Did You Know That Uptons, the Discount Department Store, Had a Brief MoCo Run (Kentlands) in the 90s?

Courtesy of The Colonnade

Uptons, a discount department store that started in Georgia in 1985 and grew to 75 stores across the east coast by the mid 90s, opened a Montgomery County location in the Kentlands where The Colonnade development currently stands.

According to The Colonnade history page, The Colonnade was formally known as the Archstone Kentlands Village. It was annexed into the City of Gaithersburg in 1967 by the Mayor and City Council along with the other Kentlands properties. In 1988 the property was rezoned to Mixed Use Development (MXD). The MXD zone designation allows for a mix of commercial and residential uses. The property became a part of the Kentlands Retail Section II in the Kentlands development.

In 1994, the Planning Commission approved the Uptons Department Store at the corner of Quince Orchard Road (MD Route 124) and Great Seneca Highway (MD Route 119). In 1995, the Boston Market restaurant was constructed on property adjacent to Uptons Department Store. Due to the development of Market Square and the topography of the Kentlands Shopping Center, the commercial and pedestrian activity shifted to Kentlands Boulevard. Less than 5 years after it opened, in 1999, the Uptons and Boston Market building was left vacant. During the schematic design process, the City and developers decided that the property was no longer appropriate for retail development because of the difficulty access it from Quince Orchard Road. By 2000, Uptons had closed all of its stores across the east coast.

So what happened next?

According to The Colonnade history page, residents of the Kentlands voiced support for a 2001 proposal to build luxury apartments on the 5.8 acre site. And in 2002, the Planning Commission approved a mixed use plan for the former Upton’s location. The final site plan consisted of 307 residential apartments, 13,193 square foot of office and commercial space, a 1,600-square-foot leasing office, 3,089 square foot of clubhouse amenity space and an associated parking garage structure. The City of Gaithersburg 2003 Master Plan designated the property as Commercial-Office-Residential land use.

What is currently the Colonnade was developed as an apartment complex by the Archstone Company. Construction of the Colonnade was essentially completed in 2005. At that time, Archstone sold the property to El Ad to be converted into condominiums. In 2006, El Ad negotiated an annexation agreement with the Kentlands Citizens Assembly (KCA) that would make the Colonnade part of the Kentlands. This agreement provided that for a small monthly fee, the Colonnade could be marketed as part of the Kentlands. Colonnade residents can use the open areas of the KCA and participate in some programs, but not use the pool, the clubhouse or the athletic facilities.

After some difficult times in the real estate/condominium market, El Ad sold its final units and the Colonnade came under resident control in November 2011. Since then, the Colonnade has committed to being the area’s leading high end condominium complex with recreational and other amenities in close proximity to downtown Kentlands and all that it has to offer.

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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