Rockville construction update: Ansel Apartments (Photos)

There's been a tremendous amount of progress on developer Duball, LLC's Ansel Apartments in front of the Regal Rockville cineplex in Rockville Town Center since my last update. A significant amount of glass has been installed on the lower floors. The building will offer an 18th floor clubroom with a bar and game area, a fitness center and yoga room, a 24-hour concierge, and - of particular note in the current global crisis - there will be semi-private work pods. Ansel appears to be on-schedule for its expected Fall 2021 delivery date.

Rockville seeks public input on future of RedGate Park

The City of Rockville is seeking public feedback on the future use of RedGate Park, which was designated as parkland by the Mayor and Council when the golf course on the site at 14500 Avery Road closed. An online survey has been set up for this purpose. Respondents are being asked to weigh in on what features and amenities the park should have. You do not have to be a City resident to participate, but you do have to register to take the survey.

Car stolen from Rockville parking garage

City of Rockville police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle yesterday morning. The vehicle was taken from a residential parking garage in the 500 block of Hungerford Drive.

Security fencing installed around site of future Rockville Wegmans store (Photos)

There's finally some visible activity on the long-delayed Twinbrook Quarter development at the corner of Rockville Pike and Halpine Road near the Twinbrook Metro station. Security fencing topped with razor wire has just been erected around the many empty buildings and storefronts on the site. 

Fencing around the abandoned
Hooters of Rockville

The barricades extend as far north as the shuttered Hooters restaurant. That is a necessary step ahead of demolition, so it looks like this is finally moving forward. Most anticipated is the Rockville Wegmans grocery store that will anchor the B.F. Saul development.

Peeping Tom in Rockville

City of Rockville police responded to a report of a peeping Tom in the Twinbrook area early yesterday morning. The incident was reported at a house in the 1200 block of Clagett Drive around 12:08 AM Sunday morning, according to crime data.

Strong-arm rape reported at Rockville hotel

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm rape at a hotel in Rockville Tuesday night. The assault was reported at a hotel in the 9900 block of Medical Center Drive around 8:36 PM, according to crime data.

Rockville Mayor & Council to discuss branding for Town Center area

Rockville's Mayor and Council will continue a multifaceted effort to address the economic woes of the Rockville Town Center area with a discussion of branding at their next regular meeting Monday, April 5, 2021. One question they will consider is whether to develop new branding for the entire city as a whole, or specifically for the Town Center area. 

A staff report on the matter notes that the city's current branding, "Get into it." is over a decade old, and has "run its course." But focusing on the Town Center, which is where the major problems are, would be cheaper. It would also allow for greater input from stakeholders, as there would be many fewer to engage than in a citywide effort.

Rockville's current branding, which some
argue "has run its course"

Whatever form the rebranding takes, it would be executed during FY-2022. That process would conclude with the Mayor and Council approving or rejecting the proposed rebranding. The cost to develop a rebranding proposal is estimated at $75,000 for Town Center rebranding, or $125,000 for citywide rebranding. Once approved, it would cost an estimated $80,000 per year to implement the rebranding on the City website, publications, letterhead, signage and more.

Images courtesy City of Rockville