Rockville construction update: Congressional Plaza (Photos)

 

There's some mystery work going on at Congressional Plaza in Rockville, possibly related to utilities. All shops are open during the construction.

Applicant seeks delay for new Rockville Pike car rental business

Enteprise Rent-a-Car is asking the Rockville Planning Commission to grant it an extension from its approved site plan for 702 Rockville Pike. The company plans to convert the former Century Ford commercial truck sales property to a car rental facility, and add a 1-story car wash to the rear.

When the commission gave Enterprise its site plan approval on July 23, 2014, it had two years to begin construction. Applicants can request two extensions, which together cannot exceed 18 months.

In this case, when the commission approved the site plan, the plan was configured to comply with a demand by the Maryland State Highway Administration that the existing curb cut on the Pike side of the property be permanently closed. Through negotiations with Enterprise since, the SHA has withdrawn its objection to Pike access for the rental business.

The delay is required to now reconfigure the plan for access from the Pike. To do that, Enterprise must first get approval from City zoning chief Jim Wasilak on a minor plan amendment it has filed. While Enterprise expects to receive approval, attorney Stuart Barr says, it cannot get it if the site plan period expires later this month prior to Wasilak's decision.

The commission will take up the request at its July 13 meeting, scheduled for 7:00 PM at City Hall. Commissioners will also issue a recommendation on a controversial small cell tower zoning text amendment that evening.

Ourisman Rockmont Chevrolet expected to move to Wintergreen Plaza by November

Construction on the future Ourisman Rockmont Chevrolet dealership at Wintergreen Plaza in Rockville continues, and it's now larger than the renderings suggested. The moving schedule is starting to firm up, as well. A source at the dealership says they will likely have completed their move by this November.

Here's the interesting twist: One might expect the land the dealership currently sits on at 15301 N. Frederick Road to go up for sale, potentially opening up a prime redevelopment opportunity at a major crossroads. Instead, the land is now for lease by Avison Young.

Will the landmark giant U.S. flag make the move south, as well? Stay tuned.

Limitless Garage takes over Fleming's building on Rockville Pike

A new tenant has taken over the recently-vacated Fleming's Ultimate Garage building at 1400 Rockville Pike. Limitless Garage, Inc. will custom-build, buy, sell, and consign vehicles, according to its new Facebook page. They should be opening soon.

Fleming's has moved north to Lofstrand Lane.

Senior housing proposed for former site of IBM building in Rockville

Developer IDI 50 Monroe, LLC, is proposing to build an apartment building for independent seniors at 50 Monroe Place in Rockville. This is the former site of the IBM Building, which was demolished in 2006, right behind the Americana Center. The site has sat vacant since.

A 13-story, 120' tall building with 175 seniors-only apartment units is proposed, along with 47 garage parking spaces, a 15' sidewalk area along Monroe Place, and new public-use space adjacent to James Monroe Park, which is directly behind the property. No retail space is mentioned.

A public meeting is being held by the applicant on Monday, July 18, 2016, at 7:00 PM, in the 1st Floor meeting room at the Rockville Memorial Library at 21 Maryland Avenue. The applicant hopes to receive approval from the City by the end of next year, break ground in early 2018, and anticipates delivery in the summer of 2019.

In addition to the July meeting, a Development Review Committee meeting has already been tentatively scheduled for August 18 at 10:00 AM at City Hall.

The IDI Companies is not new to senior housing developments in Montgomery County. The Arlington-based firm has developed 7 multifamily senior housing projects at Leisure World in Silver Spring.

La Limeña Grill is taking over Potomac Grill space in Rockville

La Limeña Grill is the new tenant in the former Potomac Grill restaurant space in the Talbott Center on Rockville Pike, I confirmed last evening. If the name sounds familiar, it is - La Limeña is located a few blocks north in the Ritchie Center. The Peruvian-Cuban restaurant isn't moving, though. This is a spinoff of the original, hence the "Grill" branding, which will also provide some continuity from the previous establishment's name.

The new restaurant is expected to open sometime between late summer and early fall. Even notoriously Montgomery County-averse critic Tom Sietsema has praised the original spot, writing that, "If there’s one restaurant in Rockville that I wish were closer to Washington, this is it." La Limeña has also landed on Washingtonian magazine's 100 Very Best Restaurants List.

La Limeña

1093 Rockville Pike

Rockville zoning chief announces how review of Chestnut Lodge project will proceed

Rockville zoning chief Jim Wasilak has announced his plan for proceeding on the review of a revised plan amendment for the Chestnut Lodge project. Applicant JNP Chestnut Lodge, LLC filed the revised amendment with the City early this month.

In an email sent yesterday to parties of record in the controversial matter, Wasilak said he considered the feedback given last week by the Mayor and Council before deciding on the following process and tentative schedule:

• Written and electronic notification of all parties of record, property owners, nearby residents and civic associations

• Area meeting to be held by JNP Chestnut Lodge LLC on July 26

• Staff/Development Review Committee review prior to staff report and recommendation on September 8
• Planning Commission briefing by staff on September 14
• Mayor and Council briefing on September 19
• Historic District Commission courtesy review and recommendation on October 20
• Planning Commission review and recommendation on November 9
• Mayor and Council public hearing on December 5
• Mayor and Council discussion and instructions to staff on January 9, 2017
• Mayor and Council final decision on January 30, 2017

Wasilak notes that the HDC is being asked to give a recommendation, beyond just the courtesy review it gave the earlier plan amendment. I've highlighted in bold the meetings above where the public will likely or certainly have the chance to speak.

While the new plan amendment reduces the horizontal width and footprint of the project, it still does not meet the requirements of the Planned Residential Unit (PRU) agreement previously negotiated by the City for the Chestnut Lodge site. Opponents of the project have argued that PRU remains legally binding, and would not permit a townhome development on this site, which is within a historic district.

Rendering courtesy City of Rockville