South Lake Development in Bowie Touted as $1.3 Billion Economic Engine for Maryland Region

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy visited the South Lake development in Bowie, highlighting its $1.3 billion investment and its role in generating housing, retail, and long-term economic growth for the region. Speaking to about 100 business, community, and elected leaders at an event hosted by Gary Michael, President of NAI Michael, the project's developer, the Governor and County Executive emphasized the economic benefits South Lake is bringing to the state and county.

Governor Moore expressed strong support for the project, stating, "I love this project, not just because we're talking new jobs, not just because we're talking $1.3 billion in economic investments and economic growth that will not just impact this area, but an entire corridor of development that will have ripple effects all over the state of Maryland and beyond." He added, "Everything we need to not just survive, but to thrive, is going to be built here. This is going to be a model for how our state moves and for how our state thrives."

County Executive Braveboy highlighted the community impact, saying, "I love South Lake because it represents dreams realized. When you take a long-time developer who has contributed so much to the fabric of Prince George's County and combine that with the ingenuity, the entrepreneurship, the drive and dedication of those members of our community who want to see their vision come to life you see how NAI Michael helped make their dreams become reality." She emphasized the project's role in economic empowerment: "This causes people to have hope, it causes people to want to do more. To not just be consumers, but to be producers and to know they have a place to make money in Prince George's County and not just spend it."

During the event, Michael announced several project updates, including the pending completion of Phase I retail leasing with a range of national and local businesses that reflect Prince George's County's diverse business community. Major retailers already operating include Giant Food & Pharmacy, Sheetz, and McDonald's, with several other national tenants preparing to open, including Chase Bank, Jersey Mike's Subs, and Tropical Smoothie Café.

The development particularly emphasizes support for local and minority-owned businesses, featuring establishments such as Lance London's Ma Pearl's Louisiana-inspired restaurant, Mi Lindo Cancun Grill by the Annapolis Salmoran family, 4th Quarter Sports Bar owned by former NBA player Quinn Cook, Ledo Pizza, Dat Jerk Caribbean Chargrill, AjaBLU Salon & Studio, and Pack 'N Business Solutions LLC. Michael reported that residential demand remains strong, with multiple home categories sold out and luxury apartments now leasing.

The community's connection to Liberty Sports Park, which welcomed more than 344,000 visitors in its first year, creates a steady base of customers for retailers and restaurants. South Lake represents a transformative mixed-use development spanning 381 acres that will feature the 600,000-square-foot South Lake Marketplace retail, dining and hospitality district, along with 1,600 new residences from luxury apartments to single-family homes, parks, trails, and lifestyle amenities. For more information on leasing opportunities, visit www.southlakemarketplace.com.