In June 2023 we let you know that the owners of The Lube Center on Fields Rd. in Gaithersburg (WLR Automotive) were looking to open a car wash in the space that was home to Ziki Japanese Steakhouse until 2020. This past summer, WLR Automotive Group requested schematic development plan approval for an approximately 5,106 square-foot car wash facility, and a joint public hearing was held on March 17th.
WLR proposed the development of an Auto Spa Express car wash on the Property. Per WLR, “the property has been vacant for four years and the new use, which will include a modern design and generous landscaping, will provide activity and vibrancy and a needed boost to this vacant, languishing corner Property.” In WLR’s presentation at the recent meeting it was stated that despite active leasing efforts, there wasn’t any restaurant or retail interest in the space.
If approved, the existing car wash located on the adjacent 10005 Fields Road site would be discontinued and effectively relocated to the former Ziki site about 100 feet away, thus resulting in no overall increase in the number of car washes in the area. An aerial view rendering of the proposed car wash can be seen below.
According to the City of Gaithersburg, The Planning Commission’s record will remain open until 5 PM on April 9, 2025, with a recommendation to the Mayor and City Council tentatively scheduled for April 16, 2025. The Mayor and City Council’s record will be open until 5 PM on April 29, 2025, with a Policy Discussion tentatively scheduled for May 19, 2025. Comments on this application may be mailed to 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, or emailed to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
