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Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. visits Montgomery County businesses driving growth in target industries

Secretary Coker Jr., City of Rockville Mayor Ashton, REDI and MCEDC officials and Omega 3 Nutrition CEO, Edwin Djampa

Secretary Coker Jr.'s visits recognized the businesses’ contributions to the state’s economy and provided an opportunity to learn more about their work and growth.

Montgomery County, Md., Nov. 14, 2025  – Maryland’s Secretary of Commerce Harry Coker Jr., alongside representatives from the Montgomery County Government, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), BioHub, and Rockville Economic Development Inc., visited four Montgomery County businesses across the Technology, Life Sciences and Hospitality industries, which are key target industries for the State of Maryland. The visits recognized the businesses’ contributions to the state’s economy and provided an opportunity to learn more about their work and growth. The companies visited included Omega 3 Nutrition, X-energy, DEKA Biosciences, and Donohoe Hospitality Services. 

“Montgomery County represents some of the very best in Maryland innovation. The businesses we visited reflect the strength, diversity, and collaboration that define our state’s business community,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “We could visit businesses in Montgomery County all day, every day for a month and still barely scratch the surface of what makes this county such a crucial economic engine for our state. I’m deeply grateful to our partners in Montgomery County for welcoming us and sharing their incredible work.” 

“Montgomery County is home to remarkable companies that are shaping the future of science, technology, and hospitality,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I appreciate Secretary Coker spending time with us to see that work up close. We are building an economy rooted in innovation, talent, and shared prosperity. We will continue working with the Moore/Miller Administration to support companies that create good jobs, strengthen our communities, and keep Maryland at the forefront of discovery and economic growth.” 

All four companies exemplify the forward-thinking businesses that thrive within Montgomery County’s dynamic business ecosystem. Maryland-founded and Rockville-based Omega 3 Nutrition, a nutrition brand dedicated to enhancing brain health through organic, brain-boosting ingredients, recently closed an oversubscribed seed round with investment from the Maryland Momentum Fund. 

X-energy, a leading nuclear reactor and fuel design technology company focused on clean energy generation, recently announced plans to consolidate its two Rockville offices into a new 125,000-square-foot headquarters at Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The company plans to retain 260 full-time employees and create more than 525 new jobs over the next six years.

Germantown-based DEKA Biosciences is an early-stage biotechnology company pioneering next-generation targeted cytokine therapies to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases. Meanwhile, Donohoe Hospitality Services is one of the largest independent hotel management companies in the region, representing over $1 billion in hotel asset value.  

“Thank you to Secretary Coker for recognizing the important work these companies are doing to advance Maryland’s leadership in innovation and economic growth,” said Elana Fine, MCEDC Board Chair. “These companies showcase why Montgomery County is a leading destination for talent and investment across all industries. We’re proud to support their continued success and to help foster a business environment where groundbreaking companies flourish.” 

Montgomery County serves as the anchor to the nation’s third-largest biopharma hub and is a growing global technology cluster. With more than 3,000 establishments in life sciences, technology, and advanced satellite communications, the County continues to drive Maryland’s economy and reinforce the state’s reputation as a hub for high-growth industries.

About Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) 

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation serves as the official economic development entity for Montgomery County, Maryland to accelerate business development, attraction, retention and expansion in key industry sectors while advancing equitable and inclusive economic growth. MCEDC operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public-private partnership and is funded by Montgomery County. Learn more at thinkmoco.com.

About Montgomery County Government

Montgomery County, Maryland, is the largest county in the State of Maryland with over 1.1 million residents. Strategically located near Washington D.C, the county anchors the nation’s third-largest biopharma hub and is home to 18 federal agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). With a highly diverse population and deep pool of skilled talent, Montgomery County, Maryland plays a vital role in shaping the future of life sciences, advanced technology, and innovation. Learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov

Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center Opens in Montgomery County, Maryland

Federal Workforce Career Center building in background with driveway in the foreground
Federal Workforce Career Center at the Wheaton American Job Center - Image credit: Google Maps

The first of its kind center in the nation will provide personalized support and services to displaced federal workers.

