Olde Towne Park Plaza Construction Begins May 22

From the City of Gaithersburg: Gaithersburg’s historic center will be getting a facelift this spring as work begins on improvements to the area adjacent to the original B & O Railroad Station. In April, 2017 the Mayor and City Council approved a final design and the necessary funding to bring the long awaited Olde Towne Park Plaza concept to reality.

An ad hoc advisory committee comprised of community representatives began meeting in 2014, reviewing previously proposed concepts and identifying potential uses for the site. With a goal of creating a destination in Olde Towne, the group balanced issues of historic preservation, parking and site-related constraints for this small parcel of land at the intersection of Summit and Diamond Avenues.

The new plaza will include a playful, interactive fountain, an umbrella forest and new furnishings. Landscaping will add water gardens and a railroad allée. The space will transform with lighting as day moves into evening.

The area will be fenced off as work begins on May 22 with the removal of the existing plaza and hardscape components and the replacement of pavers, concrete curb and gutter, and asphalt. Throughout the project, work will occur on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Matching grants from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland General Assembly helped to make the project a reality. Look for the debut of this new community gathering space in late fall 2017. Explore the project design at https://oldetownegaithersburg.wordpress.com/.

Image via Pixabay