Fire at Fallsgrove apartment building

A kitchen fire triggered the sprinkler system at an apartment building in the 700 block of Fallsgrove Drive around 10:45 PM last night. The small fire was quickly extinguished, but produced some smoke, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer. No injuries were reported.

First look at retail building that will replace Timpano Italian Chophouse in Rockville

The future retail addition that will replace Timpano Italian Chophouse at Montrose Crossing shopping center is officially pre-leasing. In fact, the first space has already been leased by Allure. Now included in the Federal Realty property's site plan, the above image gives the first indication of how many retail/restaurant spaces the new building will add.

There will be 7 spaces in all, ranging from Allure's 1700 SF spot to the largest 4500 SF end unit. Montrose Crossing is located at the intersection of Montrose Parkway and Rockville Pike in the Pike District.

Map courtesy Federal Realty
Photo: Robert Dyer

Chuy's aiming for October opening at Federal Plaza

Chuy's, the Mexican restaurant chain, is planning to open its first Montgomery County location at Federal Plaza this October. The restaurant has been under construction for the past several weeks; the target opening date was just announced by their PR firm.

Chuy's replaces Ruby Tuesday at the Federal Realty shopping center. It will be located at 12266 Rockville Pike.

Little Dipper Hot Pot House coming to Rockville

Hot pot dining is coming to Rockville Town Center. Federal Realty has found a new tenant for the vacant Noodles and Company space at Rockville Town Square, Little Dipper Hot Pot House.

There is already one Little Dipper in Annandale, and Rockville is quickly becoming the Asian dining capital on this side of the Potomac. Little Dipper serves hot pot soup in individual bowls, and diners select their protein, heat level, and other extra ingredients like rice, noodles, and vegetables.

You then cook your own meal at the table, using the open flame from ethanol chafing fuel. Little Dipper Hot Pot House will be located at 101 Gibbs Street.

Capriotti's is out, Pure Barre is in at Galvan; 9Round to open at The Terano in Rockville

Say it ain't so, Joe (Biden)! The much-hyped Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, a favorite of the Vice President, has pulled out of the Galvan at Twinbrook development, I have confirmed. Thanks to the anonymous tipster who brought this to my attention. I had wondered what was going on with that, given that the franchisee had set a fall 2015 opening date.

But the JBG development continues to lease up with other tenants, trading high-calorie sandwiches for a calorie-burning fitness studio - Pure Barre.

Not to be outdone in the sweat department, JBG's The Terano development is adding 9Round, a kickboxing gym that promises to burn up to 500 calories in 30 minutes. "Say goodbye to the boring big box gyms," the 9Round website advises.

Montgomery County DCHA moving to new headquarters in Rockville Monday

The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs is moving. On Monday, the DHCA will open its new office at 1401 Rockville Pike, on the 4th floor. Their current office is at 100 Maryland Avenue.

Affordable housing, community development and code enforcement are among the responsibilities of this County agency.

Rockville Cemetery walk scheduled for September 10

"Find a grave" of notable figures in Rockville and American history on Saturday, September 10, from 9:30-11:30 AM, as Peerless Rockville hosts a guided walk through Rockville Cemetery. Dating back to the 1750s, the historic resting place has many familiar names on its grave markers.

Co-sponsored by the Rockville Cemetery Association, the walk will be led by historian Eileen McGuckian. The cost is $15 for the general public, and $10 for members of Peerless Rockville, a historic preservation organization. There are only 40 spots on the tour, so sign up early if you are interested.

To reserve your spot, call 301-762-0096, email info@peerlessrockville.org, or sign up online. The cemetery is located at 1350 Baltimore Road.