Montgomery County, Md., Oct. 9, 2025 – The Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center (FWCC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark its official opening. Funded by the Montgomery County Government, the FWCC is the first of its kind physical location in the United States dedicated to supporting displaced federal workers through personalized services and programs.

“The Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center is the first facility of its kind in the nation, and it was made possible because we had the foresight to include an additional $700,000 in the FY26 budget for WorkSource Montgomery to expand its operations and prepare for the job losses we feared were coming,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We are grateful for the partnership of Governor Wes Moore and the State of Maryland, and for the tireless efforts of our Congressional delegation to protect and preserve the critical work done by federal employees. While I’m pleased that Montgomery County can offer this center to help people transition into new opportunities, it is unfortunate that these workers have been forced into this position by the decisions of the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans. These are hardworking people who have dedicated their lives to public service, and they deserve better.”

Foresight was key in getting this center open now, just days into the federal shutdown.

“When we saw things starting to get uncertain in January, we listened to the federal workers and contractors. We knew Montgomery County needed to address this unique workforce crisis. The creation of Mobilize Montgomery, in partnership with WorkSource Montgomery, means we have created an actual place that those federal workers can come to for assistance,” said Kate Stewart, Montgomery County Council President. “Montgomery County supports neighbors in their time of need. It is who we are, and seeing this center open is a testament to how we look out for our residents.”

Located within the Wheaton American Job Center at 11510 Georgia Avenue in Wheaton, MD, this space will welcome displaced federal workers, contractors, and others navigating career transitions due to the ongoing federal workforce reductions. Montgomery County residents will be able to benefit from federal resume and job placement assistance, career and entrepreneurial coaching, and professional development programs. Additionally, jobseekers will be able to utilize the full scope of WorkSource Montgomery’s American Job Center’s services, including free virtual and in-person workshops, financial counseling services through the Financial Empowerment Center, and onsite access to Maryland Department of Labor staff who can assist with unemployment insurance (UI) questions. Services offered at the FWCC are for Montgomery County residents, however some events such as job fairs may be open to the broader public. For residents of other counties and states, the FWCC team will be ready to provide them with information for their local job centers in Prince George’s County, Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and other jurisdictions.

“The launch of the FWCC symbolizes Montgomery County’s ongoing commitment to supporting federal workers and contractors in our region through this difficult time,” said Michael Covin, Director of the FWCC. “We stand ready to help them through in-person and personalized services and ensure that they don’t need to navigate these challenging times alone.”

The FWCC will be open Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Jobseekers interested in utilizing the FWCC’s services should follow the three-step process listed on the Mobilize Montgomery website at mobilize-montgomery.com/fwcc. While walk-ins are accepted, the FWCC recommends making an appointment. Jobseekers who need help or have questions, should email fwcc@worksourcemontgomery.com or call 240-283-1509.

“The opening of the Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center reflects Montgomery County’s forward-thinking approach to supporting both our workforce and our business community. Federal workers and contractors play a crucial role in our local economy, and by helping them transition, retrain, and reengage in new opportunities, we are strengthening the overall economic resilience of our region,” said Angela Franco, President and CEO, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. “MCCC and all the local chambers are proud to partner in this effort to ensure that Montgomery County remains a hub for talent, innovation, and inclusive growth.”

“Montgomery County businesses and federal contractors have felt the harsh effects of the federal budget cuts, and now the government shutdown, over the past few months,” said Elana Fine, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Board Chair. “The launch of the FWCC is a crucial step in ensuring that residents and businesses in Montgomery County know that the local government and key stakeholders are standing with them during this challenging time, and are working to make sure that our business ecosystem remains resilient.”

About Mobilize Montgomery

Mobilize Montgomery is a collaboration that brings together state and local governments and private sector partners in Montgomery County, Maryland, including: The Montgomery County Government, the Maryland Department of Labor, WorkSource Montgomery, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Rockville Economic Development Incorporated, City of Rockville, City of Gaithersburg, the City of Gaithersburg’s Office of Economic Development, the Maryland Women’s Business Center, Montgomery County African American Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and local chambers of commerce for Rockville, Olney, Greater Silver Spring, Greater Bethesda, and Gaithersburg-Germantown. Launched in March 2025, Mobilize Montgomery was created to provide streamlined support, connecting employers and employees to financial assistance, workforce programs, and business continuity resources. Learn more at mobilize-montgomery.com

Capital Bank Achieves its Sixth “Best Banks to Work For” Distinction

The annual ranking recognizes banks that create positive, supportive, and high-performing workplace cultures

ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital Bank has again been named one of American Banker’s Best Banks to Work For in 2025. The annual ranking, conducted in partnership with Best Companies Group, recognizes banks that excel at creating positive, supportive, and high-performing workplace cultures.

