Howard County BOOM! Event Draws 450 Attendees

Over 450 developers, commercial real estate professionals and other business leaders heard a rousing endorsement of opportunities in Downtown Columbia and Maple Lawn at an event held in the transformed former Rouse Company Building Nov. 17.

The event was named “Howard County BOOM!, and speakers unanimously enthused about the redevelopment and urbanization of Downtown Columbia by The Howard Hughes Corporation and the development of Maple Lawn by Greenebaum Enterprises.

Hosted by Bisnow, the digital media company that produces news and live events, and presented by The Howard Hughes Corporation, the gathering featured remarks by Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, who exhorted the crowd to join other investors in Howard County. “This is the place to be,” he said.

The keynote interview with Kingdon Gould, Jr., by Howard Hughes Corporation Senior Vice President John DeWolf included an audience-pleasing recollection of Columbia’s origins, as well as instances of Gould’s self-proclaimed “good luck” in being 90 years old, marrying a woman to whom he is still married, having 9 children, and buying property on both sides of Route 95, among other successes in a long life.

Howard County Council Chair Mary Kay Sigaty, who represents both Downtown Columbia and Maple Lawn, reminded attendees of Columbia’s beginnings and the trust in the vision of Columbia’s founder, James W. Rouse. Sigaty, who moved to Columbia in 1972, pointed with pride to the Downtown Columbia Plan as a new vision and the foundation for the revitalization now underway in her hometown.

Panelists included executives from The Howard Hughes Corporation, Kettler, Orchard Development, Manekin, St. John Properties, Greenebaum Enterprises, First Potomac Realty Trust, Kimco, and Merritt Properties.

Howard Hughes Corporation Senior Vice President John DeWolf interviewed the legendary Kingdon Gould, Jr., to the delight of the attendees at Howard County BOOM!