Pikesville Developer Submits High Bid for Former County Offices

A Pikesville developer plans a mid-rise building on the site of the former Baltimore County recreation and parks headquarters after submitting the high bid for the property.

The county announced the bids on Tuesday afternoon. Roland O. Campbell Jr., president of ROC Realty in Pikesville, bid $462,500 on the property at 301 Washington Ave., which the county had The only other bidder, Mid-Atlantic Properties, offered $251,000.

The county's department of budget and finance still needs to review the bids, including the bidder's history and plans, a process Campbell said could take until early next year.

"We've got our fingers crossed," Campbell said.

Althopugh the BM-CT zoning on the .4-acre site would allow for a high-rise on the site, Campbell said he's aiming for something more "responsible," such as a new midrise building with a potential mix of residential and office space.

"We would like to develop something very nice there," he said. "We would like to remove the existing structure and develop something that is consistent with other properties in the area."

Councilman said he spoke with Campbell on Tuesday morning and plans to meet with representatives of Mid-Atlantic Properties. He said he encouraged Campbell to be "very creative" with the property, which he called "a very important parcel for downtown Towson."

Nancy Hafford, executive director of the , said she is excited about the idea of more residential space in Towson. Hafford noted that the nearby sold out within less than a year.

"I'm sure they'll do the same in a year," she said.