Site Plan For 5500 Wisconsin Ave Approved by Montgomery County Planning Board; Will Be The Only Building in Friendship Village to Offer MPDUs

The proposed re-development of 5500 Wisconsin in Chevy Chase, Maryland, has been given the green light by the Montgomery County Planning Board. The project by Carr Companies and Donohoe Development is a mixed-use development that will include 360 apartments, 45 moderately priced dwelling units, 11,000 square feet of retail space, and underground parking. 15% of the apartments (45 total) as Moderately Priced Dwelling Units, for professionals who cannot afford the traditionally high rents in the community, such as teachers and first responders.  This will be the only building in Friendship Heights Village to offer MPDUs.

The development has been in the works for several years and has undergone significant changes and revisions to meet community feedback and address concerns raised by stakeholders. Donohoe Development worked closely with the community and the Montgomery County Planning Board to ensure that the project met the needs and expectations of all parties involved. Site Plan approval was received in April 2023 after Donohoe Development and Carr Companies received full support for the project from the Friendship Heights Village Council, and final plans were submitted to the Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission.

“We are thrilled to receive approval for our site plan and look forward to bringing this exciting project to life,” said Jad Donohoe,  Senior Vice President of Donohoe Development. “5500 Wisconsin will be a vibrant, walkable community that enhances the surrounding neighborhood and provides much-needed housing and retail options for residents.”

5500 Wisconsin will feature:

• A 185-foot tall apartment building;
• A total of 300 apartment units, with 15% of units affordable to residents earning less than 65% of the area median income;
• 11,000 square feet of locally-focused restaurant, café, and retail space;
• 316 underground parking spots, with 240 spots dedicated to residents; and
• A new “shared street” providing outdoor dining, a pedestrian-friendly experience, and off-street pickups/dropoffs.

Donohoe Construction is set to break ground on the project late this year, with construction expected to take approximately two years. Once completed, 5500 Wisconsin will offer a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments and a variety of retail options for residents to enjoy.

For more information about Donohoe Development’s 5500 Wisconsin project, visit www.5500wisconsin.com/.