Baltimore County is taking a significant step forward in its efforts to revitalize Security Square Mall, a long-struggling retail center in Woodlawn.
The County has announced the acquisition of the Macy’s store property for $6.5 million, following Macy’s decision to close the location along with 64 other underperforming stores nationwide.
The Macy’s store, centrally located within the mall complex, is a critical piece in Baltimore County’s long-term redevelopment plans. With this purchase, the County owns 39 of the mall’s 88 acres, having acquired the former Sears property and surrounding parking lots for nearly $20 million over the past three years.
“If that fell into the hands of another property owner that didn’t share our vision for redevelopment, that would make redevelopment much harder to accomplish,” said Sameer Sidh, Senior Deputy Administrator for Baltimore County.
Baltimore County’s 2023 Reimagine Security Square report outlined two potential paths forward for the mall: either demolishing the aging structure or repurposing it. Regardless of the direction, the vision includes creating a community square and transit hub for the planned Red Line light rail system.
Built in 1972, Security Square Mall has faced declining foot traffic, aging infrastructure, and changing retail trends. Despite its challenges, the mall remains a vital resource for the predominantly Black neighborhood, home to significant Hispanic and Asian populations. Many tenants are small businesses owned by Black women, making the mall an important economic and cultural hub.
County officials acknowledge the complexity of the project, which requires negotiations with multiple property owners, market assessments, and a clear redevelopment plan. Despite these hurdles, the County views the acquisition of the Macy’s property as a critical step forward.
“Real estate deals and developments take a bit of time,” said State Senator Charles Sydnor III, who represents the Woodlawn area. “Sometimes acquisition and development take time, but things are moving forward.”
If successful, the redevelopment of Security Square Mall could not only spark economic growth in the area but also generate much-needed local tax revenue.
“Our ability to grow is important to the fiscal health of the County,” said Sidh. “Growth, specifically in the County, should mean redevelopment of sites like these that are underutilized.”
