Demolition underway of former Mattress Firm building

Thank you for your interest in Wheaton Gateway. Our development team is committed to keeping the community informed of the activities taking place at the construction site.

In July, contractors began making preparations for the demolition of the former Mattress Firm building located at the corner of University Boulevard and Veirs Mill Road. Demolition is expected to begin later this week and is anticipated to be completed within a few weeks.

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The former Mattress Firm building, situated on the most prominent corner of the future site of Wheaton Gateway, follows the demolition of the adjacent Ambassador Hotel, completed earlier this year.

Development team to host livestream presentation of the Wheaton Gateway Concept Plan

On April 2, the Wheaton Gateway development team is inviting the public to join a livestream presentation of the Wheaton Gateway Concept Plan, where they can learn more about the project, engage the team, ask questions, and share feedback.

[ April 3, 2020 – Please note: This livestream presentation has concluded. Watch here > ]

We are committed to keeping the community informed and maintaining an open dialog. While we had originally planned to host this event in-person, in light of recent health concerns related to the Coronavirus we determined an online presentation would be best to ensure the community can remain engaged in the development process.

See the Concept Plan now and submit your feedback

To get an early look at the Concept Plan before the presentation and submit your feedback now, click below. Please note that while we cannot guarantee to accommodate all public feedback, we can assure you that our development team is listening carefully and will consider all the comments and suggestions we receive.

View Concept Plan and submit feedback >

If you have any questions or comments about this event, please contact us directly.

Wheaton Gateway concept plan submitted to M-NCPPC

On February 28, 2020, the Wheaton Gateway development team submitted its conceptual site plan to the Maryland-National Park & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). In the near future, the planning staff will review our application and provide feedback to our development team. We wanted to share these plans with you, as well, and provide an opportunity for the public to view the plans and provide feedback of your own.

Our development team invites you to view the concept plans and submit your feedback. While we cannot guarantee to accommodate all public feedback, we can assure you that our development team is listening carefully and will consider all the comments and suggestions we receive.

View Concept Plan & Submit Feedback >

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What happens next

Earlier in February, these development concepts, along with a recommended plan, budget, and timeline, were approved by the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County’s Board of Commissioners. This approval paves the way for the formal development review process with M-NCPPC.

Once entitlements are received, the team will pursue building permits and upon their issuance, construction will commence. It is not anticipated that construction will commence earlier than 2023. Meanwhile, ongoing demolition activities are underway at the future site of Wheaton Gateway. Information about the completion of demolition is anticipated in the coming weeks.

We thank you for your interest in Wheaton Gateway. Our development team is committed to keeping the community informed and maintaining an open dialog. For the very latest information, please see the latest news and updates on our website at WheatonGateway.com. If you have any questions or comments, we invite you to contact us directly.

HOC’s Board approves Wheaton Gateway budget, funding, and concept plan

Recently, senior staff members of the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) of Montgomery County presented a conceptual massing for the Wheaton Gateway project to the HOC Commission, the policy-making body of the agency appointed by the County Executive with the concurrence of the County Council.

The presentation by HOC staff included a summary of the development’s assemblage, diagrammatic massing studies to assist with the initial discussion between the development team and the Montgomery County Planning Department, a predevelopment budget, predevelopment funding, an anticipated predevelopment timeline, and a summary of recommendations. The Commission, which reviews and approves development plans for all HOC projects, gave its unanimous approval, paving the way for the start to the formal development application process.

The approval is only in service to HOC-related operations – specifically the predevelopment budget and funding, approval of a loan to the Wheaton Gateway development team (Wheaton Gateway, LLC), and approval of the concept plan for the redevelopment of the existing sites containing Ambassador Hotel, Lindsay Ford, and Mattress Firm. The outcomes of this presentation are an organizational action only and do not constitute approval by the Montgomery County Planning Board.

The formal approval of Wheaton Gateway by the Montgomery County Planning Board will follow an orderly progression through the entitlement process, which will be undertaken after the voluntary, informal discussion with Montgomery County Planning Department staff of the Concept Plan. The formal development application process can take a number of years and will include a sketch plan, preliminary plan of subdivision, and site plan. At each stage of this process, there will be community engagement and outreach activities, including required pre-submission meetings and public hearings. Approval from HOC’s board of commissioners will also be sought at each stage.

Commission meetings are open to the public. More information about current projects and upcoming meetings is posted on the HOC website. For a complete overview of how Montgomery Planning, landowners, and community members work together to review plans for new development, please see this brochure, which outlines the entire process.

