Silver Spring’s Studio Plaza Project Downsizes

Last year, developer Michael LLC submitted plans for Studio Plaza, the redevelopment of lots between Thayer and Silver Spring Avenues along Georgia Avenue in the Fenton Village area of the Silver Spring Central Business District now occupied with low-scale commercial buildings and surface parking. Initial plans called for a mixed-use development, with one seven-story building facing Thayer Avenue with 146,000 sf of office space and 20,000 sf of new retail on the ground floor, two 90-foot residential buildings facing Silver Spring Avenue containing 255 units and 7,000 sf of retail, and two small green parks.

But last week, the developer, citing zoning issues with the office space and parks, told the Silver Spring Commercial Economic Development Committee that it plans to drop the office building and all its retail space, plus the two parks, from its proposal, leaving just the two residential towers (pictured), but now with only 165 units instead of 255. No decision has been made yet as to whether these will be condos or rentals, though 15% will be set aside as moderately priced dwelling units. The residential buildings will retain the 7,000 sf of retail. There will also be 186 parking spaces below the residential buildings. The revised proposal is expected to be discussed before the Montgomery County Planning Board on June 7.