Maplewood Mall, a historic shopping center in downtown Germantown, is set to receive $2.2 million in city funds for a complete redesign. Councilwoman Cindy Bass and Kevin Dow, Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Commerce, made the announcement this past Saturday.
"In its current state, the Mall's design does not live up to its potential," explains Joseph Corrigan, director of communications for Cindy Bass’s Office. "The space could be a great urban place and an anchor for future redevelopment."
The redesign will build off the ideas summarized in the recently adopted
Central Germantown Business District Beautification Plan, and input will be solicited through an aggressive community outreach process.
"The redesign will be driven by the community," adds Corrigan, explaining that once the vision is fleshed out, an official RFP will be released to hire a consulting firm. If all goes according to plan, final design work should be completed by fall 2014.
As part of the outreach process,
Germantown United CDC and
G-Town Radio are hosting a
Re-Imagining Maplewood Mall Night Café and Block Party. The free event will take place on Saturday, June 22, 4 to 8:30 p.m. (a rain date is scheduled for June 29). Expect live music, activities for children and food from area restaurants.
Through Re-Imagining Maplewood Mall, the CDC hopes to reintroduce citizens to the area as a place to shop and socialize while garnering new ideas for the big makeover.
Source: Joseph Corrigan, Director of Communications for Councilwoman Cindy Bass
Writer:
Greg Meckstroth