This year, 90 banks nationwide earned a spot on the list based on an anonymous employee survey and a comprehensive review of each institution’s benefits, policies, and organizational practices. Capital Bank was ranked #85, marking the sixth time the Bank has received this recognition. This achievement reflects Capital Bank’s ongoing commitment to cultivating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.

“Our culture is built on genuinely caring about our people,” said Eric Suss, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Capital Bank. “We invest in programs that encourage growth, reward excellence, and strengthen collaboration. That is what keeps our teams engaged and energized.”

Capital Bank continues to prioritize employee well-being and development through initiatives focused on rewards and recognition, wellness programming, and community involvement. These efforts give employees meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute, connect, and voice their perspectives.

“Our employees drive everything we do,” said Ed Barry, CEO of Capital Bank. “We are a growth-driven company, but growth only happens when the right people are supported in the right environment. This recognition reflects the strength of our culture and the dedication of our team.”

The Bank’s signature initiative, Capital Bank Immersion, introduces new employees to senior leaders and key areas of the organization during onboarding. Following the acquisition of Integrated Financial Holdings, Inc. (IFH), the program expanded to welcome new colleagues in North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, and Illinois, ensuring consistency in connection and alignment across markets.

“The Best Banks to Work For represent institutions that give employees meaningful reasons to be proud of where they work,” said Chana Schoenberger, editor-in-chief of American Banker. “They understand how to create environments where people feel valued and find purpose in their roles.”

Participation in the Best Banks to Work For program involves a two-part assessment. The first part, worth approximately 25 percent of the total score, reviews each bank’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. The second part, worth approximately 75 percent, consists of anonymous employee surveys focused on day-to-day experiences and attitudes.

To qualify, banks must have at least 50 U.S. employees and a minimum of one year in operation. Best Companies Group manages the registration, survey process, and data analysis to determine the final rankings.

About Capitol Bank

Capital Bancorp, Inc., Rockville, Maryland is a registered bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Maryland. Capital Bancorp has been providing financial services since 1999 and now operates bank branches in seven locations including Washington D.C., Reston, VA, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Rockville, MD, Columbia, MD, Raleigh, NC, and N. Riverside, IL. Capital Bancorp had assets of approximately $3.4 billion at September 30, 2025 and its common stock is traded in the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “CBNK.” More information can be found at the Company’s website www.CapitalBankMD.com under its investor relations page.

Capital Bank’s personalized approach to business banking and the creative delivery of technology has helped fuel our continued growth. During all of our success, we have delivered meaningful client experiences by remaining true to a core operating principle: Think Big, Act Local.

About American Banker

American Banker empowers banking professionals with unique analysis and insight into the ideas transforming their business and industry. Across its journalism, events, research and benchmarking, it helps drive the way forward through the complexity of business innovation, retail and commercial disruption, technology, regulation and reform. With a banking community 850k strong, American Banker’s content connects leaders online, in person and in print every day.

About Best Companies Group 

Since 2004, Best Companies Group has specialized in identifying and recognizing great employers to work for. We are an independent research firm that ranks companies based on our established research methodology. Our surveys provide actionable, hard-to-obtain data that companies use to improve employee recruitment and retention.

Press Release originally published by Capital Bancorp, Inc.: https://ir.capitalbankmd.com/news-releases/news-release-details/capital-bank-achieves-its-sixth-best-banks-work-distinction

Rockville’s MOVE and Business Expansion Grants Drive FY25 Growth, Creating Jobs and Attracting Companies

Since their inception, REDI's MOVE and Business Expansion programs have awarded $845,000 in funding

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) awarded nearly $300,000 in grant funding through its MOVE and Business Expansion programs in Fiscal Year 2025, supporting business growth across the city and resulting in 260 new jobs and more than 127,000 square feet of activated commercial space.  

