Arundel Mills Mall
Hanover, Maryland

Hyatt & Weber assisted Severn Savings Bank develop Class A office space and the first “Green Roof” on a commercial building in Annapolis.

Hyatt & Weber secured special exception approval for Cherrywood Development’s mixed-use planned unit development on 160+ acres inside the I-695 Baltimore Beltway.

Hyatt & Weber assisted Madison Homes in all aspects of its Acton’s Landing development, located in Annapolis’ Historic District and the Critical Area of the Severn River.

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Creating A Regional Entertainment Destination

Project: Arundel Mills Mall

Goal: Client sought to assemble properties and to obtain development approvals for a regional shopping/entertainment destination.

Strategy: In 1998 The Mills Corporation contracted to buy approximately 400 acres located at the corner of MD 100 and the Baltimore Washington Parkway to build a regional mall with various outparcels for compatible development. The primary zoning on the property was industrial, which did not allow a shopping center. In addition, the community was not supportive of any retail zoning for the property. After working with the County administration and with the community, legislation was passed which allowed a “regional commercial complex” which could include a large regional mall and any use permitted in the industrial and commercial zones. As a result, 2.5 million square feet were approved for the Arundel Mills Regional Commercial Complex. Throughout the planning process, subdivision of the property, issuance of grading and building permits, and construction of the Arundel Mills Mall, legal services and advice were required. Hyatt & Weber continues to represent the new owner, the Simon Companies, as it completes the development on the property. Arundel Mills was one of the most successful malls in The Mills Corporation’s portfolio, which is now part of the Simon Companies.

Results: Arundel Mills Mall, with 17 anchors, over 225 specialty stores, themed restaurants and entertainment, is a thriving shopping and employment center in Anne Arundel County.

“Green” Banking

Project: Severn Bank Building

Goal: Client sought to assemble properties for construction of banking headquarters in downtown Annapolis.

Strategy: Beginning in the 1990s, Hyatt & Weber assisted Severn Savings Bank in assembling parcels for its eventual landmark building. The Firm worked with the City of Annapolis as it reconfigured traffic patterns to create Westgate Circle and to make way for the revitalization of Inner West Street. Abiding by the City Council's requirement that the building must be a signature structure, Hyatt & Weber coordinated a team of engineers and architects to secure approvals from City agencies, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Appeals for the Bank's plans. Special exception approval was obtained, site design plan approval was secured, a subdivision was recorded, and a waiver to off-street parking requirements was procured to make way for the building's hallmark feature: the first "Green Roof" on a commercial building in Annapolis. This innovative approach to stormwater management can reduce rainwater runoff by 75%, resulting in less dirty water entering the Chesapeake Bay and overall energy savings.

Results: Severn Bank Building houses the Bank's headquarters and, among its 82,000 square-feet of Class A office space, includes additional office and dining uses. The firm handled lease preparation and negotiations for current tenants and, believing the building to be perfectly suited to Annapolis' future, Hyatt & Weber is pleased to have its offices on the 5th floor.

A Mixed-Use Planned Unit Development Inside The Beltway

Project: Cedar Hill

Goal: Client sought to assemble multiple properties totaling over 160 acres and to obtain approvals for a coordinated, phased mixed-use development.

Strategy: Beginning in 2003, Cherrywood Development L.L.C. through its Glen Abbey entities ("Cherrywood") worked to assemble multiple properties inside the I-695 Baltimore Beltway in Brooklyn Park with plans to secure development approvals for the land. Attorneys from Hyatt & Weber's Land Use and Zoning Group facilitated Cherrywood's initial work with various community associations, and participated in Anne Arundel County's Small Area Planning ("SAP") process for the Brooklyn Park area regarding the potential development. During the subsequent comprehensive zoning for Brooklyn Park, the Firm secured multiple upzonings for Cherrywood's land, and Hyatt & Weber later won a piecemeal rezoning case before the County Board of Appeals for one portion of Cherrywood's property. The Firm also successfully lobbied the County Council for favorable legislative changes to the Zoning Code's planned unit development ("PUD") regulations. Ultimately, Hyatt & Weber secured special exception approval for a mixed-use PUD across Cherrywood's 160+ acres, to include 1,330+ dwelling units, recreational area, and commercial uses. Cherrywood's "Cedar Hill" PUD is a good example of Smart Growth – it is located to take advantage of existing infrastructure, its plan protects forests and the critical area, and its addition of new housing and neighborhood commercial uses will help to revitalize northern Anne Arundel County and to meet BRAC challenges.

Results: Cherrywood is in the process of obtaining final subdivision plat approval so that infrastructure installation and site development at Cedar Hill may commence.

A New Life For Annapolis’ Old Hospital Site

Project: Acton's Landing

Goal: Client sought to redevelop former hospital site, located in Annapolis's Historic District and Critical Area/Critical Area Buffer, as a residential planned development.

Strategy: Hyatt & Weber assisted Madison Homes, Inc. from RFP submission through contract negotiation, title review, acquisition, demolition, development approvals, construction, and closings at Acton's Landing. Initially, the Firm worked closely with the City Department of Planning and Zoning and with the Ward One/Murray Hill community to win support for the Acton's Landing site design. A necessary rezoning was obtained from the City Council and the special exception for the residential planned development moved forward. After several public hearings, the Planning Commission, the Board of Appeals, and the Historic Preservation Commission approved the 106-unit redevelopment project: 79 multi-family condominium units (including 16 age-restricted units), 27 units comprised of townhouses and single-family homes, and both private and public park space. With the subdivision finalized and grading underway, Hyatt & Weber prepared and registered the condominium documents and the homeowners association (HOA) materials. The Firm incorporated the private utility company for the project, facilitated the undergrounding of utilities with the City, handled construction easements, managed contract issues, and conducted closings.

Results: The Acton's Landing homes are nearly filled with new families; the dwelling units still under construction are projected to be completed and occupied within the year.

Arundel Mills Mall
Hanover, Maryland