EDENS Tapped to Develop Burtonsville Park & Ride

EDENS of Bethesda has been tapped by Montgomery County to be a key player in the revitalization of Burtonsville, in charge of redeveloping the six-acre Park & Ride lot on Route 29.

EDENS has been selected to enter into exclusive negotiations with the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development for the project, according to a county press release.

EDENS is a nationally recognized developer with regional offices in Bethesda. The firm is known locally for the popular epicurean mecca Union Market near NoMa in the District of Columbia and the LEED Silver-certified, 2-million square-foot Mosaic District in Fairfax, Va. EDENS has recommended a community-focused mixed-use development that supports Burtonsville’s long-term goals, according to the release. The team was chosen through a public selection process that started in April.

“Our goal is to unlock Burtonsville’s untapped economic potential by attracting private investment that will create a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use development,” County Executive Isiah Leggett said.

The strategically located six-acre Park & Ride parcel will help define the larger “village center,” which includes Burtonsville Crossing, an adjacent shopping plaza owned by EDENS. Together, the two properties create a catalyst for the Burtonsville Crossroads Neighborhood Plan adopted by the Montgomery County Council in 2012. The plan outlines the community’s goals for 190 acres near US 29 and MD 198 and advocates for pedestrian connectivity, high-quality design, investments in businesses and preservation of the environment.

“We’re honored to make it to this stage of the process and look forward to partnering with the County, and the community, to make that vision a reality,” said Jeff Kaufman, vice-president of Development at EDENS.

Conceptual plans include restaurants, retail, a cinema and multi-family housing. Steve Silverman, the county’s Economic Development director, said that commuters’ needs will continue to be addressed when the Park & Ride spots are reconfigured and replaced as part of the redevelopment.

“The inclusion of the Burtonsville Crossing property is significant,” said Steve Silverman, the County’s Economic Development director. “That additional acreage gives the project the critical mass necessary to be truly transformative for Burtonsville.”

About Krista Brick

Krista Brick is a multi-media journalist with Montgomery Community Media.

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