$1.2B Lakeforest Mall Demolition Gets Underway

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The groundbreaking for the redevelopment of the former Lakeforest Mall site has officially started in Gaithersburg.

The ceremony was held Monday, with representatives from the community and WRS Inc., the company leading the redevelopment.

Some of the county leadership in attendance were Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman and Montgomery County Council member Sidney Katz, who represents the 3rd District. Katz previously served as the mayor of the city.

"This was a cultural, entertainment and shopping hub for almost 50 years," Ashman said, according to Bethesda Today. "Now we’re imagining what comes next."

The redevelopment plans envision what WRC Inc. calls a "vibrant walkable 'mini-city.'"

The developer has said the $1.2 billion revitalization of the site will include:

• A variety of "for sale" and rental housing options in the style of condominiums and duplexes.
• Over 470,000 square feet of new retail and commercial space that will feature commercial anchors such as The Home Depot, Sprouts Farmers Market and Landmark Theatres.
• Upgraded Lakeforest Transit Center that will be relocated and serve as a primary hub for the MD-355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit system.
• Over 35 acres of green space connecting bike and pedestrian paths to surrounding neighborhoods.

Construction is expected to take several years, with Monday's demolition marking just the first phase of the redevelopment project that officials say may generate nearly $3 million in annual recurring revenue for Gaithersburg.

The first phase not only includes demolition, but also the establishment of road networks and storm drain systems.

The site was the home to the Lakeforest Mall for decades. It opened to the public in 1978 and served as a major retail hub for the county. The mall officially closed in 2023.