FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Maryland Department of Transportation, David Broughton, 410-865-1029
New planning framework envisions new housing units, retail and parkland around transit station
HANOVER, MD (June 25, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) today announced a vision plan for a dynamic, mixed-use, transit-oriented future for the area surrounding the Reisterstown Plaza Metro Subway station in northwest Baltimore. This is one of the first steps in the implementation of the Moore-Miller Administration's efforts to advance transit-oriented development statewide. Transforming Reisterstown Plaza from an underused park-and-ride lot to a vibrant community is critical for increasing walkability, sustainable growth and transit use. Click here to view the full Reisterstown Plaza Metro Station Transit-Oriented Development Vision Plan.
The vision seeks to outline strategies to increase housing opportunities, grow transit ridership and increase access to the Metro station and surrounding community, delivering on MDOT's renewed focus on transit-oriented development (TOD).
“The Reisterstown Plaza Metro Station Vision Plan is an exciting opportunity to increase housing availability, grow transit ridership and improve the safety and connectivity for the community in Baltimore," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “By working in close collaboration with community members, Baltimore City and private sector partners, MDOT aims to maximize walkability, livability, and inclusive growth for all who live and work around the Reisterstown Plaza transit station."
The preliminary plans for the 26-acre Reisterstown Plaza site call for the creation of a multi-modal, mixed-use destination with residential units, office space and retail. Not only would these uses contribute to enhanced community development for the area, but they would also help to reduce dependency on vehicles and promote the use of mass transit. Potential new development would bring together a mixed of uses, including:
- New housing units, including workforce housing units. The Vision proposes a mix of rental and homeownership opportunities as well as senior housing;
- New retail to include sit-down restaurants, coffee shops with outdoor seating and office space;
- Park and community space; and
- A parking garage facility with dedicated spaces for transit users, including electric vehicle charging.
The plan is the result of a year of collaboration between MDOT, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), the City of Baltimore and Wabash Development Partners. Engagement will continue with the public as the planning and development process advances.
"The Reisterstown Plaza Metro Subway station is a major transit hub for our region and an outstanding location to build transit-oriented development,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “Investments in transit, such as this, are critical to the success of our region, decreasing traffic congestion, and reaching our climate goals.”
The plan envisions a transformed multimodal transit hub featuring major enhancements to pedestrian infrastructure that enables seamless bus-to-rail transfers for riders. The plan calls for an enhanced layover facility with zero-emission bus charging and additional bus service to the station.
Development on the Reisterstown Plaza site could be a catalyst for future development opportunities along MTA's Metro Subway Line. There are approximately 179 acres of undeveloped property along the line between Johns Hopkins Station in East Baltimore and Owings Mills Station in Baltimore County.
“Globally, top-tier cities are distinguished not just by their skylines or economic might, but by the quality of their mass transit systems," said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “An efficient, and accessible public transportation network is a catalyst for urban development and economic growth. The Reisterstown TOD plan will deliver greater regional connectivity to Baltimoreans and beyond. When we invest in a modern transit hub in NW Baltimore, we are not merely investing in infrastructure; we are investing in a future where our city is more livable, less congested, and environmentally responsible."
The 25.6-acre parcel, owned by the Maryland Transit Administration, is located at the intersection of Wabash Avenue and Patterson Avenue, next to the Social Security Administration site. In February, MDOT applied for a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, requesting $4.6 million to kick off preliminary design and environmental work for the plan's public infrastructure investments.
“The Wabash Development Partners team is thankful for the opportunity to partner with the Maryland Department of Transportation on this impactful and transformative Transit Oriented Development at the Reisterstown Plaza Metro Station," said developer Dean Harrison with Wabash Development Partners. “We look forward to working together with MDOT, Baltimore City and community stakeholders to bring new vibrancy and positive economic activity to this currently under-utilized site."
The development is moving through the City of Baltimore's approval process, which creates opportunities for community engagement on how the vision will be implemented. This Vision Plan sets the stage for the groundbreaking for a transformative project by Fall 2025.