Peterson Cos. is moving forward with its long-anticipated redevelopment vision for Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg with Schematic Development Plan (SDP) that details how several portions of the Washingtonian Center could be reshaped over the next decade. A new Traffic Impact Study (TIS) submitted with the plan provides the most detailed look yet at what’s being proposed, including the demolition of the current Kohl’s building and the construction of multiple new residential communities around the lake. Renderings and a map, courtesy of the City of Gaithersburg, available below.
According to the TIS, the full redevelopment program across four project sites would introduce approximately 490 multi-family residential units, 23 single-family attached homes, and 44,000 SF of retail anchored by a new grocery store. The redevelopment is planned in two phases, with Projects 2–4 targeted for completion by 2028, and Project 1 following in 2032.
Project 1: Kohl’s Redevelopment: The most transformative piece of the plan involves demolishing the 97,000 SF Kohl’s building along Washingtonian Boulevard. In its place, Peterson Cos. proposes a mixed-use building with:
- Up to 275 multi-family dwelling units
- Approximately 44,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, including a grocery store
- Five (5) single-family attached homes
For traffic modeling purposes, existing vehicle trips from Kohl’s were subtracted from the projected trip generation, since the redevelopment replaces a pre-existing use.
Project 2: Northeast Lakefront Multifamily Located on the northeastern edge of the Rio Lake, this currently vacant parcel would be developed with:
- Up to 85 multi-family units
This site sits near the boardwalk, Boomerang boats, and the walking path that wraps around the lake.
Project 3: Northwest Lakefront Multifamily On the opposite side of the lake, a similar vacant parcel on the northwestern edge is slated for:
- Up to 130 multi-family units
This section of the property is currently open land between the lake trail and Rio’s northern surface parking areas.
Project 4: New Townhomes Between Old Sodexo Building and Marriott: A smaller redevelopment site between the Sodexo office tower and the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center would bring:
- Up to 18 residential townhomes
This site sits just west of Rio’s office core, tightening the connection between the hotel, the nearby corporate buildings, and the lakefront amenities.
Phased Timeline Through 2032. The redevelopment will unfold over two major phases:
Phase 1 (by 2028):
- Project 2 (northeast multifamily)
- Project 3 (northwest multifamily)
- Project 4 (townhomes near Sodexo/Marriott)
Phase 2 (by 2032):
- Project 1 (Kohl’s demolition, grocery-anchored mixed-use building)
If approved, the SDP would mark one of the most significant changes to the Washingtonian Center since its original development. The influx of nearly 500 new apartment units, paired with townhomes and a grocery-anchored retail hub, signals a shift toward a more residentially integrated, walkable Rio Lakefront.
The city’s review process is ongoing, and additional public meetings and materials are expected as the SDP advances through Gaithersburg’s planning pipeline. Per the City of Gaithersburg, “At the moment a public hearing has not been scheduled for this application. Comments on this application may either be mailed to 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877 or emailed to [email protected] .” Photos below courtesy of the City of Gaithersburg and Peterson Cos.
