Visitor's Guide to Howard County - 2016

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James Rouse
& Columbia
BY BARABRA KELLNER, DIRECTOR, COLUMBIA ARCHIVES
James Rouse changed the face and focus of
Howard County in the 1960s with his vision
and execution of the renowned planned
city of Columbia. Howard County was
catapulted into the burgeoning Baltimore-
Washington corridor as Columbia, and
eventually its surrounding areas, became a
highly desirable place to live, work and play.
Columbia was just one piece of the
portfolio that earned Rouse recognition
and praise while cementing his place
in the history of the built environment
of the United States. He was a pioneer in the
development of shopping centers. The Rouse
Company developed the first enclosed mall on the
East Coast, opening Harundale Mall in Baltimore
in 1958. And it was Rouse who developed the
concept of festival marketplaces, including
Faneuil Hall in Boston, Harborplace in Baltimore
and South Street Seaport in New York City. His
contributions to revitalizing these cities landed
him a cover story in Time Magazine in 1981.
Jim Rouse helped change the face of cities
and suburbs by providing answers to some of
the most pressing challenges of the times. The
shopping centers, festival marketplaces, the
planned community of Columbia, Maryland and
affordable housing throughout the country that he
envisioned and developed, and the companies
he founded, are concrete examples of his lasting
influence. But perhaps Rouse’s greatest legacy
lies in the way he inspired others with his optimism.
He believed that “what ought to be can be,” and
was convinced that the power of private enterprise
could be harnessed to accomplish good.
Rouse was a national figure, but in Howard County
he was known as Jim. He lived in Columbia in a
modest split-level home until his death in 1996. His
vision for a well-designed community that meets
the needs of its inhabitants is still
alive in this flourishing small city.
Grab brunch at local favorite, The Ale
House Columbia. Enjoy a little
more time outdoors and go for a hike
along some of Columbia’s more than 100
miles of paved trails. Stop by Touche
Touchet Bakery and Pastry Shoppe for
a sweet treat before you head home.
James Rouse
(circa 1969)
PHOTO OF ROUSE COURTESY OF THE COLUMBIA ARCHIVES
The Columbia Archives is home
to a unique collection of documents
on the history and culture of the planned new town,
Columbia, and the life of Jim Rouse, its founder.
FREEOR ALMOST FREE
SUNDAY
Columbia
Association
Pathways
40 HOWARD COUNTY OFFICIAL VISITORS + RESIDENTS GUIDE | 2016
Effortless
Travel
• Ten acre Lakeside setting
with 290 rooms
• Waterside Restaurant
with patio dining
• Within walking distance
of specialty restaurants,
Merriweather, Toby’s &
The Mall in Columbia
• Outdoor Pool &
lakefront activities
• Access to golf & tennis
• Groups from 10 to 500
• Weddings, conventions,
events of all kinds
• High speed internet access
• 15 minutes from BWI Airport
• Airport shuttle service available
• Local van service
• Group & package rates
• Complimentary Garage Parking
SHERATON COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER HOTEL
10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Maryland
T 410 730 3900 or 800 638 2817