New Plans For Long Reach Village Center Unveiled

COLUMBIA, MD — On Tuesday, officials unveiled updated plans for the proposed Long Reach Village Center that includes a grocery store, retail options and a a 100,000-square-foot indoor athletic facility.

In 2014, Howard County leaders bought the second of two parcels that comprise the Long Reach project totaling 7.71 acres. In 2017, officials sought proposals for the redevelopment and the zoning board approved the chosen developer's plan in 2018. But that plan was withdrawn in 2019, putting the brakes on the project.

In February 2020, Ball unveiled his “Long Reach Rising” strategy to stabilize and clean up the village center. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic just a month later, the commercial real estate market turned upside down and plans were again put on hold. In 2023, developers were sought again but only one group stepped up - Columbia Concepts.

However, leaders say that the "Columbia Concepts vision proved to not only be the sole offer, but the right plan for this moment."

Columbia Concept’s vision, known as Destination Long Reach, includes:

• Townhomes and senior housing for a wide range of incomes
• A senior center and community gathering spaces
• A grocery store and engaging retail
• Safe pedestrian and bike connections
• Sustainable green design
• Arts woven throughout the entire campus that honor Long Reach’s creative soul
• A 100,000+ square foot indoor athletic facility with volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts and a rock-climbing wall

"For the 20 years that I have had the privilege of serving Howard County, I have seen first-hand the heart and soul of Long Reach. After a full decade of county ownership, the moment has come. The momentum is here and the vision is clear. I am happy to announce that what is envisioned will lift the surrounding community and sets a new bar for what a village center can be. We will build a Long Reach Village Center that is vibrant, inclusive and alive with possibility. It will be a place where athletics, arts, dining and community come together in a way that honors the past and embraces the future," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at a news conference unveiling the new plans for the project.

Once the plans are approved by the county zoning board and negotiations with neighboring parcel owners are complete, additional site plans will need to be approved. Construction should start in an estimated 24 months, leaders stated.

"Columbia Concepts is honored to advance the Long Reach Village Center redevelopment in partnership with Howard County and the community. Guided by James Rouse’s vision, our plan reflects strong collaboration with county leadership, the Village Board, and residents. Destination Long Reach renews our commitment to a diverse and resilient community, delivering new housing, enhanced community and retail spaces, and walkable amenities. We look forward to the upcoming review phases and to realizing a revitalized Village Center for those in Long Reach and across Howard County—serving people today and for generations to come," said Brian Kim, president of Columbia Concepts.