News

 “Having the university focused on its role and academic mission, and having its future tied to the surrounding community, is a watershed moment,” Mr. Ulman said. “We are looking for a positive impact that supports the university mission, strengthens its commitment to its students and its research mission.” 

 "We've heard very clearly that Pimlico remains the main focus and I don't see any way Pimlico is not protected and preserved," Cole said. 

"Developed in partnership with Margrave Strategies and CLD Partners, the plan provides recommendations and strategies over a five-year horizon to address development around four major themes: placemaking, community, growth and innovation. The themes represent historical areas of focus for BSU that provide opportunity to maximize momentum for continued success and viability into the future. "

 “I didn’t sleep until [the bill became law],” Cole said. “I don’t know about everybody else, but I didn’t sleep until then.” 

 “We’re here because of that great location, the vision that [Discovery District lead Ken Ulman] was able to spell out for us, we took and bit into, and actually we’ve seen that vision really come to fruition in getting people excited to work here, at this company, but more so next to the university here where there are so many cool amenities and things that are happening and going on.” 

"The way Ken Ulman sees it, the University of Maryland is on the cusp of making a quantum leap in its decades-long effort to spur development east of Baltimore Avenue from its College Park campus at what it's now calling the Discovery District."

 “I think everything came together at the right time,” said Ken Ulman, president of Terrapin Development and chief strategy officer for economic development at the University of Maryland, College Park Foundation. “We were eyes wide open, paying attention to the governor’s orders on essential businesses, paying attention to the financial markets, having constant conversations with our partners about this, and, absolutely, there was a sense of anxiety about this project and it being ready to start.” 

 "The project, which includes career cybersecurity training start-up Cybrary as the anchor tenant, is part of the university’s plans to develop its “Discovery District” — a stretch of land that spans from The Hotel to research facilities on River Road."

 "The project is meant to 'serve as a hub for students and residents alike by creating a space that encourages a thriving art scene through special programming like creative classes and lecture series,' according to a press release."

" 'That building is an iconic and important element of the redevelopment,' acknowledged Bill Cole, a partner in Columbia-based Margrave Strategies that represents Baltimore. In all, nearly 16 acres west of the track is earmarked for private commercial, retail and restaurant development. "

"Ulman also emphasized that the company’s focus would be analyzing the feasibility of a specific program or research institute focused on the county’s pre-existing strengths.

“It’s an analysis, it’s conversations with institutions, and I think our hope is that the end of the three-month engagement, there’s a path forward,” he said. Margrave would be “honored” to continue its work with the county, Ulman added, but the process of establishing a research program is a significant endeavor."

 "The plans for Pimlico incorporate many of the design elements put forth in a two-part study by the Maryland Stadium Authority, reorienting the track and building a new clubhouse that would double as a community flex space. The infield would have multi-use athletic fields and a pond to the south, and a tiered berm to the north. The track would be donated to the city–freeing up acres of land to be developed–with Stronach leasing Pimlico each May to run the second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown. "

 "I’ve devoted my life to making Baltimore and the region better, and I believe that by joining Margrave, we will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of Marylanders by envisioning the communities and neighborhoods where they will work, live and play,” Cole said."

 "The connection between the university and economic development is part of a wider plan in College Park. Known as the Discovery District, the area where WeWork sits off Baltimore Avenue is also home to the Diamondback Garage, which hosts an incubator from Capital One that plays host to students and researchers, office space for Adobe and event space. It sits below the parking garage within The Hotel at the University of Maryland. In the same area, Scott Plank’s War Horse Cities is turning an old auto repair garage into a food hall. "

 "Officials intend to use Ulman's findings to develop what they call a comprehensive "anchor placemaking" strategy for the university 'that will guide future growth and cement the university's role as an anchor institution for decades to come,' according to a news release on the strategy. "

 "With more than 200 residential units, the facility is expected to feature amenities such as increased green space, a fitness center, bicycle storage and a connecting pathway to the south end of campus. It also will include limited retail areas, providing new options for SU and the community."

" Towson University President Kim Schatzel announced on Sept. 27 that Margrave Strategies president Ken Ulman will help the university map future growth strategies. "

" In the private sector for the first time in 12 years, former Howard County executive Ken Ulman has launched a consulting firm to offer economic development advice. "