The architecture firm that designed Under Armour’s Baltimore global headquarters will head the design team for the planned redevelopment of Harborplace, owner MCB Real Estate said Thursday.

Gensler, based in San Francisco, is already involved in the estimated $900-million project in downtown Baltimore as the creator of a master plan approved by voters in November.

That plan calls for the one-time centerpiece of the Inner Harbor’s redevelopment in the 1980s to be rebuilt with four tall buildings for apartments, offices, retail and dining that will replace aging shopping pavilions.

Gensler will lead a design team that also includes landscape architects Hoerr Schaudt of Chicago and Floura Teeter and Mahan Rykiel Associates, both of Baltimore, STV civil engineers and Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.

Baltimore-based MCB said Thursday it’s moving forward from the master plan to the construction drawing phase in collaboration with city and state agencies.

P. David Bramble, MCB’s co-founder and managing partner, said the design team announcement “reflects our goal to marry world-class investment with homegrown talent to bring a new Harborplace for all.”

About 60% of city voters supported a controversial charter amendment in November to allow the design proposal to proceed.

The Harborplace ballot question had pitted the proposed development against park advocates who objected to plans to replace pavilions on city-owned park land with office space and hundreds of new apartments. Supporters, including Mayor Brandon Scott and recent previous mayors, argued the project would revitalize the area and bring new life to Baltimore’s downtown.

Gensler has designed hospitality and mixed-use projects around the world, including Under Armour’s five-story headquarters in Baltimore Peninsula, where employees relocated late last year from Tide Point in nearby Locust Point.

“Gensler is honored to continue its work with the MCB team to revitalize Baltimore’s Inner Harbor,” Diane Hoskins, Genler’s global co-chair, said in Thursday’s announcement. “The waterfront presents unique design opportunities for inclusivity and sustainability.”

Vaki Mawema, principal and co-managing director of Gensler Baltimore, said he believes the redevelopment will be transformational for downtown.

“The front porch of our city should be activated with safe, walkable public spaces, world-class design, and brought to life by locals and visitors alike,” Mawema said in the announcement.

Have a news tip? Contact Lorraine Mirabella at lmirabella@baltsun.com, 410-332-6672 and @lmirabella on X.