Congressional Plaza construction update (Photos)

The transformation of part of Congressional Plaza is underway. It looks like Federal Realty is going to make a distinctive facade for this part of the north wing of the shopping center. This is the area where they will be adding Barnes & Noble and up to three fitness studios in 2020. They are branding the new fitness-oriented section as FITRow, and it will be right next to the new bookstore. Note that the signs for Neiman Marcus Last Call and Thomasville Furniture have been removed.

Del Frisco's Grille closes at Pike & Rose (Photos)

Del Frisco's Grille closed yesterday at Pike & Rose. According to a sign posted in the window, the charter tenant of the Federal Realty development is "permanently closed." I enjoyed many meals at this location, including the best Thanksgiving turkey I've ever had at a restaurant.

Dream Aero opens, Cookie Dough & Co. closes at Westfield Montgomery Mall (Photos)

Dream Aero, an authentic Boeing 737NG flight simulator, has opened for business at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The realism is incredible, but be prepared for sticker shock. A departure on the shortest 30 minute flight will set you back a whopping $165 through October 30. Multi-session training courses are available, as well.

There's no TSA checkpoint to worry about here. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a man in a full airline pilot uniform. Before leaving, there is an assortment of souvenir gifts available for purchase.

Hold on to your wallet - this sim is likely
only for those whose billfolds are too large
to qualify as carry-on luggage

It quickly becomes apparent that this is not going to be an arcade game for kids after a movie at ArcLight Cinemas down the hall, but more of a professional training device. For aspiring pilots in Rockville, this could be a convenient first step to earning your wings.

While Dream Aero has successfully taken off, Cookie Dough & Co. is the latest mall tenant to crash land. Their kiosk, which opened in August 2017, has closed and been cleared out.

King Farm Parcel Plus for sale

The Parcel Plus shipping store at King Farm Village Center in Rockville is now for sale. According to an online sales listing, the asking price for the business is $200,000. They also sell greeting cards, gift wrap and gifts, as well as offer services such as a notary public, rental mailboxes and passport photos. The owners are selling because they would like to pursue a new business venture.

Francesca's closing Rockville store

Women's apparel boutique Francesca's is closing at Pike & Rose. The Texas-based fashion chain announced earlier this year that it would be closing twenty to thirty of its more than 700 stores nationwide. They are now hosting a closing sale at this store, which is located at 11811 Grand Park Avenue.

The good news for loyal Francesca's customers is that their Bethesda Row and Montgomery Mall locations are not currently scheduled to close. The even better news is that you can save 50% on your entire purchase at the Pike & Rose closing sale.

First look: Lands' End Rockville store (Photos)

Here's a sneak peek at the new Lands' End store at Congressional Plaza. The store will still celebrate its grand opening on October 26, but in a last-minute change, the company moved up the actual store opening to tomorrow, Thursday, October 17, 2019.

Evoluxxy to open Rockville store

Evoluxxy, a women's fashion boutique featuring designer labels, will open a location at 11811 Grand Park Avenue at Pike & Rose next year. They have signed a lease for the space between Olive & Loom and Lucky Brand, property owner Federal Realty announced Tuesday. Curated brands carried by Evoluxxy include Max Mara Weekend, Vince, AGOLDE, MOTHER DENIM,  Maison Kitsune, Yuul Yie and Etc.

“Pike and Rose offers some of the finest restaurants and retailers in the DMV and it is growing bigger and better,” Evoluxxy owner Amanda Dolin said. “We look forward to bringing our variety of nationally and internationally acclaimed labels to the neighborhood. Whether you are looking for a trendy piece, simple cocktail dress or a formal outfit, we’ve got it all.”

“With on-trend styles and must-have brands, Evoluxxy compliments the shopping experience that customers are seeking at Pike & Rose,” Federal Realty Leasing Director Emily Gagliardi said. Evoluxxy will open in Spring 2020.