Governor of Maryland unveils university-based transit-oriented development project at Bowie State University
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced plans for a transit-centered development at the Bowie State MARC Station on August 8, marking a significant step forward in the project's development. The Bowie State MARC Station Joint Development project is a priority initiative under the MDOT's Transit-Oriented Development Program.
The redevelopment of the 4.6-acre state-owned site, located west of the Bowie State MARC Station train tracks, offers an opportunity for a vibrant, mixed-use community centered on public transit and the growing Bowie State University campus. The project aims to expand affordable housing, improve connectivity, and boost transit access in the area.
Key infrastructure elements will include an extended MARC platform, a new pedestrian bridge connecting the site to the Bowie State University campus, and improved bike and pedestrian circulation throughout the area. The potential redevelopment could yield more than 400 housing units.
The project marks the next step in the 2024 MARC Penn Line TOD Strategy and is expected to support up to 670 construction jobs and add up to 42,000 annual MARC trips at full build-out. The TOD aims to create a community that is connected, inclusive, and thriving, serving current and future generations.
As of August 2025, MDOT has issued a request for proposals for a development partner, with submissions due by October 14, 2025. The selected development team will lead the affordable housing project and the broader master planning effort, including identifying funding and implementation strategies.
The Bowie State MARC Station is located on the MARC Penn Line and is adjacent to the Bowie State University campus, Maryland's oldest Historically Black College and University. The development's location and institutional partnerships position it as a key opportunity to advance equitable TOD in Prince George’s County and the region.
The TOD project represents Maryland's continued commitment to sustainable growth and economic opportunity. The redevelopment could generate $108 million in state and local tax revenue, further bolstering the economic potential of the project.
In addition to the Bowie State MARC Station project, MDOT has launched the Transit-Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund, with $1.25 million awarded in its first round to support mixed-use development projects at Reisterstown, Odenton, and North Bethesda.
The agency is seeking a development partner who will work with MDOT and other partners to support the realization of the transit-oriented development (TOD) vision. The master planning process will include evaluating and delivering long-term development opportunities, identifying funding and implementation strategies, and advancing key transit infrastructure improvements.
In summary:
| Element | Status / Details | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Timeline | Master planning ongoing; RFP proposals due by Oct 14, 2025; project in early stages of development[3] | | Funding | $1.5 million from Transportation Trust Fund for master planning; additional funding strategies to be developed[1][3] | | Key Infrastructure | Extended MARC platform, new pedestrian bridge to campus, improved bike/pedestrian circulation[1][2][3] | | Development Goals | Affordable housing, mixed-use community, increased transit ridership, economic growth, and equity enhancement[1][2][3] |
The project is positioned as a transformative effort to strengthen transit connections and foster community vitality near Maryland’s oldest HBCU, Bowie State University[2].
The Bowie State MARC Station project, a priority initiative under the MDOT's Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Program, is anticipated to create a thriving, mixed-use community centered on public transit and the growing Bowie State University campus. This project aims to expand affordable housing, improve connectivity, and boost transit access in the area, with key infrastructure elements such as an extended MARC platform, a new pedestrian bridge linking the site to the Bowie State University campus, and enhanced bike and pedestrian circulation. Maryland's TOD vision includes creating a connected, inclusive, and thriving community, serving current and future generations, and the project is projected to generate $108 million in state and local tax revenue. As the MARC Penn Line TOD Strategy's next steps, it is expected to support up to 670 construction jobs and add up to 42,000 annual MARC trips at full build-out. The agency has issued a request for proposals for a development partner, with the selected team to lead the affordable housing project and broader master planning effort, including identifying funding and implementation strategies. The project is positioned as a transformative effort to strengthen transit connections and foster community vitality near Maryland’s oldest Historically Black College and University, Bowie State University. Additionally, MDOT has launched the Transit-Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund to support mixed-use development projects at other locations like Reisterstown, Odenton, and North Bethesda.
