When sophomore biology major Jon Levine and his friends wanted to go to a movie recently, they gave up on the plan when none could think of a theater close enough to the campus.

They “totally did not know” about the new 14-screen theater at University Town Center, which is less than three miles from the campus, across from The Mall at Prince George’s in Hyattsville. He said he had not even heard of the complex, which houses over 400 students from the university and several hundred from other regional institutions.

But whether students know it or not, the center is gearing up for a major expansion, bringing new shopping, dining and entertainment close to the campus.

The movie theater and student housing are being joined by an influx of retail. Last week, Qdoba Mexican Grill opened at the location, Three Brothers Italian and Smoothie King should open next week, and Five Guys Burgers will follow, said UTC marketing consultant Catherine Timko.

In total, 12 restaurants have signed leases with UTC, as has Safeway, which plans a 56,000-square-foot “Lifestyle” store.

Levine seemed enthusiastic about the new development after being filled in on the details.

“Well, I like food, and variety is good,” he said, with a glance towards the dining hall dinner on his plate in front of him.

The school is on board, too. The university has cooperated in giving the complex a designated Shuttle-UM route and including Qdoba as part of the meal plan, Timko said.

“[Maryland] students play a significant factor” in the UTC, Timko said. “After Qdoba registered with the university, we’re working with the other restaurants to make sure they’re aware of the option,” and “the shuttle’s playing an important factor.”

Employees at Qdoba said the details were still being ironed out about the meal plan, which they said was not being accepted as of Thursday night, and neither they nor Timko could say whether regular meal points or Terrapin Express would be accepted.

She said planning for the 56-acre project included a study of population demographics in a three-mile radius, which includes the campus.

Timko added that the project has been advertised in regional media outlets, including The Diamondback, and fliers were distributed on the campus when the movie theater opened over the summer.

Even with a lack of on-campus awareness, Timko said students are already turning up.

“We know they’re coming to the movie theater,” she said. “And the Qdoba folks say there are a number of students there.”

Nonetheless, “if there are students at the University of Maryland who haven’t heard of the project we definitely need to take that under consideration,” she said.

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