Prince George’s County has approved plans for a high-end residential and retail development adjacent to the University of Maryland that many hope will spur economic activity on the relatively barren east side of campus. Called Domain College Park, the massive development planned for the intersection of Mowatt Lane and Campus Drive would include 256 luxury apartments, 10,000 square feet of retail and a 380-space parking garage. Houston-based developer Hanover Cos. officials told the Prince George’s County Planning Board Thursday they hope to capitalize on the planned development of Metro’s Purple Line through the area. “The goal of this project is, it’s a linchpin for the area — it’s a gateway to the university,” said Adam Harbin, a partner at Hanover. “As that happens, this entire submarket will redevelop.”
The addition of apartments and retail would be a boon to an area where rental opportunities close to campus are scarce and retail is concentrated on Route 1 off the campus’ west side. Developers said they envision attracting a coffee shop, ice cream parlor and other local specialty stores.
“We pick locations for development that are ripe with demand and we absolutely believe that about this location,” Harbin said. “And there’s a dearth of Class-A, luxury apartment options in the area. That’s a niche I believe we fill better than anyone else.”
The property will be marketed to professionals and graduate students, a move that won over the College Park City Council, which has been resistant to developers proposing more student housing in the area. Last fall, officials bucked a proposed 334-unit student apartment building near the west side of campus.
College Park officials plan to annex the Hanover development into the city so the property’s residents can ride the university’s shuttle service, according to city planner Elisa M. Vitale. The buses, which serve four Metro stations, are free for residents and students. The planned development is adjacent to city limits.
Hanover bought the property for $2.75 million in 2008, according to land records. The company specializes in luxury-style apartment communities near universities and has opened similar projects in Baltimore and Towson. It also built D.C.’s Ashton Judiciary Square high-rise.
Renderings of the College Park apartments depict marble countertops and built-in cabinetry. Plans call for three courtyards, a pool, fitness center and conference rooms. Hanover is also building a public plaza.
