A new development is being proposed for 700 Professional Drive in Gaithersburg, near the I-270 and Watkins Mill Road interchange, that would transform the existing office property into a large senior-focused community with housing, services, and some commercial space.
The plan is still in its early “sketch plan” stage, meaning it’s more of a concept than a final design. If approved, it would allow for a mix of uses, but the main focus would be on housing for seniors.
At the center of the proposal is the potential for up to 425 residential units, including a mix of independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The idea is to create a full-service senior living community where residents can age in place with different levels of care available.
The existing two-story office building on the site would remain but could be partially repurposed. The second floor may be converted into activity, recreational, or office space to support the senior community. Around that building, the developer is proposing additional construction, including up to two new buildings.
Those new buildings could include a mix of residential units along with some office, retail, or service-based uses, helping create a more self-contained environment for residents. In total, the project could include more than 580,000 SF of space across the site. Building heights would be capped at 12 stories.
The property sits near the I-270 and Watkins Mill Road interchange and was previously used as office space, including as the former headquarters of the Humane Society of the United States. The current owner purchased the property in 2023 and has already opened an adult medical day care facility on-site as part of a longer-term plan to redevelop the area.
If the sketch plan is approved, the project would still need to go through additional review and approval stages before any construction begins.
