Press Releases
Wheaton Revitalization Update: County Executive Elrich to Address Workers at Topping Off Ceremonies for Future 14-Story Montgomery County Office Building on Wednesday, June 26
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 25, 2019
A significant step in construction of the 14-story Montgomery County government office building that is part of the Wheaton Revitalization Project will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, as County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Nancy Navarro and the leaders of the Clark Construction team thank workers for reaching the building’s “topping off.” The building is more than 60 percent complete and remains on track to be completed in Spring 2020.
Topping off ceremonies are traditionally held when projects reach completion of the major infrastructure of the construction. The concrete for the 14th floor was placed in early June for the building that will be the main focus in the revitalization of Downtown Wheaton. The three-year project evolving around the Wheaton Triangle Business District is being managed by the County’s Department of Transportation. The Wheaton Triangle area is between Veirs Mill Road and Georgia Avenue. The local roads that form the Triangle area include Grandview Avenue, Reedie Drive and Triangle Lane.
The Wheaton Revitalization Project will transform Wheaton’s central business district with a mixed-use, transit-oriented development. In addition to the construction of the government office building, the project will provide 397 below ground parking spaces, first floor retail space and a new town square.
The building owner and main occupant will be the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, which is now in Downtown Silver Spring. The new 308,000 square-foot Wheaton office building will seek LEED platinum certification. It will include retail operations on its ground floor and will be home to several County departments including Permitting Services, Environmental Protection, Health and Human Services, Recreation and Community Use of Public Facilities. Also relocating to the new building are the Wheaton Urban District and the Mid-County Regional Services Center.
“The revitalization of Wheaton has been at the forefront of my work since I became a Councilmember,” said Council President Navarro. “After numerous community meetings, planning exercises and hard work, this week we have something to celebrate. The 14-story County government office building, which is the centerpiece of the Wheaton Revitalization Project, helped spur a strategic review of how we attract more economic development to Wheaton, while protecting the character of the local small businesses and neighboring communities. With supportive measures like the County’s Small Business Impact Assistance Program, which I spearheaded, we are on the right track for creating a sense of place that community members, business owners, workers and visitors can enjoy. Additional priorities for me are the new library and recreation center, which will open in a few months, and an arts and cultural center which will bring additional vibrancy to this amazing community.”
Construction of the building will now focus on interior work. Mechanical, electrical, duct, sprinkler and plumbing is underway on floors 1 through 7.
The Wheaton Revitalization Project will create a walkable, pedestrian friendly community with access to public open space. The project aims to increase use of the Wheaton Metro Station, reduce traffic congestion, increase employment opportunities and services in the area as well as introduce outdoor entertainment opportunities on the new town square.
A camera has been installed to view construction on the site. It can be accessed via the project’s website at wheatonproject.com.
# # #
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-777-6532