College Park is in the pre-development phase of plans that will see a rebuilt City Hall and additional development on the surrounding block of Route 1.

The city is partnering with the University of Maryland to create a joint office space and public plaza. City Hall has been in need of repairs, and College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn has expressed his desire for something with prominence for the downtown area.

UMD owns several storefronts along Route 1 through the university’s College Park Foundation and plans to combine those properties with the city’s to accelerate redevelopment of the entire block, according to The Diamondback. UMD’s assistant VP for real estate Ed Macginnins says the partnership will add a retail mix to the surrounding area and add a built-in customer base with the move of university staff to the downtown area.

College Park has been identified as an area to watch in terms of future development possibilities. Last year, Wood Partners announced plans for a 275-unit apartment building at 4700 Berwyn House Rd, while a development team led by the Ronald D. Paul Cos has plans for a mixed-use project adjacent to the College Park Metro station. [DIA]