The intersection of York and Joppa roads has been considered the center of Towson since Ezekiel Towson opened a hotel and tavern there in the 18th century, and a group of developers wants to keep it that way.

Representatives from Retail Properties of America and AvalonBay joined elected officials on Tuesday to break ground for Circle East, a $125 million development that will bring new housing, shops and restaurants to the heart of Towson, including the former Hutzler’s department store.

When complete in two years, the project at 1 E. Joppa Road will include 371 apartments and 240,000 square feet of street-level commercial space in the former Hutzler’s building on the circle and on the north side of Joppa Road where the Trader Joe’s parking lot and Bahama Breeze restaurant once stood.

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