East Columbia Business District, Columbia, Maryland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids East Columbia Columbia Crossing
Business District
The Howard County Government Campus in East Columbia
Nickname(s):  "Dobbin", "Snowden"
Country	United States
State	Maryland
City	Columbia
Named for	Location east of the Town Center

The East Columbia Business District is a section of the planned community of Columbia, Maryland, United States that features a number of large shopping centers and office parks. This district also includes the Columbia Gateway Business Park, which is home to more than 50 companies employing over 17,000 individuals. The business district provides shopping resources for much of Northeastern Howard County. Many locals refer to the area simply as "Dobbin" or "Snowden" due to the major roadways that serve it.

History

During the early 1980s, Maryland Route 175, known as Rouse Parkway, was extended from the Columbia Town Center to the Maryland Route 108 interchange into a four lane highway. In 1986, Columbia's first major business park was planned, comprising 630 acres. Around this time, additional major developments took place including Snowden Square Shopping Center and Dobbin Center. In 1997, one of the largest shopping centers, Columbia Crossing, was constructed on the northside of Route 175 and Dobbin Road. This complex features the anchor store of Target Greatland. Recently, Howard County's first Wegmans opened on McGaw Road in 2012.

Major companies

The Columbia Gateway Business Park is home to a number of major companies including: