A public hearing has now been scheduled for the proposed Rio Lakefront redevelopment in Gaithersburg.
The Mayor & City Council and Planning Commission of the City of Gaithersburg will conduct a joint public hearing on Schematic Development Plan Application SDP-10104-2025 on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard. The hearing will take place in the Council Chambers at 16 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg.
The application, submitted by Peterson Cos., outlines a long-term redevelopment vision for portions of the Washingtonian Center/Rio Lakefront, including the demolition of the existing Kohl’s building and the construction of new residential communities and retail space around the lake. As previously reported, the plan includes nearly 500 new multifamily units, townhomes, and approximately 44,000 square feet of retail anchored by a grocery store, with development proposed in phases through 2032.
Members of the public may submit comments on the application in advance of the hearing. Written comments can be mailed to 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, or emailed to [email protected]. This hearing marks a major step forward in the city’s review process for what would be one of the most significant transformations of the Rio Lakefront development.
