“Aviation Plaza” Proposed For TDOZ Warehouse Area.
September 11th, 2008 | by Clay Gump | Published in College Park Airport, M Square Research Park, Speculation | 2 Comments
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) spent a few days in May evaluating the TDOZ warehouse district for potential development. The area of interest is identified by that big red splotch on the image. Currently a large portion of that area is for sale and could be yours for the low price of $6.2 million. This is a greatly underutilized hunk of land in a prime location close to metro and M-Square. ULI is to provide planning and design guidance as well as a strategy for moving forward with the site. The ULI plan calls for
- 600 Residential units at various price points,
- 300,000 square feet of office space.
- 140-180 room Hotel covering 100,000 square feet.
- 40,000 square feet for Retail space.
They are placing special emphasis on making connections with the Aviation Museum and respecting FAA requirements. They have even suggested that the public space be named Aviation Plaza.
As a frequent user of this area I can attest for the need to have retail services within walking/biking distance near Metro and M-Square. The question remains as to how this project would fare with East Campus and M-square already moving forward.
The ULI implemenation strategy for the site is estimated to take 18 months and is outlined as follows.
- Phase I: Preliminary Review of Concept Plan
- Phase II: Land Assemblage
- Phase III: Create Public-Private Partnership
- Phase IV: Development Approval process
- Phase V: Request for Bid/Proposal
- Phase VI: Final approval
- Phase VII: Have lunch at the new location for New York Deli.
- Ok I made that one up but we seriously need a good place to eat around here.
Below you will find the three proposed development option. There is some question is the first two would even be possible because they would require the tennis facility (in red) to be moved. It is our understanding that the land for the tennis facility was purchased with the requirement that is remain park land. This and many other questions should be addressed when the ULI presents its full report to council on October 7th. In the mean time check out the TDOZ WareHouse Area power point presentation.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:00 pm (#)
Yes, obviously this area is in dire need of redevelopment. Aviation Plaza would be a great name for it. Low buildings with minimal parking and a dense environment represent a good starting point.
I wonder if this plaza could include some businesses that complement the adjacent tennis courts and skating rink across Paint Branch Parkway. However, those businesses should probably avoid direct competition with those that will be in the East Campus development area.
These are just some ideas to get people thinking. What does everyone else think?
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September 11th, 2008 at 6:50 pm (#)
The presentaion just mentions the standard retail options such as restaurants, coffee shop, dry cleaner, bank, etc.
I think it would make sense for maybe a Gym, or recreation themed business. A bike shop would be nice. Maybe a skating/rollerblading sports themed store would work as well.
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