Yes, this has nothing to do with Silver Spring but as an urban area there is a correlation plus it’s really really big news for the entire state. It’s been over 30 years since a new tallest has been insight for Baltimore and that could become a reality as soon as this summer. The developer Arc Wheeler wants to build a 59 story skycraper towering 717 feet, if built it will be by far the tallest building from Philadelphia to Charlotte and surpassing the current tallest Legg Mason building built in 1973 by 188 feet. For decades Baltimore has been passed by while other cities like Boston, Atlanta and even Charlotte have built their symbols of success over the years. Even the washington mounumnent surpasses Baltimores tallest with 555 compared to 529 feet. As the plans are still in design review and a weaking condo market on the way the building might not come to frutation but I am hoping Baltimore will finally get it’s day in the sun.

Commentary: A tall building cannot be understated to the importance of a city, height merged with an attractive design can bring worldwide recognition. New York for example adopted the the state slogan “The Empire State”, Bostons Mayor as well has called for a new tallest to show the city is still alive and well. One forum poster said it best…”Scrapers are iconic images of cities. They are statements of prowess and might.” It would be equally as nice for Silver Spring (largest urban place in Maryland after Baltimore) to get it’s own iconic symbol and the transit center would be the perfect spot, I by no means am calling for a 717 feet tower but for your perspective the Chevy Chase Bank Towers in Bethesda are 250 feet and the Washingtonian tower in Gatihersburg is 275 feet so 300 feet in Silver Spring is not unreasonable. It could be a becaon for Silver Spring long after the revitalization so it isn’t long forgotten once again.