The funding supported businesses across diverse industries including life sciences, healthcare, clean energy, technology, and professional services. Grant recipients expanded or relocated into commercial spaces in Town Center, King Farm, Fallsgrove, Rock East, Twinbrook, and the Pike Corridor.

The programs are also attracting investment from outside of Rockville. Twenty percent of FY25 grantees relocated operations from out of state, choosing Rockville over competing locations in Northern Virginia and Massachusetts.

“What we’re seeing is a strong return on investment,” said Nancy Regelin, Board Chair at REDI. “These programs aren’t just helping businesses grow, but are boosting Rockville’s economy, strengthening our tax base, and creating opportunities for residents across the city.”

Since their inception, REDI’s MOVE and Business Expansion programs have awarded $845,000 in funding, solidifying Rockville’s reputation as a destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

Spectrum Fertility Group, a Massachusetts-based In Vitro Fertilization company cited REDI’s programs as pivotal in their decision to locate in Rockville:

“As a biotech startup company, it was very important to find Spectrum Fertility Group a place to set up our lab that we could really call home. After an extensive search across multiple cities, we decided on Rockville, Maryland. I think this has been one of the best decisions our company has made,” said Mike Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Spectrum Fertility Group. “The State of Maryland, City of Rockville and Montgomery County have been so biotech friendly. We love it here, and look forward to growing our business.”

For more information about REDI’s business incentive programs, visit rockvilleredi.org/business-grants-loans.

About REDI 

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is a public-private partnership that helps business launch, locate and expand in Rockville, Maryland. Committed to economic development, REDI is proactive in supporting existing industries and attracting new companies with the tools to get started in Rockville, and the resources and guidance for existing companies in the city. Learn more at rockvilleredi.org.

Maryland tops U.S. Community College System Study with Montgomery College Leading State Rankings

Photo of a large silver lettered 'Montgomery College' sign outdoors
Montgomery College Rockville Campus - Image credit: Montgomery College

Montgomery College ranked first among Maryland institutions and 17th nationwide

Maryland’s community college system has been ranked the best in the country, according to WalletHub’s 2025 report evaluating over 650 community colleges across the United States. This recognition reflects the strength of Maryland’s commitment to accessible, high-quality, and career-focused education.

At the forefront of this achievement is Montgomery College, which ranked first among Maryland institutions and 17th nationwide. With campuses in Rockville, Germantown, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring, Montgomery College continues to stand out for delivering excellent outcomes and supporting student success.

WalletHub evaluated community colleges and state systems using three primary metrics:

  • Cost & Financing: Tuition and fees, availability of scholarships and grants, and student loan default rates.

  • Education Outcomes: Graduation and transfer rates, student retention, and student-faculty ratio.

  • Career Outcomes: Median salary after attending, employment rates, and return on educational investment.

The report also highlights how Maryland’s high-performing institutions, including Montgomery College, offer strong academic value and workforce alignment, making the state a national leader in two-year higher education.

View the full rankings and methodology at: wallethub.com/edu/e/states-with-best-worst-community-college-systems/15073

 

BioHealth Capital Region Claims #3 Spot Among Top U.S. Biopharma Clusters in 2025

Aerial photo of NIH Clinical Center building
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center - Image credit: National Institutes of Health

The region's third-place ranking is backed by strong performance across metrics including patents, NIH funding, venture capital funding, lab space, and number of jobs

The BioHealth Capital Region, covering Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., ranked as the nation’s third-largest biomedical and pharmaceutical cluster, according to Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News’ annual list of top U.S. Biopharma regions

Despite challenges like federal funding cuts and workforce reductions at agencies such as the FDA and NIH, the region remains resilient, continuing to attract leading companies and institutions. Its competitiveness reflects decades of scientific excellence. The region’s third-place ranking is backed by strong performance across key biotech metrics. It leads the U.S. in patent production with 79,141 patent families in biotechnology, demonstrating groundbreaking research.

The BioHealth Capital Region ranked third in laboratory space, with 36.8 million square feet of cutting-edge facilities, including the NIH’s 9.2 million square feet in Bethesda. This infrastructure drives innovation and scientific progress. With 4,806 awards worth $3.639 billion in NIH funding, the area ranked third, underscoring confidence in its research capabilities despite budget pressures.

