City of Rockville, Federal Realty, Montgomery County and RD Rockville Agree to Commitment for Downtown Project
ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 9, 2003—Rockville’s new Town Center took a significant step forward today as four partners came together and pledged their commitment to the project by signing a General Development Agreement in Rockville’s Mayor and Council Chambers.
The agreement formally seals an agreement between the Mayor and Council, Montgomery County, Federal Realty Investment Trust and residential developer RD Rockville, LLC (S.J. Ross Development and DANAC Corporation).
More than 100 packed Rockville’s Mayor and Council Chambers for today’s ceremony. Among those in attendance were Rockville Mayor Larry Giammo; Councilmembers Bob Dorsey, John Hall, Jr., Susan Hoffmann and Anne Robbins; Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan and U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen. Members of many community association and business groups that have worked toward developing the new downtown for much of the past decade also were at the ceremonies.
Thoughts of a revitalized downtown Rockville began shortly after the failed Rockville Mall was demolished in 1995. In October 2001, the Mayor and Council adopted a Town Center Master Plan and have worked since that time to gain financial commitments from Montgomery County, the State of Maryland and the federal government.
In this milestone of the project, County Executive Duncan pledged to seek $12 million in county funding over six years to support the development of the 15 acres that will be the first phase of the new Town Center. That area is bordered by Beall Avenue on the north; Middle Lane on the south; North Washington Street on the west and Maryland Route 355 on the east. Eventually, from this central start, Town Center redevelopment will expand to a total of about 60 acres.
“The signing of this agreement clearly shows that the future of Rockville Town Center is right now,” said Rockville Mayor Larry Giammo. “We are grateful to County Executive Doug Duncan for making this commitment to help build Rockville’s Town Center. No one in this County knows the importance a thriving downtown Rockville will have for this City, and all of Montgomery County, more than Doug Duncan.”
The County Executive pledged his support and will pursue the issue with the County Council this fall. A separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed by the County in the near future.
“The new shape of Rockville begins today,” said Duncan. “The revitalized, renewed Town Center will provide a new focus and energy for the City, and the County is proud to be a partner in this exciting project.”
Earlier this year, Rockville received a $1 million grant from the state to help pay for one of three public parking garages to be built in Town Center. The City also has been approved for $160,000 in federal funds for pedestrian improvements in Town Center. Rockville is seeking additional funding from the state and federal government as the City builds a downtown that will be alive after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
The new Town Center will include a mix of retail, restaurant, entertainment, residential and office uses. The new Rockville Regional Library, which will become the largest library in the Montgomery County system, will be a key element of Town Center. A town square that fronts the library is included in the design, along with wide sidewalks that will create a pedestrian environment with outdoor cafes. The planned residential projects will include 665-775 total units (350-400 apartments and 315-375 one- and two-bedroom condominiums). Three public parking garages and one private garage, along with on-street parking, will create extensive parking to support the project.
It is intended that construction on the library, the town square, the first parking garage and the first retail buildings will begin in early 2004. Those projects are scheduled to be completed by early 2006.
The selection in July of RD Rockville, LLC was considered a crucial decision made by the Mayor and Council in cooperation with Federal Realty. Town Center design guidelines call for the residential units to be built above retail stores to create a mix that will keep downtown busy beyond traditional work hours.
The Town Center design guidelines propose building appearances that would create a retail street character that is different from other City streets. The town square will be used for special events such as the Memorial Day Hometown Holidays celebration and for regular events such the weekly summer Farmers’ Market.
The library will be a signature building for Rockville. It will have large bay windows and reading areas near glass, so readers can enjoy a view. It will have extensive computer stations; more than 200,000 volumes; areas devoted to accommodate children and teenagers; and two large public meeting rooms.
Information on the redevelopment of Town Center is available from Rockville’s Department of Community Planning and Development Services at 240-314-8200. An executive summary of the General Development Agreement will be available on the Rockville Web site at www.rockvillemd.gov.
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