Development has officially started on a large 280-acre project near the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. This project, named Viva White Oak, promises to transform the area with a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces.
A Big Plan for Silver Spring
Baltimore-based company, MCB Real Estate, is leading the charge with an ambitious plan for Viva White Oak. The project will include a whopping 12 million square feet of new construction. Over half of this space will be used for stores, restaurants, offices, and specialized labs for biomedical and biotech research.
New Homes and Green Spaces
In addition to the commercial spaces, the project will provide 4,500 new homes, a hotel, and housing for seniors. One of the highlights of Viva White Oak will be the 85 acres of open space dedicated to parks, forest trails, and other public areas. This means that while the area will see significant development, there will still be plenty of natural spaces for the community to enjoy.
A Boost for Montgomery County
Marc Elrich, the county executive of Montgomery County, expressed his excitement about the project. He believes that this development will help the county achieve its goals of economic growth and community development. The partnership between Montgomery County and MCB Real Estate is seen as a significant step toward creating an inclusive and thriving community.
MCB’s Track Record and Vision
MCB Real Estate has experience with large, complex projects. Just last year, they completed the Drexeline Town Center in suburban Philadelphia, featuring medical offices and a large ShopRite supermarket. They also developed Yard 56 in Baltimore, located near Johns Hopkins Medical Center. With Viva White Oak, MCB’s managing partner, P. David Bramble, is confident that this project will bring long-awaited investment and amenities to the community.
Montgomery County’s Strategic Importance
Montgomery County is one of the wealthiest counties in the U.S., with an average household income of over $110,000. The area has been a focus for growth, especially in the eastern part of the county where Viva White Oak is located. The county has also invested in new infrastructure, like the East County Education Center and a new Bus Rapid Transit Line along Route 29, to support this growth. With these investments and MCB’s involvement, county officials are optimistic about realizing their vision for the community.
A Joint Effort with Big Potential
MCB Real Estate isn’t working alone on this project. They have partnered with Global LifeSciences Development Corporation, a minority partner in the project. MCB owns a large portfolio of properties, totaling 15 million square feet, and they have an additional 4 million square feet of projects in the pipeline.
Major Cities in Maryland
As Viva White Oak takes shape, it’s important to note the broader context of Maryland’s urban landscape. The five largest cities in Maryland are Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, and Waldorf. Each of these cities contributes to the state’s diverse economy and vibrant communities, just as the Viva White Oak project aims to do in Silver Spring.
This development is set to make a lasting impact on the area, blending new housing, commercial spaces, and natural areas to create a vibrant and inclusive community in Silver Spring.