When it opened in 1992, Towson Commons was seen as a catalyst for growth in Downtown Towson. The complex at York and Pennsylvania Avenues included a 100,000-square-foot shopping area, a 10-story office building, and an 882-space parking garage, and it immediately brought new customers into Downtown Towson. I can remember coming home from college just to catch a movie or browse the Borders bookstore.
By the late 1990s, however, Towson Commons seemed to be fading. My personal opinion is that the opening of The Avenue at White Marsh, with its free parking and more advanced movie theatre, was a key turning point. For the next decade, while the offices at Towson Commons remained strong, the retail component struggled. The movie theatres closed in May of 2011.
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| Towson Commons. |
Since I took office, I have been frustrated by Towson Commons. Important redevelopment projects have advanced to the north, east, and south, but not at Towson Commons. That is why I am thrilled by signing of a lease for a 50,000-square foot fitness center at Towson Commons, replacing the old movie theatre complex. When I toured the renovation in December, it was amazing to see where the theatres had been gouged out for a future swimming pool.
I introduced legislation that will modify the parking requirements in Downtown Towson to help with this project. No one expects, for example, a health club to need more parking than a movie theatre complex.
I believe this facility will succeed because we are bringing more workers into Downtown Towson, at places like the the newly-opened Towson City Center. We also have a successful residential neighborhood, Towson Green, taking root only a few blocks away.
This is a very good announcement that bodes well for Towson's future.
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