On the drawing board since 2005, the three-building complex was designed by Philadelphia-based Martin Architectural Group, which also designed the Village of Waugh Chapel and the South River Main Street Shops.

Lynn Dulin, associate broker for the commercial division of Champion Realty Inc. and leasing agent for owners, Severna Park Market Center LLC, said it didn't take long to fill the retail and office spaces in the center.

"Construction took some time with utilities having to be brought in, a stormwater-retention system installed, materials staged and permits obtained," she said. "But, I was amazed when prospective tenants approached me the minute the infrastructure was complete. By March of 2007 when the first building was finished, 17,192 square feet of space had been leased by six retail tenants. By June, the remaining spaces were taken with the exception of one 1,500-square-foot section."

The U-shaped complex includes a single-story section of retail shops flanked at either end by two-story mixed-use buildings. Its is on the northbound side of Ritchie Highway just above the Robinson Road intersection.

The complex was developed by an investment group headed by Severna Park builder Ed Dyas and is on 2.5 acres adjacent to Barranco and Sons Funeral Home from whom it was purchased. The land was one of the last larger pieces of property in Severna Park zoned C-3 for mixed-office and retail use, Ms. Dulin said.

Severn Savings Bank supplied financing and Millersville-based Helix Construction Co. was subcontracted to handle the build. The property is managed by The Loughlin Management Group in Annapolis.

More than 5,000 square feet on the ground floor of the southernmost building is occupied by Brian Boru Irish Restaurant and Pub, the first business to open at the center. The restaurant shares the first floor with Sport Clips, a nationally franchised sports-themed hair salon geared toward a male clientele.

Owners Bill and Joanette Rogers said they based their decision to locate Sport Clips at the center on surveys of market areas that target men and boys.

"The center is well suited to our particular niche and we've already established a good customer base," Mr. Rogers said. "Guys like our relaxed atmosphere, the football paraphernalia and watching round-the-clock sports programming on individual styling-station TV monitors. Most become repeat customers."

The offices of Nationwide Insurance, Annapolis Plastic Surgery, Rutzen Eye Specialists and Fitness Together Severna Park are located above Brian Boru and Sports Clips.

The center's retail-only section combines a quartet of businesses including Trendy Pink Beach features a beach-themed decor and sells beach-oriented accessories and niche items popular with teens. Next door is Commerce First Bank, Severna Park Organic Dry Cleaners and Paper in the Park, which showcases a diverse selection of stationery in a pastel setting.

Susie Hill, owner of Paper in the Park, said she finds the upscale environment of the center an ideal place to market decorative stationery items, custom-designed invitations and imported papers. She said she chose Severna Park Market Center for her first retail endeavor because of "its newness."

"It's the first center to be built in Severna Park in 15 years," she said.

The first floor of the center's northernmost building has been leased by Good Life Organic Market. Owner Isaac Waheed said the interior is now complete and the shelves are partially stocked.

Mr. Waheed and wife, Annie, also are proprietors of Good Life Natural Foods on Benfield Road. They said they've seen a burgeoning demand for organic foods in Severna Park but were unable to fill it in the confines of their small Benfield Road shop.

Now, with added space at the new shop at the center, the couple can finally expand their product line. In addition to vitamins, supplements and health foods, they'll be offering organic produce, meats, cheeses, fish and more, he said.

Above the organic market is Imagine LLC, a development company whose CEO, Doug Davidoff, is a Severna Park resident.

Property Manager Carl Truett of The Loughlin Management Group said the developers are pleased and things are going well.

"The fact that such a large complex leased so quickly and is doing so well has been gratifying," he said.

Linda Zahn, executive director of The Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce, said the center will have a positive impact on the community.

"It's really raised the bar for construction here," she said. "It's the nicest looking center we have around and I'd like to think it would set the tone for Severna Park. I'd like to see more of Severna Park look that way."

Sharon Lee Tegler is a freelance writer living in Severna Park.