COLUMBIA, Md. — Howard County is making significant strides towards revitalizing the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, a project that has been over a decade in the making since the county acquired the property.
During a press conference yesterday, County Executive Calvin Ball shared exciting updates about the upcoming phases of this extensive redevelopment initiative.
The plan proposed by Columbia Concepts envisions transforming the area into a vibrant mixed-use development centered around a state-of-the-art athletic facility. This impressive 100,000-square-foot center is set to feature courts for volleyball, basketball, and pickleball, along with a rock-climbing wall. Additionally, the plans include space for retail shops, a grocery store, townhomes, and senior living arrangements, all connected by pedestrian and bike-friendly paths and equipped with plenty of parking.
“Our goal is to create a Long Reach Village Center that is dynamic, welcoming, and full of potential,” Ball expressed. “This will be a hub for athletics, arts, dining, and community engagement, honoring our history while looking forward to the future.”
The journey of this redevelopment effort began in 2014, when Howard County acquired two parcels in the village center, following the closure of the original anchor store, Safeway, two years prior.
However, the project has encountered challenges along the way. After a thorough process to select a developer, the zoning board approved an initial plan in 2018, only to have the chosen developer withdraw a year later.
In 2023, the county reissued a call for proposals, and Columbia Concepts emerged as the sole responder, ultimately being selected as the developer for the project.
Progress continued as the Howard County Council endorsed an initial concept plan—the Urban Renewal Plan—in February. Subsequently, the Long Reach Village Association shared its feedback on the Preliminary Development Plan Amendment from Columbia Concepts.
The planning board is set to present its recommendations to the County Council on December 18. If the zoning board gives its approval, construction could commence as early as 2028.
