A major expansion of Baltimore County’s housing stock has begun following a $148 million financial investment by a joint development partnership. St. John Properties and Somerset Companies LLC have officially broken ground on Aspen at Greenleigh, a 335-unit luxury multifamily development based in Middle River.

The project forms part of a wider 1,000-acre master-planned community. When the construction team delivers the building in late 2027, it will push the total number of multifamily properties within the immediate area to nearly 1,020 units.

The architectural footprint relies on Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) technology, making this project the largest ICF building on the continent upon completion. The building method uses hollow foam blocks filled with liquid concrete to establish a highly secure exterior shell. According to the development team, this technique drastically cuts build times and offers superior insulation, fire barriers, and wind protection compared to standard timber framing. The partners are currently aiming for a LEED Gold sustainability rating.

“Most significantly, ICF construction produces a high-performance and well-sealed building which is environmentally friendly, enhances indoor air quality, and lessens the likelihood of mold,” stated St. John Properties’ Vice President of Multifamily Construction, Michael Poirot. “The resulting structure is cleaner, greener, and more likely to stand the test of time. We intend to incorporate this construction method in the development of future multifamily communities.”

A team of specialist firms has been appointed to deliver the scheme. Architects Collaborative drafted the initial blueprints, with KTGY operating as project architect. Internal layouts are being overseen by interior designers Aumen Asner. Engineering responsibilities are split between Kline Engineering for structural work, Phillips Gradick for mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, and Stahly Engineering & Associates for civil engineering. St. John Properties’ internal multifamily division is handling general contracting duties under the leadership of Michael Poirot, whilst Bozzuto Management will take control of property management.

Market data from Apartments.com indicates that the average apartment size of 941 square feet ranks among the most spacious in the Baltimore County region. The inventory includes 35 studios, 181 one-bedroom units, 69 two-bedroom units, and 50 three-bedroom options. Most floor plans feature a dedicated den space, nine-foot ceilings, stone worktops, and stainless steel kitchen appliances. Balconies are included on 30 per cent of the properties, and a 150,000 square foot multi-storey car park will handle resident vehicles.

Shared communal infrastructure features a two-storey residents’ lounge, a fitness studio, a cinema room, and an indoor dog park alongside a pet spa. Outside, the grounds will host a heated saltwater swimming pool, private cabanas, and a dedicated zen garden.

“The leasing pace, the near 100 percent occupancy level of Arbors Greenleigh and The Berkleigh, plus the lack of comparable product types in the immediate vicinity provided our team with tremendous confidence to proceed with our third multifamily community within Greenleigh,” explained Neil Greenberg, Chief Operating Officer of Somerset Companies. “Our team continually monitors living trends and conducts research to detect patterns that impact the design criteria for new communities. Modern-day apartment residents are spending more time at home and are utilizing spaces to serve multiple functions, for work, entertainment, exercise and education,” he added. “A noticeable byproduct of these shifting uses has been the significant expansion of bedroom sizes and overall living spaces, the incorporation of high-function den and kitchen areas, and more amenities that address the needs of people of different ages and pets. Greenleigh is a true one-of-a-kind and best-in-class development that serves the residential requirements of young people, families, and empty-nesters with an all-inclusive living environment.”

“Baltimore County continues to be economically robust and resilient, and with a steady influx of families and individuals moving into the region to take advantage of well-paying jobs, plentiful recreational and cultural opportunities, and a high quality of life,” added Greenberg. “A significant part of this equation is providing best-in-class residential offerings in a dynamic environment with immediate access to shopping, restaurants, open spaces and places to gather, engage, and socialize. Greenleigh stands as a model of new urbanism with its pedestrian-friendly and placemaking elements, and adding another multifamily community will naturally attract more residents, increase consumer and business spending, and inject tax revenue into Baltimore County, which helps all stakeholders.”

At absolute capacity, the Greenleigh master plan aims to accommodate roughly 3,300 homes, 10,000 local citizens, and 8,000 employees. The construction division is simultaneously working on a 197-unit phase at Melford Mansions in Bowie, forming part of a wider corporate development pipeline exceeding 1,500 residential units.