Old Solo Cup Factory In Owings Mills Demolished To Make Way For New Retail Space
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (WJZ) -- Say goodbye to the old Solo Cup factory. Developers begin making way for new stores and offices coming to Owings Mills.
Christie Ileto tells us how Thursday's demolition will bring more than just new retail.
New stores mean more shoppers, dollars and more jobs in the area--something Baltimore County leaders say is a recipe for a good investment.
Out with the old and in with a new 365,000 square foot retail space called Foundry Row.
Thursday, developers began demolishing the old Solo Cup factory to make way for upscale shops and restaurants, with supermarket Wegmans as its anchor.
"It will save me a good six miles twice a week because I go to the Wegmans in Hunt Valley," said Robyn Murphy.
While residents are eager for the new site coming to Painters Mill and Reisterstown Road, developers say location is key.
"It's the most high profile intersection. It's when you transition into Owings Mills," said developer Brian Gibbons, Greenberg Gibbons.
But it's more than just good shopping coming.
"It's going to produce good construction jobs for the next year and a half. But then we're going to have good employment here," said Kevin Kamenetz, Baltimore County Executive.
In fact, once completed, officials say Foundry Row will create about 3,100 Baltimore County jobs and generate $8.2 million in taxes for Maryland.
"I'm not looking forward to the traffic," a driver said.
But residents have long voiced concern with the additional traffic that will come along with the new stores, especially at Painters Mill and Reisterstown Road. But county leaders say there's a plan in place to manage that.
"Greenberg Gibbons is putting several million dollars into the intersection at Painters Mill and Reisterstown Road and also going up toward St. Thomas Lane. So there will be some improvements," said councilwoman Vicki Almond.
Road improvements to make way for shoppers bound for Foundry Row, hoping to keep their money local.
Developers say it will take nine months to tear down the old Solo Cup building.
Developers hope to have the shopping center finished by late 2015 or early 2016.
