Plans for the large-scale residential redevelopment of the former Tastee Diner and the adjacent Capital One Bank in downtown Silver Spring are moving forward.
UrbanTurf reported Monday that D.C.-based developer Roadside Development’s sketch plans will be presented to the county’s Development Review Committee later this month.
Tastee Diner closed suddenly in 2023 after owner Gene Wilkes sold the property at 8601 Cameron St. to Roadside for $3.1 million. Wilkes cited health concerns as the reason for the sale, which had been under discussion with Roadside for over a year. In 2022, Roadside purchased the adjacent Capital One Bank property at 8676 Georgia Ave. for $2.7 million.
Roadside submitted its plans earlier this year to redevelop the properties and intends to preserve the Tastee Diner car, likely repurposing it for retail use or as a restaurant within the new construction.
“While the previous owner of the Tastee Diner chose to close its doors, the Applicant is proposing to retain the Historic Tastee Diner Car, restore its exterior, and adaptively re-use and incorporate it into the overall redevelopment,” the filing stated (reported by UrbanTurf).
The 30-story project designed by D.C. firm Bonstra | Haresign Architects will include up to 525 residential units, 20,000 square feet of retail space, and at least 340 parking spaces. Fifteen percent of the apartments will be designated for moderately-priced dwelling units (MPDUs).
The project is one of two significant residential developments planned for downtown Silver Spring; the other is a 450-unit residential tower to be built above Ellsworth Place.