World War II Airplane Plant is Gateway to Continued Renaissance of Eastern Baltimore County

May 8, 2006         
GSA #10238                                                                                                        

Contact:  MaryAnne Beatty (202) 501-1231

maryanne.beatty@gsa.gov                             

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announces the public sale of Middle River Station, a historic 1.9 million square foot facility on 50 acres located 13 miles northeast of the city of Baltimore.  The site will be offered in an online auction beginning June 28.  As a kick-off to the sale, interested development teams may tour the site and participate in a question and answer panel with representatives from GSA, the Maryland Historical Trust and Baltimore County on June 28 beginning at 9:30 a.m.   
 
This unique property located in the heart of east Baltimore County served as a Martin Aircraft Manufacturing Plant during World War II.  The redevelopment of this GSA warehouse will play a significant part in the continued revitalization of this area under the county’s new Renaissance Redevelopment Pilot Program.  This area is already experiencing phenomenal residential and commercial growth with the infusion of $800 million of public and private funds.  Recent improvements include infrastructure upgrades, streetscape improvements, new parks, and housing in the surrounding area.  

Middle River Station is strategically located near Interstate Highway 95, Maryland State Highway 43, a commuter rail station, Martin State Airport, and a tributary of the
Chesapeake Bay.   

“GSA, on behalf of the federal government, is proud to be a part of the continued revitalization of east Baltimore County.  The sale and redevelopment of the Depot provides an exciting opportunity for a mixed-use redevelopment in a historic facility,” said GSA’s Public Buildings Service Commissioner David L. Winstead.  “With employment intensive development, the Middle River Station can be truly catalytic and produce significant local and regional economic benefits for the area.” 

The site has historical significance.  It is on the Baltimore County Landmark Buildings List and the Maryland Historical Trust’s Inventory of Historic Properties.  It also is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  GSA, working in partnership with the Maryland Historical Trust, has developed a sensible approach to allow for innovative approaches to its redevelopment while maintaining the integrity of its historic status. 

“The Maryland Historical Trust is looking forward to working with potential developers in preparing and executing redevelopment proposals that both respect the historic
significance of this Albert Kahn-designed structure and create exciting new opportunities for economic development in Baltimore County,” said J. Rodney Little, Maryland’s State Historic Preservation Officer and Director of the Maryland Historical Trust.  “I would hope that a successful proposal includes the consideration of all relative incentives offered by the State for this type of development, including state and federal historic tax credit programs.”

GSA has also worked closely with state and local entities on the sale of the property.   Baltimore County has expressed its readiness to work with prospective developers,
including assistance with permits, financing, tax incentives, and the potential for inclusion in the North Point Enterprise Zone.

“Middle River Station offers a rare redevelopment opportunity in a waterfront community with all the hallmarks for success,” stated Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith.  “This historic property’s high ceilings and open floor plan are ideal for a creative mix of business, residential and commercial uses.”

GSA’s Office of Real Property Disposal will manage the sale of the Middle River Station and encourages potential developers to visit the online auction website at
www.auctionrp.com or the home page at www.gsa.gov/realpropertydisposal. 

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GSA is a centralized, federal procurement, property management, policy development and information provision agency, created by Congress to improve government efficiency and help federal agencies better serve the public. In this role, GSA acquires products and services on behalf of federal agencies; plays a key role in developing and implementing governmentwide policies; provides services and solutions for the office operations of more than one million federal workers; and encourages a citizen-centric relationship with government by providing a single "point of entry" to the information and services citizens need in a timeframe they can appreciate. This allows citizens to receive accurate, timely and consistent answers and information, and helps federal agencies better respond to citizen inquiries.