On August 24th, 2020 Downtown Wheaton will be the new home of the Montgomery County Planning Board, Montgomery Parks and Montgomery Planning, all part of The Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).
The newly constructed 14-story building, owned by M-NCPPC, is located on Reedie Drive near the Wheaton Metro Station. The building and surrounding site replaces the county-owned Wheaton Market Place parking lot with a LEED Platinum-rated, mixed-use building, a town square and a 400-space public parking garage.
Montgomery Planning and Montgomery Parks occupy the top four levels of the 308,000 square-foot building. Offices and shared spaces for the Planning and Parks Departments will be located on the top four levels. The structure also houses Montgomery County’s:
- Mid-County Regional Services Center/Urban District
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Department of Permitting Services
- Department of Recreation and Health and Human Services, and
- Office of Community Use of Public Facilities.
Wheaton Revitalization
Approximately 900 government employees are relocating to the new building in downtown Wheaton, which will help further Wheaton’s revitalization as staff patronize local businesses and down county residents have more convenient access to government services. The town square outside of the building includes a water feature and provides much-needed public space for Wheaton residents and visitors to gather and enjoy programming throughout the year.
Conveniently located near the Wheaton Metro Station and several bus lines, the building’s location will make it easier for staff to take transit to work and staff will also be encouraged to walk and bike to work where possible, reducing traffic and adding more pedestrian and street activity to downtown Wheaton.
Photo courtesy of Montgomery Planning
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4 comments
Stop gentrification in Wheaton we don’t need hipsters expensive shit her
It’s about time they cleaned that area up. To long it has been rundown and an eye sore to the rest of the county.
Wheaton was always the low county on the totem pole. Finally they are working on it. Lots more to be done.
A good addition to replace the crumbling buildings next door. Will be a nice outdoor space too!