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Commission approves 645,000 sq ft research-and-development campus near Gaither and Shady Grove
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a level 2 site plan for three R&D buildings totaling about 645,000 square feet and a new structured parking facility at 2097–2101 Gaither Road, with staff conditions. The applicant projects three construction phases, 37% open space and public‑art on the garage.
The Rockville Planning Commission unanimously approved Level 2 site plan STP2024‑00482 on Dec. 10, clearing the way for a three‑building research‑and‑development campus at the corner of Gaither Road and Shady Grove Road.
Principal planner Kimia Zolfagaria told commissioners the project covers approximately 11.78 acres and would replace two existing office buildings with three new R&D buildings totaling about 645,000 gross square feet. Building heights were described in the staff presentation as roughly 108–111 feet. Staff said the proposed new parking structure would add approximately 692 spaces in addition to existing parking on the site, and that the plan includes associated site improvements and phasing (three phases indicated on the project plan).
Patricia Harris, representing the applicant, and Frank Craighill, senior vice president of Monday Properties, said the applicant accepts the conditions in the staff report, highlighted proposed streetscape and shared‑use path improvements on Shady Grove Road, and noted a public‑art mural planned for the parking structure.
A commissioner questioned the amount of new parking and whether market demand for life‑sciences use justified both retained surface parking and a new garage; the applicant said the parking program balanced code requirements for R&D uses and market expectations for life‑science tenants. After discussion, a motion to approve the site plan subject to the conditions in the staff report passed unanimously.
The approval allows the applicant to move forward with required permitting and phased construction subject to the conditions of approval listed in the staff report.
