Major Renovations in Plan for Towson, Md. Shopping Plaza

By Bogdan Odagescu, Associate Editor

The Shops at Kenilworth project rendering

Towson, Md.—Greenberg Gibbons recently announced a four-phase, $20 million renovation to The Shops at Kenilworth. The project is ready to break ground in May 2016 and the last phase of the project is slated for completion in the summer of 2017.

Originally built in 1979 at 800 Kenilworth Dr. in Towson, Md., The Shops at Kenilworth is located right off I-695, in close proximity to Towson University and just 13 miles from Downtown Baltimore. Located in a densely populated area and at the doorstep of the Ruxton community, the property is surrounded by a population in excess of 265,000 people within a 5-mile radius.

The renovation process will change the face of the plaza, transforming the concrete exterior, redesigning the interior, losing 8,000 square feet of current space and adding a three-level marketplace with a total surface of 20,000 square feet. The new space will feature both casual and fine dining, a wine bar, and a rooftop garden. The project aims to bring forward a 154,000-square-foot contemporary destination, mixing the success of current anchors with the comfort of specialty shopping in a new, more welcoming environment.

The Shops at Kenilworth project rendering

Retailers will remain open during the renovation process, which is planned to be as little disruptive as possible. Current anchors include Stebbins Anderson, South Moon Under, a Jos. A. Bank flagship store, and About Faces Day Spa & Salon. In December 2015, Trader Joe announced it will also move its Towson business to The Shops at Kenilworth, the opening of the new 12,400-square-foot location being slated for spring 2017.

“As a long-time tenant of The Shops at Kenilworth, I’ve seen many updates to this mall and this is exactly what we need and is very timely (…) The renovations will preserve what we love about this place, while bringing fresh flair and style,” Patrick Brennan, co-owner of About Faces Day Spa & Salon, said in prepared remarks.

Owing Mills, Md.-based real estate developer Greenberg Gibbons began managing The Shops at Kenilworth mid-2014, when the company also purchased an interest in the asset. Greenberg Gibbons is planning to assume full ownership by May 2016. The company’s current portfolio encompasses in excess of 10 million square feet of mixed-use, town center, and retail properties throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Renderings courtesy of Greenberg Gibbons.