Demolition of Solo Cup plant making way for Foundry Row

Demolition began on the old Solo Cup plant in Owings Mills to make way for Foundry Row a retail center that will include a Wegman's grocery store. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun video)

With the swipe of an excavator, a demolition crew began taking down the abandoned Solo Cup factory in Owings Mills on Thursday, work that will clear the way for new development that was once threatened by opposition.

When the abandoned plant is flattened, developers plan to build a $140 million shopping center anchored by the upscale grocer Wegmans, as well as a gym, restaurants, offices and stores. Developers say Foundry Row will open by late 2015 or early 2016.

The ceremonial start to demolition at the site on the corner of Reisterstown and Painters Mill roads followed months of debate among residents, developers and Baltimore County Council members.

Councilwoman Vicki Almond, a Democrat who represents Owings Mills, called it "a very joyous occasion."

"It was like proof that this is finally going to happen now," she said.

Opponents have said the development would saturate the retail market and tie up roads. Supporters said it would provide shopping choices.

"We're looking forward to having some retail in our own backyard and some more restaurant options as well as to not have the eyesore sitting there," said Cheryl Aaron, of the Greater Greenspring Association. "It's a good thing.'"

Developer Brian Gibbons said Foundry Row would "create a new gateway."

"It's really going to change the face of Owings Mills," said Gibbons, chairman and CEO of Greenberg Gibbons, which is based in Owings Mills. "In addition to the tremendous economic impact, it's going to have a great psychological impact."

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Demolition of Solo Cup plant making way for Foundry Row