Published on: Friday, November 30, 2012

By Daryl Buchanan

ROCKVILLE- Rockville is experiencing a bit of a boom in development. Cranes dot the city’s skyline for various projects and there are now plans for an area to complement Rockville Town Square.

The JBG Companies (JBG) is proposing to demolish the old Giant grocery store that has been vacated to put in new office and shopping space. JBG says the work would begin next spring and a two story office and retail building along North Washington Street. The area would also include a new Bank of America.

JBG says the initial construction could be the first of more projects that could include residences, parks, new roads, street level retail, sidewalks, and public space. To link the proposed development to Rockville Town Square JBG is looking to extend Maryland Avenue north into the proposed area. Additionally, another road will run east to west in the property.

“We are fortunate to have strong support form neighbors and businesses alike who have long been asking for a renewed vigor to this part of downtown Rockville. Redeveloping this property is an excellent opportunity to add to the vitality of the city’s downtown and we believe we have the right concept for this site,” said Anthony Greenberg, a JBG official.

Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio says the plans for the area looked good, but she did want to see more coordination with the other owners that share the land with JBG.

“I think it’s an okay plan. I believe the neighborhood and businesses have seen it and it doesn’t look to be very big. A two story building will go at the corner of Dawson Avenue and North Washington Street. I do wish there was more coordination with the other land owners though,” said Marcuccio.