The long-awaited transformation of the former Rockshire Village Center is officially underway, with demolition nearing completion as EYA, a Bethesda-based real estate development firm, prepares to break ground on a new mixed-use neighborhood. The 7.3-acre site, which has been vacant for years, is set to be reimagined as a pedestrian-friendly community featuring a mix of new homes, retail space, and public amenities.
The project is located in the Wootton High School district and is designed to bring “life within walking distance” to the area. The shopping center was previously home to a Giant grocery store that closed in August 2012. It was also home to Theo’s, a Suntrust bank, Hunan Taste, and other businesses. The new development will feature 60 total residential units, including 31 single-family detached homes and 29 townhomes. A key component of the plan is EYA’s commitment to affordable housing, with 15% of the homes designated as Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs).
In addition to the new homes, the community will feature 5,200 square feet of retail space. This commercial component is intended to serve as a neighborhood-focused amenity, and it has already been confirmed that a new Dunkin’ will be part of the redevelopment. The project’s design also emphasizes open space, including a neighborhood park, playground, and recreation areas, as well as a pedestrian pathway to connect residents to the nearby Rockshire Community Pool and local trails.
Aakash Thakkar, Chief Acquisitions Officer at EYA, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project. “For years, this site has sat dormant within a thriving community. We worked closely with the city and community to transform this outdated commercial site into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood,” said Thakkar in a recent news release. “This project highlights EYA’s talents for securing complex entitlements and creating a valuable new community that benefits our partners and the communities in which we build.” Construction on the new Rockshire community will begin as soon as demolition is complete, with an anticipated completion date in 2027.
