With the Lakeforest schematic development plan approved earlier this month, WRS, Inc. is ready to move forward with retail and restaurants and has tabbed Heritage Partners to handle the commercial side of things. While we don’t have any specific names yet, we can let you know a general version of what to expect based on the plans.
According to the schematic development plans (all subject to change), Block B will include four large standalone restaurants, ranging in size from 6,000 SF to 10,000 SF. A smaller 2,750 SF restaurant will be a part of a secrion that will also include boutique shops that will include the following types of stores: ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, cupcakes, bakery, jewelry, and art. Another section of stores, labeled as “high street retail” will offer bath supplies, lotions, candles, cosmetics, fashion/apparel, shoes, and exercise apparel.
Block C will consist of a 30,000 SF fitness center, a section that will consist of a credit union, pizza place, hair salon, apparel store, and jewelry store. A large section in Block C will consist of a big home improvement retail center, while another section will consist of dry cleaners, pack & ship, massage/chiropractor, and dentist. An additional section will consist of two large retailers (60,000 SF and 40,000 SF).
The Mayor and Council voted 5-0 in September approving the plan to redevelop the existing Lakeforest Mall property with 1,600 residential units, 750,000 square feet of employment uses, 250,000 square feet of large format retail, and 220,000 square feet of commercial uses. At that time, Gaithersburg City Councilmember Neil Harris noted that demolition is now scheduled for 2025, though an exact date is not yet available.