The Annapolis Towne Centre is located on the former site of the Parole Plaza Shopping Center, which opened in the early 1960’s, closed in the 1990’s, and has remained vacant for a decade. The new Towne Centre creates a revitalized living, shopping, entertainment and community center for the city and for Anne Arundel County.
The 35-acre mixed-use redevelopment project in the Parole area of Annapolis is comprised of almost two million square feet of retail, office, hotel and residential space.
Mahan Rykiel provided master planning and design services for the three-block project site. The site design consists of a carefully considered palette of materials which pay homage to the historic Annapolis standard while working within a strict project budget. Pedestrian circulation and the experience of the user was of high importance in conceiving a design for the streetscape that would successfully knit the unique and distinct architecture of the project together while moving visitors through the project in a safe and engaging manner.
Uniquely designed roundabouts mark the major intersections of the project and link a feature storm water management swale spanning the entire length of the streetscape. Mahan Rykiel was responsible for the planting of the swale, assembling a palette of native and adaptive plant materials which recall the natural character of the Chesapeake Bay. Mahan Rykiel was also responsible for the siting of a feature fountain at the terminus of the “main street” and was key in the design of the ceremonial grand stair which establishes a critical connection between the project and the adjacent community.