We thank you for your interest in Wheaton Gateway. Our development team is committed to keeping the community informed and maintaining an open dialog, and we will keep you informed through these emails and on our website at WheatonGateway.com. If you have any questions, we invite you to contact us directly.

All sidewalks around Ambassador to open on evenings and weekends

Final weeks of pedestrian detours and traffic control

As we enter the final phase of the demolition of the former Ambassador Hotel, we are pleased to announce that the sidewalk segment, which is immediately adjacent to the Ambassador along westbound University Boulevard, will be open full time by the end of February.

In keeping with our traffic control plan, beginning February 3 and during active demolition work, the right-most lane of westbound University Boulevard immediately adjacent to the closed section of the sidewalk will be closed.

Please note that demolition activities will continue at the site throughout March and early April, but will take place only within the demolition site. No additional sidewalk or lane closures are expected beyond the end of February.

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In response to requests from Montgomery County Councilmembers to revisit our pedestrian detour plan for these final weeks, we are making a key modification to the plan and adding a measure of safety that will be introduced beginning this weekend:

• First, the modification: The sidewalk segment that is currently closed will be opened this weekend while demolition work is paused. Then, through the end of February, the sidewalk will be closed only during weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. On weekends, demolition work will pause, and the sidewalk will be open for use.

• Second, the additional safety measure: Flaggers will be positioned at the road closure and key pedestrian access points to help directionally guide and inform pedestrians and motorists alike.

We thank you for your interest in Wheaton Gateway. Our development team is committed to keeping the community informed and maintaining an open dialog through these emails and on our website at WheatonGateway.com. If you have any questions, we invite you to contact us directly.

Pedestrian safety at the Ambassador Hotel demolition site

We are pleased to report that demolition continues at the former Ambassador Hotel. In September, interior abatement and demolition began, followed by exterior demolition beginning in November. The entire demolition process is expected to take 4 to 5 months and should be completed in March 2020.

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As part of this process, some lane and sidewalk closures have been necessary. Beginning in November, these closures went into effect and will remain throughout the rest of the demolition. You may view the traffic control plan, pedestrian detour plan, and MDOT-SHA permit, all of which are also published to our website here.

Unfortunately, it has come to the attention of our development team that many pedestrians commuting through the area are failing to follow the guidance of sidewalk closures and are not using the available crosswalks. Many of these pedestrians proceed around detour signage, walk around construction fencing, and continue along the road, sometimes even crossing the street mid-block through traffic. These activities are extremely dangerous and highly discouraged.

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In response to these revelations, the development team and demolition contractor are seeking to implement additional measures, in an abundance of caution, to help mitigate the risk of harm to pedestrians commuting around the demolition site. Before the end of January, commuters can expect to see several new safety enhancements for traffic and pedestrians alike, including flagging operations. Until that time, we ask all commuters to continue exercising caution around the demolition site. Please be sure to follow the guidance of all posted sidewalk closures and detour signage, and we encourage taking full advantage of the available crosswalks.

Site map showing pedestrian detour plan and sidewalk closure area in red. Click to enlarge.

Throughout this demolition, our number one priority is the safety and security of commuters and pedestrians around the demolition site. During this time, we ask that you please be vigilant and pay close attention to detour and wayfinding signs, flagging operations, caution tape, and other traffic control measures. Failure to follow these directions may result in a citation from local law enforcement or even risk your safety.

We thank you for your interest in Wheaton Gateway. Our development team is committed to keeping the community informed and maintaining an open dialog, and we will keep you informed through these emails and on our website. If you have any questions, we invite you to contact us directly.

Lane and sidewalk closures imminent at Ambassador Hotel demolition site

Throughout the summer, preparations were made ahead of the demolition of the Ambassador Hotel. In September, interior abatement and demolition began. Now, asbestos testing is complete, and the exterior demolition is anticipated to commence in the coming days. The entire demolition process will occur over the next 4 to 5 months, lasting through spring 2020.

As part of this process, some lane and sidewalk closures will be necessary. Beginning on the morning of Monday, November 18, 2019, lane and sidewalk closures go into effect and will remain closed for the remainder of the demolition, which is currently anticipated through March 2020. You may view the traffic control plan, pedestrian detour plan, and MDOT-SHA permit, which are also published to our website here. Our team has worked closely with the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services to ensure these closures are as unobtrusive as possible.

