County Searching for Development Partner for Proposed Silver Spring Arena Project

Montgomery County is in search of a partner for a possible 5,000-seat multi-purpose indoor sports, public assembly and entertainment facility arena in Downtown Silver Spring.

According to a news release, the county issued a request for development proposals (RFDP) for a new mixed-use arena development near the Silver Spring transit center. County-owned properties at 1100 and 1101 Bonifant Drive in Silver Spring – Parking Garage 5, Garage 55 and a connecting bridge, have been identified as a potential site for the proposed new development, the news release stated.

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett says the mix use development could increase the economic vitality of Silver Spring and the county.  “We have long known that our community is in need of a multi-purpose facility to house events such as high school, collegiate, and professional sporting events, graduations, and children’s shows and concerts. This site is ideal for this type of use as well as retail and high-rise residential structures,” Leggett said.

The 2.8-acre site being offered for private development is next to the multi-modal Silver Spring Transit Center, and is within walking distance of a number of dining and retail establishments.

“Through this [request], MCDOT is continuing our public-private partnership efforts to transform parking structures in our urban cores into mixed use developments that enhance the County’s smart growth principles,” Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director Al Roshdieh said. “We have been successful in attracting private sector partners who have helped the County create much-needed public amenities, along with residential and retail uses. We look forward to reviewing the creative responses to this RFDP that will further boost downtown Silver Spring as a lively and diverse destination,” Roshdieh said.

The Request for Development Proposals can be found on the Montgomery County website. Proposals are due by April 10, 2017.

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