July 31, 2023
Maryland Center for the Arts Community Update
We are pleased and excited to share that we have received the final permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and have begun Phase 1 of construction that includes clearing, grading, and seeding the property located along South Tollgate Road, Wheel Road, and Route 24, 5 minutes from I-95. This effort is in preparation for building a multi-purpose art center that will serve the community.
While the Emily Bayless Charitable Foundation gifted the Maryland Center for the Arts this 41 acres of property for the purpose of creating an Arts Campus, only 10 acres are being developed for the multi-purpose art center. A tree buffer will exist surrounding the developed area adjacent to homes and we are working quickly to make this beautiful open green space that will be used for events and activities until construction begins on the art center. Thirty-one acres will remain in their natural, wooded state.
As soon as it’s safe, the walking trail will reopen!
The historic cemetery that we found on the property will remain undisturbed and far from any development and, in fact, we are working to preserve and restore this sacred part of our property.
“This property is zoned R3 which means it would eventually be developed differently if it was not earmarked for the arts,” said Maryland Center for the Arts Executive Director Bob Willenbrink. “We are pleased that we are bringing an art center to a small portion of the 41 acres that will be an asset to the entire community versus what would likely be built there otherwise like townhomes, condos and/or even more aggressive development.”
“This has been a long process of permits and approvals, but we are now well on our way to delivering on our promise of bringing an art center to Harford County,” said Maryland Center for the Arts Board Chair Carolyn Evans. “We look forward to bringing events and programming to the newly open green area and seeing Harford County residents enjoying the space.”
Regular updates will be shared as the project moves forward!
If you have questions, please contact Bob Willenbrink, Maryland Center for the Arts Executive Director at [email protected].
Maryland Center for the Arts Community Update
We are pleased and excited to share that we have received the final permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and have begun Phase 1 of construction that includes clearing, grading, and seeding the property located along South Tollgate Road, Wheel Road, and Route 24, 5 minutes from I-95. This effort is in preparation for building a multi-purpose art center that will serve the community.
While the Emily Bayless Charitable Foundation gifted the Maryland Center for the Arts this 41 acres of property for the purpose of creating an Arts Campus, only 10 acres are being developed for the multi-purpose art center. A tree buffer will exist surrounding the developed area adjacent to homes and we are working quickly to make this beautiful open green space that will be used for events and activities until construction begins on the art center. Thirty-one acres will remain in their natural, wooded state.
As soon as it’s safe, the walking trail will reopen!
The historic cemetery that we found on the property will remain undisturbed and far from any development and, in fact, we are working to preserve and restore this sacred part of our property.
“This property is zoned R3 which means it would eventually be developed differently if it was not earmarked for the arts,” said Maryland Center for the Arts Executive Director Bob Willenbrink. “We are pleased that we are bringing an art center to a small portion of the 41 acres that will be an asset to the entire community versus what would likely be built there otherwise like townhomes, condos and/or even more aggressive development.”
“This has been a long process of permits and approvals, but we are now well on our way to delivering on our promise of bringing an art center to Harford County,” said Maryland Center for the Arts Board Chair Carolyn Evans. “We look forward to bringing events and programming to the newly open green area and seeing Harford County residents enjoying the space.”
Regular updates will be shared as the project moves forward!
If you have questions, please contact Bob Willenbrink, Maryland Center for the Arts Executive Director at [email protected].
The Bear Legacy Adventure Trail will be back!!!