For vehicular traffic, only westbound lanes along University Boulevard (MD-193) will be affected, with the right-hand lane closed immediately adjacent to the demolition site. For pedestrian traffic, only the sidewalk along the north side of University Boulevard (MD-193) will be affected, with pedestrian traffic being detoured to the south side of the street. The bus stop along University Blvd West has been moved and will not return until the demolition is complete.

We thank you for your interest in Wheaton Gateway. Our development team is committed to keeping the community informed and maintaining an open dialog, and we will keep you informed through these emails and on our website. If you have any questions, we invite you to contact us directly.

Traffic control plans and permits filed

In preparation for the next phase of demolition of the Ambassador Hotel, the Wheaton Gateway development team has filed the following traffic control plan, pedestrian detour plan, and MDOT-SHA permit.

Dates for lane and sidewalk closures have not yet been announced.

Interior demolition of the Ambassador Hotel underway

Thank you for your interest in Wheaton Gateway. Our development team is committed to keeping the community informed and maintaining an open dialog. Earlier this summer, we invited the community to a series of public visioning workshops for Wheaton Gateway, and we look forward to holding additional community events in the future.

Throughout the summer, preparations were made ahead of the demolition of the Ambassador Hotel, including required tests and inspections. The commencement of demolition was delayed a couple of months, but earlier in September, interior abatement and demolition began and is currently underway. We anticipate exterior demolition to begin later this October. The entire process will occur over the next 4 to 5 months.

Our team is coordinating with the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services on necessary lane closures once exterior demolition begins. We will be sure to share more information about the traffic and pedestrian control plans once those details are finalized.

Thank you again for your interest. As more details are available, we will keep you informed through these emails and on our website. If you have any questions, we invite you to contact us directly.

Preparations being made for demolition of the Ambassador Hotel

Thank you for your interest in Wheaton Gateway. Our development team is committed to keeping the community informed and maintaining an open dialog. Earlier in June, we invited the community to a series of public visioning workshops for Wheaton Gateway, and we look forward to holding additional community events in the future.

Currently, preparations are being made ahead of the demolition of the Ambassador Hotel. We anticipate interior demolition will begin in July, and exterior demolition will begin in August. The entire process will occur over the next 4 to 5 months. As more details are available, we will keep you informed through these emails and on our website.

Thank you again for your interest. If you have any questions, we invite you to contact us directly.

A letter to the Wheaton Community

Dear Wheaton Neighbor,

You are invited to participate in the visioning of Wheaton Gateway, a proposed redevelopment located at the intersection of University Boulevard and Veirs Mill Road. The site is currently home to Lindsay Ford, Mattress Firm, and the former Ambassador Hotel (the demolition of which slated to begin in the coming months). We understand the importance of this major intersection, the need for this development to contribute to the vision for a revitalized Wheaton, and the potential for this development to be a prominent entrance into the Central Business District.

The project is led by a partnership formed by The Duffie Companies (a family owned business focused on highly sustainable building and headquartered in eastern Montgomery County), Willco (a leading developer, owner, investor and manager of first-class commercial real estate based in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area), and the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC).

Wheaton is a place of authenticity, ethnic diversity, and deep historical roots. With this foundation, our team is confident that Wheaton is poised to capitalize on the qualities that already make it such a unique place to live, work, and play. This is Wheaton’s time to shine, and we believe that this project will play a major role in the community’s continuing, evolving story.

In recent years, several surveys and plans have been put forth by others for Wheaton’s future and many Wheaton residents have provided valuable feedback. Our development team has worked to learn from these previous efforts. We also recognize many of the goals outlined in the Wheaton Sector Plan, including reinvigorating downtown by creating a more walkable community with a distinct identity, fostering an environmentally-sustainable community, creating a vibrant mix of housing types and job opportunities, and designing quality public spaces that are inviting to pedestrians.

Our team’s vision is to create a new mixed-use residential and retail property that will include mixed income multi-family housing and commercial spaces consistent with the Wheaton Sector Plan. While our team looks forward to contributing toward Wheaton’s continued growth, we are eager to hear from you. We hope you can help us understand where you see opportunities and challenges in our ambitious redevelopment efforts.

We invite you to voice your vision for Wheaton Gateway and submit your feedback to our development team today using the form below.

Best regards,

Shane Pollin
Director of Development
The Duffie Companies

Bob Eisenberg
Chief Executive Officer
Willco

Stacy L. Spann
Executive Director
Housing Opportunities Commission