Towson Project Building a Buzz

Officials optimistic about Towson Square as plans, hopes grow

Officials announced on Tuesday a trio of new restaurants and a VIP section for the 15-screen movie theater planned for the Towson Square project — an $85 million development seen as a key element in attracting more shoppers and visitors to the county seat.

“We are going to make Towson a regional destination, even better than Bethesda, even better than Silver Spring,” Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said at a news conference Tuesday announcing the restaurants.

Joining Kamenetz on Tuesday, officials of developers Cordish Cos. and Heritage Properties said three restaurants have committed to the “entertainment center,” which will be anchored by a Cinemark movie theater: Nando’s Peri-Peri, a South African restaurant; La Tagliatella, a Europe-based chain serving northern Italian cuisine; and On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. Officials said the complex will eventually house eight restaurants, with more tenant announcements planned in the coming months.

They also said Cinemark has expanded its initial plan for the theater, with the addition of a VIP level featuring a full bar and “premium food choices” for patrons ages 21 and older. The theater is expected to have 3,400 stadium-style seats — 200 more than initially announced — and 15 screens.

“You’ll see a lot of construction over the next 18 months,” said Blake Cordish, vice president of Cordish Cos.

“The new restaurants at Towson Square certainly take it up another level, and add some amenities that we need on the east side of York Road,” he said.

County Councilman David Marks, a Perry Hall Republican whose district includes Towson, said he feels a “real sense of optimism and energy.”

“There is tremendous momentum here in Towson,” Marks said. “Even in a difficult economy, big projects are advancing.”