Long Branch in Silver Spring has officially been designated as a Maryland Main Street community, joining Takoma Park as one of only two communities in Montgomery County to receive the designation.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday at 8739 Flower Avenue, where Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, MHP President Robert A. Goldman, and other community leaders celebrated the milestone. The event also included tours of local businesses, parks, and murals, the unveiling of new MHP office space funded through Project Restore, and the announcement of the state’s new Destination Main Street initiative.
The Main Street Maryland designation recognizes Long Branch’s ongoing revitalization efforts and provides access to state funding, technical assistance, and other resources intended to support economic development. Officials say the recognition builds on years of work to strengthen the neighborhood while preserving its unique character as a diverse, family-friendly community known for its locally owned restaurants, shops, public art, and community events.
MHP, a nonprofit developer, has led neighborhood revitalization efforts in Long Branch since 2011 in partnership with the Long Branch Business League and with support from Montgomery County Government, Montgomery Parks, Purple Line Transit Partners, the Cafritz Foundation, SkyPoint Credit Union, and now the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
The organization says the designation recognizes both the progress already made and the opportunities ahead. With the future Purple Line station, continued investment, and new partnerships, supporters hope Long Branch will attract even more visitors while maintaining the qualities that have made it a beloved neighborhood.
Over the past decade, MHP’s efforts have included pedestrian improvements, public art and murals, restoration of the historic Flower Theater façade, outdoor gathering spaces, neighborhood events, support for local businesses, and the acquisition of commercial space planned for a future coffee shop.
