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Columbia:
It began with an idea and the purchase of 14,000 acres in the 1960s. From there, visionary James Rouse created Columbia, one of America's premier planned communities. Its development was guided by four basic goals:
* To build a complete city that meets the basic needs of its people including housing, jobs, recreation, educational and cultural institutions, health care, etc.
* To respect the land. Rouse believed that "there should be a strong infusion of nature throughout a network of towns; that people should be able to feel the spaces of nature as part of their everyday life." Over 4,700 acres have been set aside for parks, playgrounds and natural areas and more than 80 miles of pathways allow easy access for walkers, joggers and bike riders.
* To provide for the growth of people. Rouse believed that "the ultimate test of civilization is whether or not it contributes to the growth -- the improvement of mankind."
* To make a profit. The success of Columbia is tied to its financial success. It was important that it be proven that good development could also be good for the developer. Every idea was plugged into the economic model to be sure that it could work.
The new town's design includes a "Town Center" surrounded by nine other "villages." Upon completion of River Hill, the last village, focus has turned to the redevelopment of Columbia's downtown area. Using many of Rouse's original guiding principals, the community and and developers are working toward creating a more vibrant and "walkable" urban center.
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In the late 1960s, James Rouse chose famed architect Frank Gehry's design firm to build 4 new buildings for the planned city including Merriweather Post Pavilion and the former Rouse Company Headquarters shown here.
Merriweather Post Pavilion, the first public building Columbia, was designed for the National Symphony Orchestra and named for the orchestra's vice president Marjorie Merriweather Post. This unique outdoor amphitheater hosts thousands of concert goers each year and top musical acts.
The Mall in Columbia opened in 1971 with 80 stores. There are now over 200 retailers plus a restaurant park and a multi-screen cineplex.
Actor Edward Norton, grandson of Columbia founder James Rouse, made his professional debut at age 8 at Toby's Dinner Theatre in the Town Center. Norton is shown here as the subject of choice for a local artist during the Columbia Festival of the Arts' CHALK-IT-UP street art contest.
Many of Columbia's unusual street & place names are inspired by renown literary works. For example, Wood Elves Way in Hobbit's Glen pays tribute to author JRR Tolkien. |