Now I really hate Hamburg Shopping Center

I had the pleasure of visiting Gaithrsburg, MD Thursday, and got the chance to walk down the “streets” of Washingtonian Center, one of the nicest mall concepts I’ve ever seen. The entire thing is set up like a small town. You have streetlamps, park benches, sidewalk cafes, and storefronts. But behind this inviting setup are full featured stores such as Target, Kohls and more. I was halfway down the street before I realized it… I’m in a mall! There were lots of people around, and my companion said the stores are doing really well.


It was more than pedestrian friendly - just being there was worth a trip to the place. A man made lake faced some of the restaurants and a sidewalk filled with families, children and teenagers walking, taking pictures, watching the waterfowl. Looking from the outside, sure, the big box retailers look the same, but the human part was concentrated on the interior - the walking space. It simply felt great to shop there.

As I flew back from the trip, our jet went over Hamburg shopping center. I thought about the huge sea of concerete - the lines of cars - the waits with turn signals flashing to just go from store to store. Tell me Lexington - what is so bad about parking garages? Why is it that we can’t create pedways that feel great to walk through? Heck, if you’re too lazy to walk, how about some streetcars running down the middle.

It’s too late for Hamburg, and it makes me so sad. Think about what could have been. I just hope that efforts for revitalization of Downtown / UK Corridor are more thoughtful, and perhaps folks involved could go visit other places like the thriving Washingtonian Center.

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