Howard County officials had considered purchasing the Frank Gehry-designed property in order to appease citizens' pleas to keep the 38-year-old venue open and unchanged; General Growth had previously advocated the redevelopment of Merriweather into a smaller, indoor facility. Both Howard County and General Growth are working on a master plan for downtown Columbia. That plan will likely include the development of residences and/or office space on Merriweather's neighboring 51-acre parcel that is currently used to accommodate Merriweather parking for up to 4,600 vehicles.

"Upon viewing the draft master plans being prepared for Town Center, I have been reassured that General Growth Properties wishes to continue its ownership of Merriweather and work toward many of the goals outlined by my advisory panel," says James N. Robey, Howard County executive. "Conceptually, I believe the owner is on the same page as the community regarding the value of the open-air pavilion, and I am confident that solid solutions are now in place regarding the primary issue of parking and future development in Town Center." General Growth expects to reveal its Town Center plans in May, which would feature Merriweather as a centerpiece of any development.