Eldersburg Main Street Center

Black Oak Associates
Eldersburg, Maryland
Completion date: 2008
Architect: Bignell, Watkins, Hasser

M²a is providing ecological design consulting for this new shopping complex in suburban Baltimore. The developer, Black Oak Associates, is committed to achieving a Silver certification under the LEED for Core & Shell Rating System. M2a has been working as a consultant to Black Oak from the beginning of the development project, initially running a design charrette with the design team, then providing on-going consulting related to the LEED Certification. The project focuses on reducing its impact on stormwater through smart site design that includes balanced cut & fill along with seepage beds and bioswales. This approach saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in site costs over a conventional parking layout. Other innovative approaches to a retail facility include reduced water consumption through collecting rainwater for use in flushing toilets, and lowering its energy use by innovative daylighting strategies.