Lakeforest Mall Redevelopment Breaks Ground in Gaithersburg, Md.
Charleston, S.C.-based full-service real estate development firm WRS Inc., along with city officials and community leaders from Gaithersburg, Md., announced the start of construction on the redevelopment of Lakeforest Mall.
The mixed-use project intends to transform the 102-acre site of the mall that closed in 2023 into a vibrant, walkable “mini-city.” Current work marks the start of multiple phases of a construction plan that was designed to transform 1.1 million square feet of aging suburban Washington, D.C. retail space and its vast adjacent parking lots into a sustainable and community-oriented destination.
This redevelopment, estimated to be a $1.2 billion investment, is anchored by a commitment made to community revitalization. When completed, the project promises to deliver 1,600 residential units; more than 470,000 square feet of new retail and commercial space; and modernized transit.
Prioritizing quality of life on a human scale, the project includes a master-planned grid of walkable streets and extensive public amenities, which include: 35 acres of green space, a scenic boardwalk around the site’s rejuvenated ponds, public gathering plazas, and improved pedestrian and bike networks connecting residents to surrounding neighborhoods.
The residential component — approximately 850 rental units and 750 for-sale units — will include a diverse mix of housing options, such as stacked duplexes, townhomes, and for-sale condominiums designed to meet the growing housing demand in Montgomery County.
“This is more than just a construction project; it is the rebirth of a community anchor,” said Kevin Rogers, principal of WRS Inc. “We aren’t just building buildings; we are creating a destination where people can live, work, and thrive without being dependent on their cars. We are proud to deliver a project that honors the legacy of Lakeforest while looking firmly toward the future of Gaithersburg.”
Tenants on the roster of the commercial component already include The Home Depot, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Landmark Theatres. More retail and restaurant announcements are expected soon.
Plans for future construction phases also feature an entertainment block with stand-alone restaurants; small-shop retail; and community space that could accommodate a variety of uses, including farmers markets, food truck events, outdoor movie nights, yoga in the park, and/or any other community-based events.
Transit improvements at the site include a relocation and upgrade of the Lakeforest Transit Center. Developed in partnership with Montgomery County, it will support eight Ride On routes and serve as the primary hub for the upcoming MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit system.