Olde Towne Revitalization

Economic Development Director Tom Lonergan Phone 301-258-6310 Fax 301-948-6149 Email tlonergan@gaithersburgmd.gov

Concepts for a renewed Olde Towne as featured in the Olde Towne Gaithersburg District Master Plan. Rendering courtesy of Torti Gallas and Partners, Inc.

Olde Towne Gaithersburg is in the midst of a comprehensive 25-year revitalization plan aimed at transforming the Olde Towne Central Business District (OTCBD) into a thriving economic and cultural hub. The Gaithersburg Olde Towne District Master Plan (5.5M pdf file) seeks to develop a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban center capable of sustaining a thriving business and residential mix.

To strengthen the desirability of Olde Towne as a regional destination, the City is negotiating the sale and development/redevelopment of two key City-owned properties. The first is a 1.5+ acre parcel presently known as 315 East Diamond Avenue. The second is a vacant 2+ acre parcel know as the "Y" site.

Additionally, the City is working on the following projects that will greatly enhance Olde Towne's commercial and residential core.

• "Y" Site Concept Plan (pdf file)
• Archstone Concept Plan (1.6M pdf file)

Development/Redevelopment Opportunities

The City of Gaithersburg is an active partner with private firms in the ongoing revitalization of the City's Olde Towne Central Business District. In accordance with the Gaithersburg Olde Towne District Master Plan, the City seeks high-quality development (both in design and material) including a balanced mix of commercial, office and residential uses. The Plan envisions many unique near, mid, and long-term development and redevelopment opportunities.

Master Plan Proposed Development Program

Development Incentives

In an effort to facilitate mixed-use development, the City created a Central Business District Zone and pursued and received State Enterprise Zone designation. The Enterprise Zone program provides a variety of tax incentives to property and business owners whose development, redevelopment or business expansion projects qualify.

• Olde Towne Enterprise Zone (Click here to learn more about the Enterprise Zone or to obtain an application and forms.)

Goals for Olde Towne Gaithersburg

• Establish Olde Towne as the civic, social and cultural heart of Gaithersburg thus creating a central focus for the City
• Encourage a balanced mix of commercial and residential uses that are of high quality in both design and material and create 24-hour activity seven days a week
• Encourage projects that demonstrate economic feasibility and are consistent with the Gaithersburg Olde Towne District Master Plan, adopted regulations and guidelines
• Ability to compete with other commercial retail centers in and around Gaithersburg
• Improvement of vehicular and pedestrian access into the Olde Towne commercial district
• Retention of contributing historic resources within the Olde Towne district

For more information concerning the revitalization of Olde Towne Gaithersburg, please contact Economic Development Director Tom Lonergan in the City's Office of Economic Development (phone: 301-258-6310 or email: tlonergan@gaithersburgmd.gov).