Tenable Inc., one of the fastest-growing cyber security software companies in the country, will expand its Maryland presence with the development of a new headquarters in Downtown Columbia. Tenable’s move will further grow its local employee base and establish Downtown Columbia as an emerging hub in the rapidly growing cyber security industry.
“We are proud to join Downtown Columbia’s new Merriweather District as it continues to grow as a vibrant destination and to reaffirm our long-standing commitment to the state of Maryland that has fostered Tenable’s growth since the very beginning,” said Steve Vintz, chief financial officer, Tenable. “Our move to Downtown Columbia will provide a live-work-play environment for employees, accommodate future growth and allow our company to be part of the area’s exciting transformation.”
Tenable’s expansion reflects the state’s burgeoning cyber security industry. With its proximity to the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, a built-in, highly skilled and educated workforce, and a new amenity-rich Downtown Columbia is emerging as a hub for the industry.
The selected site is in the city’s Merriweather District, a 391-acre area which is being revitalized by The Howard Hughes Corporation. Tenable is scheduled to move in the third quarter of 2019 and will occupy approximately 150,000 square feet on the 7th-12th floors of the 12-story, 350,000-square-foot signature office building being built as part of the creation of the first high-density, mixed-use neighborhood in Downtown Columbia. The new building will join One and Two Merriweather, a collection of Class-A, mixed-use office buildings, already located in the Merriweather District. Targeting LEED Silver certification, the new office tower will provide Tenable with a uniquely customizable space, ideal for tech companies looking for state-of-the-art building systems.
To date, 10 percent of the redevelopment plan is under construction or complete. At full build-out, the Downtown Columbia revitalization will include 14 million square feet of mixed-use development comprised of 4.3 million square feet of commercial office space, 1.25 million square feet of street retail, 6,244 residential units and 640 hotel rooms. The new office building is expected to be completed in 2019.
“We applaud Tenable for expanding its corporate headquarters in the state of Maryland and continuing to drive economic development in the heart of Howard County,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The redevelopment of Downtown Columbia is a transformative development for our state, creating a true urban core in the heart of the celebrated suburban area, nestled between the city of Baltimore and the Nation’s Capital. As this generation’s leading community developers, The Howard Hughes Corporation is truly realizing the original intent for the country’s first planned community and providing a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We are excited that one of Maryland’s most innovative companies is choosing to grow in such a historically innovative place.”
Tenable’s decision to move to Downtown Columbia is the latest announcement surrounding The Howard Hughes Corporation’s redevelopment of Columbia’s town center into a burgeoning business district and walkable, urban core.
“We are pleased that Tenable, a leading global cyber security company, has chosen the Merriweather District in Downtown Columbia to house its expanding world headquarters,” said John DeWolf, Executive Vice President, The Howard Hughes Corporation. “Tenable is an ideal tech-sector anchor that aligns with our innovative vision for Downtown Columbia and our community-centered approach to business. The Merriweather District exemplifies HHC’s vision for Downtown Columbia as a vibrant live-work-play destination with access to unique amenities, great restaurants and an iconic entertainment venue within a beautiful, walkable environment.”