New renderings have been released for the planned redevelopment of the former Lakeforest Mall property in Gaithersburg, offering the most detailed look yet at the future mixed-use community set to replace the long-closed shopping center. Images below courtesy WRS Inc. Real Estate Investments.
Lakeforest Mall officially closed on March 31, 2023, following nearly forty five years of operation. The mall originally opened on September 12, 1978, with anchor stores JCPenney, Sears, Woodward and Lothrop, and Hecht’s. It was one of the first malls in the United States to feature an indoor ice-skating rink, located in the H section, and was the largest indoor shopping mall in Montgomery County at the time. The rink was replaced by a movie theater in 1984, which later became the food court. The mall was built on the former Lake Walker park and opened with approximately thirty to fifty stores, many of which relocated from the nearby indoor Village Mall, now Montgomery Village Center.
On Monday, Montgomery County officials and local leaders held a ceremony marking the start of a new partnership with WRS Inc. Real Estate Investments to relocate and upgrade the Lakeforest Transit Center.
In September 2024, the Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council unanimously approved a redevelopment plan for the site. The plan calls for 1,600 residential units, 750,000 square feet of employment space, 250,000 square feet of large-format retail, and 220,000 square feet of commercial space.
Schematic development plans outline a variety of retail and dining options throughout the new neighborhood. Block B is planned to include four large standalone restaurants ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet, a 2,750 square foot restaurant, and several boutique shops featuring ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, baked goods, jewelry, and art. High street retail is expected to include stores focused on bath products, cosmetics, apparel, shoes, and fitness wear. Block C is planned to contain a 30,000 square foot fitness center, a credit union, a pizza restaurant, a hair salon, and an apparel store. Plans also include a large home improvement retailer along with a dry cleaner, shipping service, massage and chiropractic office, and dental clinic. Two additional large retailers of 60,000 and 40,000 square feet are also anticipated.
Demolition work is currently underway inside the mall as crews continue preparing the long-vacant structure for full teardown. Recent photos can be seen here.
