A proposal to redevelop the College Park Towers site at 4330 Harwick Road and 4313 Knox Road is currently under review by the City Council and Planning Board. The developer, The Mark at College Park, LLC, has submitted a request to rezone the property from RTO-L-E (Regional Transit-Oriented, Low-Intensity-Edge) to RTO-PD (Regional Transit-Oriented, Planned Development). This change would allow for the construction of two high-density student apartment buildings in place of the existing condominiums, which are currently leased primarily to University of Maryland students .
Project Overview
The proposed development spans 4.62 acres and aims to align with the city’s transit-oriented and high-density housing goals. The plan includes:
• Two new apartment buildings with 600-690 student housing units
• Building heights of approximately 126 feet (10 stories)
• Retail space of approximately 5,000-5,500 square feet
• A central pedestrian promenade with green spaces, seating areas, and public art
• Bicycle and pedestrian improvements, including enhanced connectivity to the University of Maryland
The developer has also proposed sustainability features, such as energy-efficient design, stormwater management systems, and compliance with green building standards.
Public and Planning Considerations
The rezoning request must meet several compliance requirements:
• Alignment with Prince George’s County’s 2035 General Plan and the Central US 1 Sector Plan, which encourage high-density residential developments near transit hubs
• Pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, as recommended by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
• Public benefits, such as enhanced landscaping, improved pedestrian access, and community-focused green spaces
At a recent neighborhood meeting, some residents raised concerns about traffic impacts, affordability, and the need for additional retail space in the area. The project will undergo further review in the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision and Detailed Site Plan phases before receiving final approval .
Next Steps
• March 18, 2025 – The City Council will discuss the rezoning request and consider potential recommendations
• March 27, 2025 – The Prince George’s County Planning Board will hold a hearing on the proposal
• Mid-2025 – If approved, the project will proceed to detailed site planning and final development approvals
This redevelopment has the potential to modernize student housing in College Park while contributing to a walkable and transit-friendly environment. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback through public hearings and city planning discussions.
For more details, residents can access the rezoning submission and planning documents through the City of College Park’s website or attend the upcoming Council and Planning Board meetings.
MARY ANN HARTNETT
Does CP and/or UMD really need 600-700 more apartments for students?
Are condos being removed for this project? What is wrong with having affordable housing that can be purchased and lived in by an owner? A condo can be a good start for someone interested in home ownership if they cannot afford a townhouse much less a single family home. Why not build low density condos? I know, not enough profit for a builder and the University does not want to build more dorms to replace the very old ones on campus.