was created 40 years ago by James W. Rouse. The plan endeavors to follow through on Rouse's objective of making a more vibrant downtown that stands as the business, cultural and entertainment center of the county.
"Columbia is built on optimism and possibility," said Gregory F. Hamm, GGP's regional vice president and Columbia general manager. "It seems like his concept of Columbia and development really centered on what people need to be good people - what fosters good citizens.
"I think if we reshape some of the places here, the institutions that came from his vision will do much better."
When informed of the basic details of the plan, Barbara Russell, board chairwoman of the Columbia Association, said she was encouraged.
"I am happy that GGP appears to be taking a realistic look at what they're doing and not just a superficial look at sidewalk cafes and whatever," she said. "They seem to be looking at what impact the development would have on the existing city, and that's encouraging."
Through a spokesman, County Executive Ken Ulman declined to comment until the plan is released tonight.
The first phase of the plan does not include detail on residential development, an aspect of Columbia's future that has been on the minds of community leaders and residents concerned about increased density in the town of about 100,000 residents. However, Hamm said, the version of the plan that will be submitted to the county in June will be accompanied by a request for zoning changes to allow new residential development.
That sparks concern for some.
