"Planned, sustainable communities like Maple Lawn make sense," Howard County Executive James Robey," attests. "Complete with housing to accommodate a wide range of family incomes, these communities strive to offer amenities that enhance the well-being of their residents."

Located on 507 acres, Maple Lawn will sit just outside the city of Columbia where Rte. 216 and Rte 29 meet. When all is said and done about a decade from now, the "traditional neighborhood development's" offerings will include one million sf of office developments, 150,000 sf of retail space, and more than 1,000 new homes ranging from single-family houses, to townhomes and condominiums.

Phase I--which is scheduled for completion in 2004--will consist of 90,000 sf of office space in structures ranging from three stories to eight stories, and will be strategically located near major transportation arteries leading to region's major metropolitan areas including Baltimore and Washington, DC. The initial segment of development will also feature an undisclosed number of retail pad sites, as well as 120 new homes for sale or lease.

For residents, retailers and businesses in the area, Maple Lawn will be able to provide top-of-the-line offerings comparable to those in the big city, but at much lower rates. Envisioned by architectural and planning firm Design Collective, the new sub-division will distinguish itself from other planned communities by keeping in line with the live/work/play theme.

"Many planned communities have ended up generating the same problems they were originally designed to alleviate, with growing traffic congestion and pollution," Greenebaum and Rose founding partner Stewart Greenebaum explains. "Maple Lawn raises the bar in terms of quality of life by creating an environment in which people will enjoy living and working."

Emphasis will be taken off vehicles--although ample free public parking will be made available--and put on the pedestrian. Over 178 acres of Maple Lawn will be reserved as open space for parks, conservation areas and playgrounds.