Home > Rockville's Pike: Envision a Great Place > Model/ Catalyst Sites

Model (Catalyst) Sites

During the design charrete the consultant addresses in detail three sites that had been identified as having the potental to be models for future redevelopments of Rockville.

The purpose of analyzing these model sites was to provide a visual demonstration of what redevelopment along the Pike could achieve in response to the vision of a walkable and exciting place set forth by the community, and within the parameters of what the market could support.

The three model sites were selected after discussions between the consultant team and City staff, as well as meetings with property owners. They are:

• The Congressional Plaza site - this approximately 18-acre site is bounded by Rockville Pike to the east, Halpine Road to the south, Jefferson Street to the west, and Congressional Lane to the north.
• The 5.75-acre site located at the Northeast Corner of Halpine Road and Rockville Pike and bound to the east by the proposed extension of Chapman Avenue and to the north by a proposed new road.
• The 5.5-acre site on the northern end of the study area bound to the west by Rockville Pike and to the east by the Metro right-of-way. It includes the former Koons Ford Dealership and adjacent parcels.

The consultants proposed a development program for each of the sites, taking into consideration market potential and the physical characteristics of the site. The program was developed during the design charrette and the results were presented to the public at the charrette's final public meeting.

Nationwide and regional economic trends can affect the pace of development and absortion of built space. Much like initial development of an area, redevelopment takes time and will likely happen in phases. The sequence of redevelopment phase photos shows how redevelopment of a model site can be phased in to minimize disruption and be more responsive to market conditions.