Westphalia Town Center, the long-planned 480-acre mixed-use community in Prince George’s County, has yet to deliver its promised retail core. But after years of delays, the commercial centerpiece of the sprawling Upper Marlboro development may finally be gaining traction.
Scottsdale, Arizona-based Walton Global Holdings Ltd., which controls the property along Pennsylvania Avenue just northeast of Joint Base Andrews, is reportedly close to securing a grocer to anchor the long-awaited retail center. County officials say negotiations are progressing, marking a potentially pivotal step forward for one of the largest remaining projects in Prince George’s development pipeline.
The retail component has struggled to materialize despite years of planning and residential growth in and around the site. Financing challenges, evolving consumer habits and major shifts in the retail sector — both before and after the Covid-19 pandemic — slowed momentum for the commercial core. As brick-and-mortar retailers reassessed expansion plans and lenders grew more cautious, launching a large-scale shopping center became increasingly difficult.
Now, county leaders say that could be changing. Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay, D-At large, said she learned directly from Walton that a deal with an anchor grocer is nearing completion. An official announcement identifying the tenant is expected within the next month and a half.
By: Three E Staff
