Construction of the Forte on Spring mixed-use apartment complex in downtown Silver Spring is well underway, and completion is anticipated in early 2024.
Demolition and construction at the site of the former headquarters of the county’s Park and Planning department at 8787 Georgia Ave. began in May 2021.
The county chose partners Bozzuto and StonebridgeCarras in 2013 for a two-part redevelopment effort, according to Devon Hastie, Vice President of Development for Bozzuto.
A development plan for the project was first presented in 2017. The complex will include two six-story buildings with 375 apartments, 47 of which will be moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs). Forte on Spring will also feature a pedestrian bridge, an underground parking garage, and Rockville-based MOM’s Organic Market as an anchor tenant:
Forte on Spring is the redevelopment of the former Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, located at 8787 Georgia Avenue. The mixed-use project will redefine the northern gateway to downtown Silver Spring with two 7-story residential buildings with ground floor retail, and a mews-style public space. In total, the community will include 375 apartment units, 47 of which will be affordable units. Unit types range from studios to 3BRs and include several townhouse-style units along Spring Street, fronting Fairview Road Urban Park. Apartments will feature modern and refined finishes, with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wood-like LVT flooring. Residents will enjoy over 13,000 SF of interior amenity space as well as two exterior courtyards and concierge service. In addition to the residential component, the project will deliver approximately 25,000 SF of retail space along Georgia Avenue. Notably, a 17,300 SF MOM’s Organic Market will anchor the Georgia Avenue and Spring Street corner. The public mews that will run through the property will also provide Forte residents and neighbors with a walking and biking connection from the northern neighborhoods to Silver Spring’s urban core. Forte will be welcoming its first residents in early 2024. The project partnership consists of Bozzuto, StonebridgeCarras, and Griffin Capital, along with lender partners with M&T and United Bank. The design team includes KTGY, Grizform, MPFP, and Bohler.
Amenities for residents will include two clubrooms, a fitness center, a demonstration kitchen, an indoor-outdoor/coworking lounge, two courtyards with a pool, bar, movie screen, grills, fire pits, and a variety of lounging spaces, according to Hastie. The walkway between buildings will serve as a pedestrian path and bike trail to downtown Silver Spring.
“MOM’s is a wonderful anchor to have at our building,” Hastie said to the Source in 2020, “a grocery store, in particular, a grocery store focused on sustainable, healthy food for our residents.”
The developers are targeting up to four other retailers, either full-service or fast-casual food and beverage, boutique fitness, or other kinds of neighborhood-serving businesses.
Renderings Courtesy of Bozzuto
