Updated Harford Mall redevelopment plan draws inspiration from downtown Bel Air for streetscape
The proposed redevelopment of the Harford Mall, which is expected to bring 249 new apartments and a four-story parking garage to part of the mall’s parking lot, aims to take a “Bel Air-inspired” approach to its pedestrian streetscape, according to the project’s landscape architect.
The project was introduced to the Bel Air Planning Commission last year after the mall’s Tennessee-based owners, CBL Associates and Properties, said the redevelopment is the best investment for the long-term viability of the mall.
CBL representatives stated that the Harford Mall generated $280,000 in real estate taxes for the town in 2019. Last year and this year, the property owners said the mall is expected to pay $176,000 in real estate taxes n – a 37% reduction in five years. CBL officials stated that the mall industry has evolved and now prefers “lifestyle and open-air centers.” They also noted that the Harford Mall has been facing challenges with the consolidation of retail space, requiring a “reinvention” of the property.
With real estate tax revenue for the mall expected to continue to fall, CBL representatives said the apartment proposal is a viable alternative as the project is expected to add more than $340,000 in new real estate taxes, annually.
As part of the site plan approval process, the Planning Commission requested that the project’s engineers, Frederick Ward Associates, present a revised streetscape plan with amenities associated with an urban environment.
During the commission’s meeting Thursday, the project’s landscape architect, Kate Pierce, said that the goal with the revised plan was to create a pedestrian-friendly experience.
“We drew inspiration from downtown Bel Air and curated a design that reflects the character and design of the surrounding area,” Pierce said.
The updated streetscape incorporates a variety of stamped concrete textures and colors to highlight different entrances from walkways. Pierce noted that the use of stamped concrete will create a “strong connection to the buildings.”
As a means to “soften” the appearance of the two four-story apartment buildings and four-story parking garage, landscape architects increased the number of benches, trees and planting beds around the buildings
“We are trying to provide seasonal interest as much as we can so that the development is beautiful year-round,” Peirce said.
The Planning Commission unanimously accepted the revised streetscape plan on the condition that shrubs be added to the eastern side of the development to replace part of a small retaining wall and that full-depth colored concrete is used to avoid discoloration or chipping.
Once the developer addresses all comments and concerns in the site plans, the final proposal will be submitted for approval. If approval is granted, a building permit will be issued.
The project developers are still months away from full approval as they have yet to begin numerous off-site sewer, stormwater and traffic improvements.