Odenton Station project breaks ground with 1,100-space garage

Construction began Monday on a mixed-use development at the Odenton MARC Station in Maryland.

Governor Wes Moore and local officials cut the ribbon on the project, marking the first transit-oriented development groundbreaking of the current administration. Moore stated the project demonstrates the state's ability to follow through on long-term planning goals.

The development is a joint state and local effort that has been in development for more than 20 years. It will replace an existing surface parking lot with a walkable community featuring residential units, retail space, and new infrastructure.

Work will start with a 1,100-space parking garage. Once that structure is finished, builders will move on to constructing residential and commercial buildings. Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller noted the project shifts focus from car storage to housing preferences, saying, "We spend so much time figuring out where to put our cars that we've forgotten to think about how people want to live."

The completed development will include 585 new homes. More than 150 of these units will be designated as affordable or workforce housing. The site will also feature over 30,000 square feet of shops and restaurants.

New sidewalks, trails, and bike paths will connect the station to surrounding neighborhoods. Sam Snead, director of the Office of Transportation, described the change as a move away from an unused asphalt lot toward an active urban area. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman added that such developments are popular because many people want to live near transit.

The parking garage is expected to be complete in mid-2028.