New retail proposed for Research Boulevard area of Rockville (Photos)

A project proposed for an existing office park along Research Boulevard and W. Montgomery Avenue is advancing through the planning process. An existing 105,000 research building, and some surface parking, would be demolished to make way for new retail and office space at 1401 Research Boulevard. The retail use is expected to include quick-serve restaurants and shopping, targeted at daytime workers and nearby residents.

Another existing office building will remain on the site.

Planners say a sizable setback from W. Montgomery Avenue will retain the natural setting along that road. The Best Western hotel is just south of the project site, which faces the Collingswood nursing home. Woodley Gardens Shopping Center is across I-270 from the site, as well.

The redevelopment will bring 94,000 SF of retail/restaurant space, and 15,000 SF of office space, to the site. Planners have determined that the 776 remaining surface parking spaces will be sufficient for the volume of vehicle traffic expected at the site.