Bowie Development Tracker: What’s Being Built (2026)
The big projects that will change Bowie: the old Six Flags site, Melford, South Lake, Mill Branch Crossing, the Bowie Town Center Sears parcel and more. Status, size and what it means for homeowners. Updated October 2026.
The former Six Flags America site
- What happened: Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor closed for good after the 2025 season.
- The sale: on April 8, 2026, Prince George’s County announced the sale of the roughly 515-acre site to a joint venture of TPA Group and 35V. The price wasn’t disclosed.
- What’s being discussed: retail, dining, entertainment, business space, healthcare and wellness, education and parks. A public poll and survey to name the project opened in July 2026.
- What’s not settled: the final name, the plan, County approvals and a timeline. It isn’t on the City of Bowie’s development list, so don’t assume it’s inside City limits.
Projects inside the City of Bowie
| Project | What’s planned | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Lake | 1,360 homes on 381 acres, plus a Giant | Townhomes and single-family homes under construction |
| Melford Town Center | Nearly 1,300 apartments, townhomes, close to 1 million sq ft of office, flex and retail, and a Courtyard by Marriott | Melford Mansions: 197 apartments, two buildings done and two more due November 2026, with 238 more units planned for 2028 |
| Mill Branch Crossing | 190 townhouses and 408 apartments | Under construction |
| Bowie Town Center | 1,406 of 2,165 planned homes built. The old Sears parcel is approved for up to 600 homes (City condition), a hotel and retail | Sears parcel: no recent activity |
| Bowie Marketplace | Self-storage in two phases and a car wash | Phase 1 under construction |
| Bowie Gateway Center | A Raising Cane’s, and a Dash In in place of the old Applebee’s | Approved 2023 |
| Covington Oaks | 48 condos | Plans filed 2024 |
| Bowie Ice Arena | A 49,000 sq ft rink at Bowie Golf Course | In the City’s capital budget for fiscal 2027 |
Source: City of Bowie Development Sites Outline (last updated December 2024), the City’s fiscal 2027 budget, and developer announcements (Melford, August 2026). City development outline.
What it means if you own or buy in Bowie
- More new homes to compete with: South Lake, Melford and Mill Branch add new townhomes and apartments. If you’re selling an older townhome nearby, price and condition matter more.
- More choice for buyers: new construction means builder incentives are worth asking about. New construction in Bowie.
- Taxes: the City raised its property tax rate for fiscal 2027. Bowie’s property tax rate.
- Roads: a Route 301 and Route 197 interchange is on the City’s list but unfunded.
Common questions
What is happening with the Six Flags site in Bowie?
Six Flags America closed after the 2025 season. In April 2026, Prince George’s County announced the sale of the roughly 515-acre site to a joint venture of TPA Group and 35V. Uses being discussed include retail, dining, entertainment, healthcare, education and parks. No final plan or approvals have been announced.
What is being built in Bowie, MD?
The largest projects include South Lake (1,360 homes planned), Melford Town Center (apartments, townhomes, office and retail), Mill Branch Crossing (about 600 homes) and Bowie Marketplace (self-storage), according to the City of Bowie’s development outline.
What is planned for the old Sears at Bowie Town Center?
The parcel’s plan amendment, approved in 2020, allows homes (capped at 600 by City condition), a hotel of up to 150 rooms and retail. It still needs more approvals, and the City lists no recent activity.
What is Melford in Bowie?
Melford Town Center is a 466-acre mixed-use development near Route 50 and Route 301 with apartments, townhomes, office, flex and retail space, and a hotel. Its newest apartments, Melford Mansions, are opening in 2026.
Is the Six Flags site in the City of Bowie?
That’s not confirmed. The site isn’t on the City of Bowie’s development list, and County officials have led the sale announcements.
Wondering how new development affects your home’s value?
Bruno can show you what nearby new construction is selling for and how it compares to your home. Call or text (240) 418-3809, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.