TU recognized by Maryland Department of Planning in annual sustainability awards

By Kailey Adams on November 21, 2022

The Armory, Towson University’s business engagement center, has been recognized as a winner of the Sustainable Communities Award, presented annually by the Maryland Department of Planning. TU was one of eight winners celebrated at the annual Sustainable Growth Awards on Nov. 17.

The awards recognize individuals or organizations in Maryland with economic and community development initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable growth. Towson University was the only higher education institution to receive an award.

“Towson University is incredibly proud to receive this recognition as one of Maryland’s Sustainable Communities,” said Daraius Irani, TU’s vice president of strategic partnerships and applied research, in a video acceptance speech. “The Armory is an historic landmark in downtown Towson, and the sustainable redevelopment and reuse of this building has generated one of the leading economic drivers for our community. It is a tremendous example of Towson University’s ability as an anchor institution to work with local government and the private sector to strengthen Greater Baltimore.”

Governor Larry Hogan also lauded the winners for their lasting impact on Maryland’s communities. "Sustainable growth is key to the future of Maryland. Our administration takes great pride in these awards and celebrates the perseverance of the recipients to change Maryland for the better,” said Hogan.

The Armory officially re-opened in September 2021 after nearly three years of renovations and more than $3.9 million in investments by Towson University and Greenberg Gibbons real estate. In the year-plus since, this entrepreneurial hub has garnered national recognition for its impact on Towson’s economy.

Last month, The Armory and its StarTUp program were recognized as one of the top university economic development initiatives in America by the University Economic Development Association. The StarTUp was named the Engaged University award winner at the organization’s 2022 Awards of Excellence.

Originally opened in 1933, The Armory was home to the Maryland Army National Guard for nearly 80 years until they relocated in 2012. The historic landmark fell mostly unoccupied for nearly a decade until TU’s redevelopment effort.

In addition to housing TU’s business engagement initiatives, The Armory is also home to downtown Towson’s largest free co-working space. This 6,000-square-foot co-working space offers a place for Greater Baltimore’s entrepreneurs and their ventures to develop a network of relationships and cultivate innovative practices.

Sustainability is one of TU’s six core values as outlined in the institution’s 2020-30 strategic plan, Leadership for the Public Good. For more information on TU’s commitment to sustainable practices, please click here.