Rockville Trader Joe's construction update (Photos)

Most of the Rockville grocery store excitement at the moment is focused on the June 25 opening of Wegmans on Rockville Pike. But those living closer to "The Square," a.k.a. Rockville Town Square, are eagerly awaiting the opening of Trader Joe's at 225 N. Washington Street. This is one of 21 new Trader Joe's stores opening nationwide this year. Three will be in the Washington, D.C. area, including this one, which will take the place of former grocery tenant Dawson's Market.

Signage installed at Wegmans in Rockville (Photos)

Here's another "sign" that the opening of Wegmans at 1590 Rockville Pike in Rockville is fast approaching. A sign installation team affixed the large permanent Wegmans logo signage to the outside of the store Friday. The store is scheduled to open a little over two months from now, on June 25, 2025. Wegmans will be the anchor of the new Twinbrook Quarter development.

Rockville Pike McDonald's construction advancing (Photos)

Here's a look at the progress on the new McDonald's restaurant at 11710 Rockville Pike in White Flint. New and improved, as this one - unlike the McDonald's that just closed nearby - will have drive-thru service. You can see the two drive-thru windows on the south side of the building now. Fast food restaurant construction is often measured in days or weeks, rather than the months this one has been. Another unusual aspect of this? I've never seen Home Depot protective wrap on a project like this before.

Rockville's newest streets named for notable Black figures in Montgomery County education

The newest roads in the City of Rockville have been constructed in its newest neighborhood, the Farmstead District at 16144 Frederick Road. Street signs have been installed on the completed streets, and they have been named for notable Black figures in Rockville history, particularly in the field of education. 

Nina Clarke Drive recalls a granddaughter of slaves who graduated from the Rockville Colored School in 1934, and would become the first African-American supervisory resource teacher in the integrated county school system. By 1968, Clarke was the principal at Aspen Hill Elementary School in Rockville.

George Thomas Road is named for Dr. George B. Thomas, Sr., founder of the Saturday School program in Rockville, in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools. Begun in 1986, the program has since provided instruction to thousands of students at 12 sites across the County. This was the capstone of a career at MCPS, and in the U.S. Air Force before that.

Odessa Shannon Way pays tribute to the first Black person to be elected to public office in Montgomery County. Shannon was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Education in 1982.

Henson Norris Street commemorates a founding member of the Rockville Colored School Board. The board raised funds to construct and open the original Rockville Colored School in a two-room schoolhouse in 1876. It was located on what is today the parking lot of the Snowden Funeral Home.

Speaking of construction, the homes at Farmstead District continue to reach completion at the new development, which is a partnership between EYA and Pulte Homes. A sign shows how many of each model have sold, and how many remain.

UNIQLO construction advances at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

UNIQLO is going to be a large store when it opens at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda later this year. The latest stage of construction also suggests it may have a new exterior entrance punched through the mall's wall. Several new tenants at the mall over the last decade have obtained permission for this outward-facing feature. It's ironic that stores like Target at Westfield's Wheaton mall have reduced their number of access points recently, likely as a shoplifting deterrent, while it looks like UNIQLO may be increasing the number of entrances to guard.

Trader Joe's construction advances at Rockville Town Square (Photos)

Trader Joe's is inching closer to opening at Rockville Town Square. Any Trader Joe's regular will quickly recognize the wood checkout counters and wall trim now visible inside the former Dawson's Market at 225 N. Washington Street. Some refrigerated displays and shelving are in place. There is another Trader Joe's down the Pike at Federal Plaza, but this one will be much closer to many Rockville neighborhoods, and walking distance for residents in the Town Center area. Don't expect the other to close, as Trader Joe's has recently adopted a CVS Pharmacy/Starbucks geographic strategy, as demonstrated by its opening of two more locations near its longtime Bethesda store.

No opening date has been announced by the grocery chain. It has confirmed that, under Montgomery County's antiquated liquor laws, no beer or wine will be sold here. There are several beer and wine retailers in the Town Center vicinity, but your elected officials want to ensure that you will not just be able to grab a bottle of wine conveniently when you purchase your dinner at Trader Joe's!

"At Trader Joe's in Rockville Town Square, we see ourselves as your neighborhood grocery store," the company says. "Step inside and you'll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe's label like Mandarin Orange Chicken and Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, as well as everyday basics like milk, eggs and fresh produce. Most importantly, we offer all of our delicious, quality products at the very best prices. We’re happy to be part of your community, and proud to offer you unique products and an exceptional shopping experience, every day."