ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the County is one step closer to the redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center. This year marks ten years since the County acquired the second of two parcels comprising a total of the 7.71 acres within the commercial complex. Together with Columbia Concepts, LLC and representatives of the Long Reach Village Board, Ball shared the next steps in realizing the vision outlined by the developer. Photos of the event can be found on the County’s Flickr page.
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.
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
- And arts woven throughout the entire campus — honoring Long Reach’s creative soul
At the center of the project is a 100,000+ square foot indoor athletic facility with volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts and a rock-climbing wall. There will also be new retail and commercial space across multiple buildings. Site improvements will include ample parking, bike and pedestrian facilities for safe multi-modal connections.
The Long Reach redevelopment process began in 2014 with the County’s purchase of two parcels within the Village Center. In 2017, the prior Administration issued a Request for Proposals for the redevelopment and selected a developer from among four offers. After extensive engagement from community stakeholders, the Zoning Board approved the developer’s plan in 2018. Unfortunately, the development team abruptly withdrew their plans in 2019, leaving the community frustrated and demoralized.
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 was quickly shaken, dashing hopes for a viable redevelopment plan at that time.
As the real estate market began to stabilize following the pandemic, the County issued a new six-month long RFP in 2023. However, unlike the 2017 effort this process garnered only one proposal. With its deep local roots and proven expertise in real estate development, the Columbia Concepts vision proved to not only be the sole offer, but the right plan for this moment.
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.
An early concept plan, known as the Urban Renewal Plan, was approved by the Howard County Council in February 2025. The Long Reach Village Association recently published its Community Response Statement to Columbia Concept’s Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) Amendment as part of the Major Village Center Redevelopment Process. The next step in the process is a Planning Board meeting on December 18th. The Board’s recommendation will be presented to the County Council sitting as the Zoning Board for its review and approval. Columbia Concepts has already presented its vision and garnered input at more than a dozen community and County board meetings, gathering input and guidance from Long Reach residents and advisory bodies. Members of the public are encouraged to continue to share their voice as this process progresses.
“The Long reach village board is pleased to present its community response statement and its support of the redevelopment plan,” said Nina Basu, Chair, Long Reach Village Association. “The village board has several suggestions for consideration by the zoning board and hopes to be a partner in achieving a successful village center project.”
Upon authorization of the Zoning Board, negotiation with neighboring parcel owners and subsequent site plan approvals, construction is expected to begin in approximately 24 months.