Columbia, Maryland is city in Howard County founded on June 21, 1967 by James W. Rouse. Rouse was a native of Easton, Maryland. He obtained a job in Baltimore with the Federal Housing Administration. By the early 50s he was involved in oraganizations whose goals were to combat urban decay and promote urban renewal. In the early 60s Rouse developed a new model city. In April 1962 Howard County advertsied 1,300 acres for sale. Rouse would go on to make 165 purchases of the land over the next year-and-a-half. In 1965 zoning was approved for the project. The planned city would be complete with jobs, schools, shopping, medical services, and a range of housing. Columbia is the make-up of villages comprised of several neighborhoods. All villages have a shopping center, recreational facilities, a community center, a system of bike/walking paths, and homes. The centerpiece of Columbia would be The Mall in Columbia and man-made Lake Kittamaqundi. Lake Kittamaqundi would be one of three man-made lakes in Columbia.
In 2010, “The Downtown Columbia Plan” project was made for further expansion of the city over the next 30 years. The plans included details such as neighborhood design guidelines, environmental restoration, public amenities and infrastsructure.
Columbia is known for being a family-oriented community with a variety of attractions, parks, recreational facilities, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
“Whatever ought to be, can be” -James Rouse