Marley's Resurrection: Reimagining an Anne Arundel County Community Hub

Abstract

Shopping malls over the course of American history have served as key hubs for visitors (either local or distant) to shop, dine, and be entertained. Though many malls have evolved with time and society through the incorporation of modern architectural elements and consumer needs/amenities, several shopping malls have faced significant declines. The rise of online shopping, fast fashion, high maintenance costs, lack of modern consumer/community amenities/needs, and outdated environments are some of prevalent reasons that have caused these retail centers to fall victim to abandonment, neglect, continual ownership change, and financial issues– ultimately becoming “dead”. Exhibited distinctly by Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, Maryland, this historic community hub in Anne Arundel County is now an outdated, low tenant and visitor occupancy building that no longer serves its community efficiently. This thesis will explore the redevelopment of this historic dead mall site into a new, sustainable community hub that meets its community’s needs and supports the county’s general development plan, Plan2040 that will positively impact the future.