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An empty Security Square Mall parking lot represents the decay the area has seen over the past decade. (Credit: Baltimore County Government)
5-31-2023 11:32am
Security Square Reimagined: County Releases Final Report On Future Of The Site
Van Fisher
Editor
BALTIMORE COUNTY - On Wednesday, the Baltimore County Government released the final "Reimagine Security Square" report, outlining a long-term and community-centric plan to redevelop the Security Square site in Windsor Mill.
This collaborative effort presents a comprehensive and ambitious vision for the site's future, building on community-design charrette processes.
"Supporting, building, and renewing community anchors is a core element in our promise to deliver a better Baltimore County. For over 50 years, Security Square has been a destination site for retail, dining, and small businesses. However, after decades of underinvestment and the resulting loss of major tenants, this vital Baltimore County landmark is simply not living up to its potential. It is time to reimagine Security Square," Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said in a statement.
Constructed in 1972, Security Square Mall, once a thriving regional hub, has mirrored the decline of shopping malls nationwide over the past fifty years. Like many others, it's being primed for a comprehensive transformation. The 88-acre site is currently significantly underused and fails to serve the needs of the diverse, majority-minority community surrounding it. Over 20% of the mall's 1 million square feet of space is currently vacant.
Recently, Olszewski and Maryland Speaker of the House Adrienne A. Jones has spearheaded efforts to revitalize the location, announcing a combined $30 million in capital investments from the State and County for the site. Leveraging this investment, the County has acquired the former Sears building in 2022 and another 12-acre parcel at Security Square, making it the owner of more than a third of the site.
Last fall, the Olszewski administration embarked on a community engagement process to transform Security Square into a vibrant and community-focused site. A dozen meetings were held, and more than 1,000 residents attended, contributing ideas for the site's redevelopment.
The final report presents a holistic vision for the site's future, focusing on three core design elements: a network of green outdoor amenities, mixed-use opportunities such as residential workspaces, expanded retail offerings, and entertainment and activity centers.
The first phase of redevelopment will focus on infrastructure improvements and enhancing the site's visual aesthetics, setting the stage for further development opportunities in the future.
Baltimore County Director of Planning Steve Lafferty expressed excitement about the final charrette for reimagining the Security Square property.
The final Charrette Community Meeting to present the finalized report will be held on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the O.W.E. Center at Security Square.
Replies
Fletch Jones
Neighbor
5-31-2023 12:51pm
Why the underinvestment and loss of businesses, Johnny? Are you scared to get to the root of the issue? You need a gut check and report why this is happening. But you won’t because you are spineless.
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Stuart Tamres Sr.
Neighbor
6-03-2023 11:32am
The important issue is WHY did the business leave in the first place ? You can't force business to open just because you want them. Lack of business, theft, and crime in the area forced the business out. Do you think the mall owners wanted to loose money ? No you guess its better for the government to loose money. As far as the open green places the " neighbors " want, let them pay for it not the taxpayers. Another white elephant at the taxpayers expense. How about the NAACP come up with some money if they want a seat at the table ?
