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 We worked closely with the city and community to transform this outdated commercial site into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood,” said Aakash Thakkar, Chief Acquisitions Officer at EYA.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