County Executive Rushern Baker to Host Press Conference to Discuss Progress on Towne Square at Suitland Federal Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 12th, 2018
CONTACTS:
Nicole M. Cober: 703.819.6770; ncober@cjrlegal.com
Harold W. Johnson II: 202.507.5822; hjohnson@cjrlegal.com
County Executive Rushern Baker to Host Press Conference to Discuss Progress on Towne Square at Suitland Federal Center
The Event Will Offer Updates on the Historic Mixed-Use Redevelopment Project
Spearheaded by the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County
Suitland, Maryland – On June 21st at 11:30 am, County Executive Rushern Baker will address members of the media regarding progress on Towne Square at Suitland Federal Center. The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County officially broke ground on the project in November of last year at a ceremony attended by community leaders, including County Executive Baker and District 7 Council Member Karen Toles.
After years of planning, this historic $350 million development is finally underway. The mixed-use towne center is the largest project ever to be undertaken by the Redevelopment Authority, and the first where the Redevelopment Authority is serving as the master land developer. The buildout is being led by Development Manager Harold W. Johnson, II, founding partner and president of Horizon Real Estate Group and managing partner of Cober Johnson and Romney Real Estate (CJR).
At the press conference, County Executive Baker will provide updates on the progress of the project and discuss how this represents the realization of the county’s vision of revitalization. Baker is proud to be delivering on his promise to build the towne center and bring economic growth and development to Prince George’s County. Following Baker’s remarks, media will have the opportunity to walk the grounds during a hard hat tour.
Towne Square at Suitland Federal Center will be a vibrant mixed-use transit-oriented development that will reenergize and redefine the Suitland Federal Center area. Bordered by Silver Hill and Suitland Roads, the pedestrian-friendly center is just steps away from the Suitland Metro Station. It will include of 221 single-family attached homes, 538 multi-family units, 137 senior homes, 80,000 square feet of retail space, a 50,000-square-foot community civic center and performing arts facility, and 2 net-zero energy demonstration homes.
This project is part of a commitment by the county to bring new commerce and community to Suitland. “This was a collaborative effort between the community, county agencies, and the leaders of Prince George’s County,” Johnson said. “It’s a victory, not only for the Redevelopment Authority, but for the community of Suitland.”
The Redevelopment Authority’s Executive Director Howard Ways and Associate Director Stephen Paul were the driving force behind the county government’s implementation of this Public Private Partnership (PPP), and they are working with a diverse group of powerful players to carry it out. Led by Johnson and CJR, the development team includes Lessard Design, Parker Rodriguez Inc., Ben Dyer Associates, O.R. George Associates, L.A. Bolden Company, Mission First, The Henson Development Company, Bozzuto, Soto, The Law Offices of Shipley & Horne, AMT, and NVR.
“I’m quite confident that this project will be a game changer, not just for Suitland or Prince George’s County, but really for this region,” said Council Member Toles. “Cober Johnson and Romney will be able to help push this vision forward,” she continued. “When you look at an area like this that is so ripe for transformation, you just need the right individuals to go in to bring that vision out…I applaud what this firm is doing and will do for the transformation of this community.”
Historically, the Suitland Federal Center area was a government hub and a leading driver for development in the region, but it experienced an economic downturn beginning in the 1980s. Today, Suitland’s revitalization is already underway, with the addition of the NOAA Satellite Operations Center in 2005 and the LEED-certified Census Bureau Headquarters in 2007. The Towne Square will complete the area’s transformation with residential and retail expansion. The gathering place will reflect the vibrant and active lifestyles of future residents, with modern-urban character, beautiful spaces, and attractive amenities.
The community is one of only 31 in North America to be identified as an EcoDistrict, an international designation for green neighborhood- and district-level developments. EcoDistrict communities focus on sustainability and strive to excel in a number of areas, including: equitable development, health and well-being, community identity, access and mobility, energy efficiency, habitat and ecosystem protection, water conservation, and smart materials management. To meet these standards, the Towne Square includes eco-friendly features such as bio-retention planters and net-zero single family homes.
About the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County
The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County, led by Executive Director Howard Ways and Associate Director Stephen Paul, is the driving force behind development, redevelopment, revitalization and preservation in the county. They have expertly managed a variety of projects ranging from community development, transit-oriented development, affordable housing and neighborhood stabilization.
About Cober Johnson and Romney
Cober Johnson and Romney is a firm whose mission is to uniquely meet the consulting, legal, and strategic needs of their non-profit, private, and public sector clients – all under one roof. The partners of CJR have a combined total of more than 60 years of experience in real estate, construction, legal, and management fields. This experience amounts to over $20 billion in development and construction projects. CJR’s vast knowledge and hands-on expertise allows them to provide their clients with high-quality, high-value, accessible services that distinguish them from other firms.