Activity in the Biotech Corridor including AstraZeneca’s $300 million cell therapy manufacturing facility and MilliporeSigma’s $286 million biosafety testing facility have added hundreds of high-paying jobs, cementing the region as a global hub for next-generation therapeutics.

Read the full list of 2025 Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters at www.genengnews.com/topics/drug-discovery/top-10-u-s-biopharma-clusters-2025/

Rockville among 8 Best Places to Live in Maryland in 2025

Aerial view of fall colors in Rockville, Maryland. Image credits: LionBird via Shutterstock

Rockville ranked 7th on World Atlas' list of Best Places to Live in Maryland in 2025

World Atlas has named Rockville one of the 8 Best Places to Live in Maryland (2025), placing it 7th among a curated list of cities and towns known for livability, opportunity, and charm.

With a population of over 67,000, Rockville offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and urban access. Just outside of Washington, D.C., residents enjoy both the comfort of quiet neighborhoods and proximity to the nation’s capital. The city’s vibrant Town Square, full of dining, shopping, and seasonal events, adds to its appeal.

The article recognizes Rockville for its vibrant community, strong job market, especially in biomed and tech, making it a great place for professionals and growing families alike. With everything it has to offer, Rockville truly stands out as a place where residents enjoy both comfort and connectivity.

World Atlas’ list of Best Places to Live in Maryland include:

  1. Havre de Grace

  2. Baltimore

  3. Annapolis

  4. Bel Air

  5. Gaithersburg

  6. Bethesda

  7. Rockville

  8. Columbia

Rockville named 4th safest suburb in the United States in 2025

Rockville placed 4th out of 360 suburbs in SmartAsset's 2025 report

SmartAsset, an online consumer-focused financial information website, has released its “America’s Safest Suburbs – 2025 Study,” ranking 360 U.S. suburbs (population ≥ 5,000, within 15–45 minutes of the 100 largest U.S. cities) by overall safety based on five key metrics. Rockville, MD comes in at #4, climbing eight spots from 12th in the 2023 report.

To determine the safest suburbs, SmartAsset evaluated each location on:

  • Violent crime rate (incidents per 100,000 residents)

  • Property crime rate (incidents per 100,000 residents)

  • Vehicular mortality rate (traffic accident deaths per 100,000 residents)

  • Drug poisoning mortality rate (overdose deaths per 100,000 residents)

  • Percentage of adults engaging in excessive drinking

All public-safety data come from the FBI’s 2023 Uniform Crime Reporting database (city-level) and the 2025 County Health Rankings (county-level), supplemented as needed by NeighborhoodScout.com

Learn more about the City of Rockville by visiting explorerockville.org and  rockvillemd.gov

X-energy, U.S. Department of Defense to Advance Commercial Microreactor for National Security

Image Credit: Amanda Wayne/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

X-energy will partner with the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Innovation Unit, and the U.S. Air Force to advance XENITH

ROCKVILLE, MD, August 14, 2025 – X-energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy” or the “Company”), today announced an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense (“DOD”) Defense Innovation Unit (“DIU”) and the U.S. Department of the Air Force to advance the development of its commercial microreactor in alignment with President Trump’s executive order to deploy advanced nuclear technologies at DOD installations to support U.S. national security.

The agreement supports continued design and development for the X-energy XENITH microreactor under the Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations (“ANPI”) program, an initiative led by DIU in partnership with the Department of the Air Force. The program is designed to accelerate the deployment of next-generation microreactor technologies to provide resilient, secure power at military installations, and enables governmental sponsors like the Department of the Air Force to engage with X-energy under a flexible contracting mechanism that allows for faster development and deployment of commercial nuclear systems.

“We’re seeing the full force of federal partnership mobilized to bring advanced nuclear to market, and the leadership of the Trump Administration has been phenomenal,” said X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell. “X-energy is proud to be a leader, and a partner with this administration to support America’s energy leadership.”

The agreement aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order on Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, issued in May 2025, which directs the Department of Defense to deploy an advanced reactor at a military installation before the end of the decade. As part of this effort, X-energy was selected to demonstrate commercial microreactors that can deliver resilient and secure energy to power critical defense infrastructure and remote microgrids.

