Kentlands Market Square gets new public plaza design (Photos)

 

Here's a look at the transformation of the public plaza at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. This is the next block up from the new Cinepolis movie theater. Previously a barren stretch of hardscape with minimal seating, the space now sports green turf areas, orange Adirondack chairs, benches, and stringed lighting above. It really needs to be seen at night, like this, to be fully appreciated.

Montgomery County executive appears maskless in Montgomery College classroom

Montgomery County has been under an indoor mask order for several weeks. When County Executive Marc Elrich (D) was caught on camera without a mask in a classroom at Montgomery College on Monday, his critics pounced, calling it hypocrisy. Elrich was attending a "5G Bootcamp" at the community college with Congressman David Trone (D - 6th District).

Trone posted several photos of the event on Twitter. In all but one, Elrich is wearing a mask. But in the maskless photo, everyone but Elrich in the classroom is wearing a mask. "Rules for thee, and not for me," tweeted @justhefactsmo1, sharing Trone's tweet. "What's the ticket for doing this in the grocery store? $500?" asked @jensreesman.

Spectrum developer seeks to convert office, commercial space to residential

Mayor & Council also expected to

make final decision on 

Lakeforest Mall master plan

Montgomery County's weak office market and moribund economy may end up sinking more potential office space development in Gaithersburg. A developer at The Spectrum property at the I-270 interchange with Watkins Mill Road is asking the City of Gaithersburg to convert sites approved as office and commercial use to residential apartments.

Under the current approval held by HIP Projects, Inc., the two sites were expected to become a bank branch, and an office building. The revised plan, if approved by city officials, would replace both with a six-story residential building containing 225 units. This would raise the total number of residential units at the Spectrum development to 690 apartments. A planned senior housing development, a police station, and a senior center have yet to be constructed at the Spectrum.

The request will be reviewed by the Mayor and Council at their meeting tonight, August 16, 2021. They are being asked by city staff to direct the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing, and send them back a final decision on the proposal. The Mayor and Council also have the right to retain final decision-making power on the matter for themselves. 

This would be only the latest example of space that could house high-wage jobs being switched to residential, reducing potential commercial and job growth if the stagnant County economy could be turned around in the future. Montgomery County continues to evolve into a bedroom community for the job centers located elsewhere in our region. I've been writing about it for a decade, but even former County Executive Ike Leggett expressed alarm at the trend in 2016.

The Mayor and Council will also review a final resolution on the Lakeforest Mall master plan draft that would allow up to 1600 housing units to be constructed on the site of the current mall. They are expected to vote on that resolution tonight. On the one hand, 1600 units seems like a small amount for a property of that size, if its proximity to MARC rail could be maximized. On the other hand, few expect county and state leaders to ever deliver such long-promised rail upgrades, and the mall is not walking distance to Metro.

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair 2021 begins today

The 2021 Montgomery County Agricultural Fair begins today at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, located at 501 Perry Parkway in Gaithersburg. It runs through Saturday, August 21. Some parking is available on-site, but there is also satellite parking at Lakeforest Mall, where a shuttle bus will take you to and from the event. Admission is $15 at the gates, or $12 if you purchase online. Children under 12 are free. There are separate tickets for carnival rides, the monster truck shows and the demolition derby. Here are two photos of preparations being made on the rides at the fair last night.

Kogi Asian Grill now open in Gaithersburg

Kogi Asian Grill is celebrating its grand opening today at 560 N. Frederick Avenue, in the Gaithersburg Square shopping center. Lunch is free today from noon to 2:00 PM, if you order Chicken Bulgogi or Spicy Pork Bulgogi.

Vine Alley update (Photos)

Here's a look at the exterior construction progress at Vine Alley, a new bistro at 114 Market Street in the Kentlands area of Gaithersburg. Wood paneling has been installed above and to the sides of the front entrance, as well as to the side wall. A stone facade has been added on the far left and right borders of the storefront.

Gaithersburg Amazon Fresh construction update (Photos)

The future Amazon Fresh grocery store at the 270 Center on Shady Grove Road is now beginning to display some of the brand's trademark architectural details. For example, the vertical green lines on the edge of the canopy on the storefront have been applied. The roofline with large central panel is also visible. We're also getting a better look at those proprietary front windows across the front facade.