Come together
A community grows in South Silver Spring
By Ajok Tai Oyegunl
April 2007
A few years ago, a tour through South Silver Spring might have revealed construction crews clad in orange reflectors waving 'caution' signs for drivers to slow down in the wake of new development. But today, the downtown area sports an upscale new look, and a tour through the city reveals the revitalization of a community.
New housing and condominium developments over the past few years have spurred the South Silver Spring neighborhood into more than an industrial metropolis but a cultural hub of diversified community life.
 | | Members of the South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association meet to plan their May 20 block party, which will be open to the public. |
Downtown Silver Spring is located in Montgomery County and shares not only a border with Washington, D.C., but a comparable array of cultural attractions that compliment the community and boost its appeal.
With steady development of residential housing, the neighborhood is expected to grow as well, expanding the community's diversity with an influx of contrasting backgrounds and culture.
Over the next two years, at least 1,000 new residential units, including condos and apartments, will be built in the southern district, mingling with the city's more than 200 restaurants.
The recently constructed Aurora Condominiums under RST Development provide a glance into the future of the city. The complex, renovated from the former Williams and Willste office buildings on Eastern Avenue, feature 145 one and two-bedroom units.
Many other condos are either in the planning stages of development or are in the final stages of construction.
Condos at 8021 Georgia Ave. and 1200 Blair Mill Road are just a few of the planned developments. The $37 million development on Blair Mill Road is scheduled for mid-2007. The new development continues to be a source of attraction for this affluent community.
The South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association (SSSNA) is invested in addressing the issues surrounding the area and the impact new growth has on the community.
Evan Glass, president of the civic organization and seven-year resident, described at length contributions the revitalized southern end of the city has had on Silver Spring.
"I came to Silver Spring on the cusp of when the downtown [area] was being built [and] saw the potential," Glass said. He noted the eclectic assortment of attractions, including residential opportunities, sprouting retail and the proximity of the American Film Institute. "I definitely think the new revitalization is fantastic."
The SSSNA will premier its South Silver Spring block party on May 20 to orient community members and local businesses to one another and showcase the revitalized neighborhood.
The block party is open to the public and will feature live music and entertainment from local bands and artists and food and drink from neighboring restaurants and cafes. The event is on Kennett Street from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The downtown civic building and Veterans Plaza, scheduled for completion next summer, are integral parts of the business district's redevelopment project. The Plaza provides open space in front of the 42,000 square foot civic center. The open area may be converted into an ice skating rink, although community division remains on the issue.
Glass contended many residents "are unaware of what the plan is" and are unsure of their options in the matter.
Staff at Montgomery County Department of Park and Planning held forums addressing the use of the open space but a conclusive decision is underway. The board will reconvene to consider the issue in June.
"The staff will put together a report [and] try to cover the whole issue of what will happen with that site," Valerie Berton, a media relations staff member at the County Planning Board said.
Among many uses for the building, including a location for events and meetings, the lower level of the civic center will house the Round House Theater School.
Further influencing South Silver Spring's art scene is the county's expected creation of a $4 million Birchmere Music Hall within the next two years.
Birchmere is a major music venue in Alexandria, and its opening in Silver Spring would almost certainly be an economic advantage to the area. Downtown Silver Spring also boasts unique contributions to the arts. Gateway's Heliport Gallery on Kennett Street has brought recognition to the city in its promotion of local artists.
Construction of a new public library in 2008 will add to the redevelopment of downtown Silver Spring. The 41,000 square foot building will replace the existing library and feature updated facilities and an expanded circulation.
An area that only a few years ago was known simply as a business district has in recent years revived into a diverse center of Maryland attraction and extended its recognition throughout the state to attract the attention of residents, businesses and visitors. "The community is growing and changing right before our eyes…we have the ability to shape it for our vision," Glass said. South Silver Spring is well on its way to realizing that vision.
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