XENITH, X-energy’s product, is a high-temperature gas-cooled microreactor first developed for DOD’s Project Pele, a mobile microreactor initiative led by the Strategic Capabilities Office. The design was selected to continue into an enhanced engineering phase, focused on achieving preliminary design maturity and initiating pre-licensing engagement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for both military and commercial applications. 

In addition to XENITH, X-energy is advancing the deployment of its Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor as a grid-scale energy solution for utilities, industrial customers, and hyperscalers. The Company is also constructing a first-in-the-nation advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility to manufacture its proprietary TRISO-X fuel. Together, X-energy’s technology portfolio is designed to deliver scalable, secure, and reliable power to meet growing global energy demand.

About X Energy Reactor Company, LLC

X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation that is redefining the nuclear energy industry through its development of safer and more efficient advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver reliable, zero-carbon and affordable energy to people around the world. For more information, visit X-energy.com 

Press release originally published by X Energy: https://x-energy.com/media/news-releases/x-energy-us-department-of-defense-to-advance-commercial-microreactor-for-national-security

EYA closes on land for Rockshire Village redevelopment in Rockville

Rockshire redevelopment rendering courtesy EYA

The new Rockshire community will feature 60 residential units, including 31 single-family detached homes and 20 townhomes.

Article originally published by citybiz: https://www.citybiz.co/article/718888/eya-closes-on-land-for-rockshire-village-redevelopment-in-rockville-advancing-retail-to-residential-redevelopment/

EYA, he DC-based market leader in the development of large-scale, urban infill residential projects, today announced the official closing on the land at the former Rockshire Village Center in Rockville, Maryland. The closing marks a major milestone in EYA’s plans to rezone and transform the long-vacant shopping center into a vibrant, connected neighborhood featuring a mix of new homes, retail and public open space that puts “life within walking distance.” EYA collaborated closely with the landowner, its investors, the city and the community to navigate a complex entitlement process, secure the rezoning, and bring a shared vision for the site to life.

Located on a 7.3-acre site in the Wootton High School district in Montgomery County, the new Rockshire community will feature 60 total residential units, including 31 single-family detached homes and 29 townhomes. As part of EYA’s commitment to delivering inclusive housing opportunities, 15% of the homes will be designated as Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs). It will also feature 5,200 square feet of retail space, providing shops and amenities for the greater community.

“For years, this site has sat dormant within a thriving community. We worked closely with the city and community to transform this outdated commercial site into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood,” said Aakash Thakkar, Chief Acquisitions Officer at EYA. “This project highlights EYA’s talents for securing complex entitlements and creating a valuable new community that benefits our partners and the communities in which we build.”

The Rockshire redevelopment is a prime example of the growing trend of retail-to-residential redevelopments in the greater DC region. EYA’s redevelopment will replace the vacant retail strip with a vibrant, human-scaled neighborhood that brings much-needed housing while preserving space for community-serving retail. The plan includes up to 5,200 square feet of commercial space intended for retailers or office users that complement the residential character of the site, creating a dynamic community-focused space. Rockshire is just one of EYA’s several large-scale commercial-to-residential transformations across the DMV.

The design prioritizes pedestrian connectivity and open space. Public features will include a neighborhood park, a playground, an open lawn with seating and recreation areas, a pedestrian-friendly streetscape with connections to Rockshire Community Pool and the Carl Henn Millennium Trail and sitewide landscaping. The development will also provide 29 dedicated parking spaces for the adjacent Rockshire Community Pool, along with visitor parking and stormwater management infrastructure.

The project continues EYA’s broader mission to revitalize infill sites across the greater DC region and deliver walkable, connected neighborhoods that reflect the needs of modern residents while respecting the context of existing communities. Construction is slated to begin in August, with final completion of the project in 2027.

About EYA, LLC

EYA is a market leader in the development of large-scale, urban infill residential projects in the greater D.C. region. With expertise in the entitlement, development, and construction of for-sale, multi-family, and mixed-income housing, EYA has created over 50 neighborhoods that are home to more than 10,000 residents across Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Learn more at eya.com