New Plan Aims to Introduce 500 Housing Units and 43,000 Square Feet of Retail Space in Four Buildings in Rio, Gaithersburg

Breaking News: More Places to Live, Shop, and Wonder Where Your Money Went

Peterson Cos. has dropped the bombshell of the century: they want to build a tiny metropolis of up to 500 residential units and a whopping 43,000 square feet of retail space right in the heart of the Washingtonian Center at Rio, Gaithersburg. Because, let’s be honest, what’s better than living next to a shopping center? Living on top of it, of course!

The proposal outlines two grand buildings nestled beside the existing Washingtonian Lake. Because let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to overlook a peaceful lake while debating if it’s worth spending one’s savings at Uncle Julio’s? The first building will gracefully house 77 family units right between the restaurant and the carousel. And the second? A posh 117 units located at the south end of the Marriott, where you can pretend you’re on vacation while still paying those mortgage bills.

And wait, there’s more! The playground will be relocated, because nothing screams “safety” like moving a playground closer to the water’s edge for “better visibility”—whatever that means. Six elite stacked townhomes will line Washingtonian Blvd, right between the Sodexho and Leidos buildings, presumably to provide prime views of the daily grind.

But hold onto your wallets! The pièce de résistance involves replacing the current Kohl’s with a charming 93,000 square feet retail darling. Who needs retail history when you can increase retail density? The plan includes adding two glamorous levels to the existing parking garage because nothing says livability like searching for a parking spot in a five-story-high game of Tetris.

Peterson’s heartfelt message reads, “This addition will support the existing uses and create a true Live-Work-Play community.” You hear that? It’s not just about living and shopping; it’s about elevating your existential crisis to new heights of urban convenience.

For those who want the full picture—literally and figuratively—there’s additional information available on the City of Gaithersburg website. And if you’re still catching your breath from this revelation, take a look at the renderings below, courtesy of Peterson and the City of Gaithersburg. You’ll be dreaming of that lovely lake view while you pay your rent!