ULI Washington: Developing a Retail Strategy for Silver Spring

Report Summary: For much of the 1990s, the revitalization of Silver Spring—once a vital center of commerce in Montgomery County—was a priority among government and the business and development communities. Much of the redevelopment has been realized. Concerns exist, however, that many retail businesses that were in place before the redevelopment project was completed are not benefiting from the new customers who are now being drawn to the CBD, and that small retail businesses have been unable to adapt to the changing retail environment. The panel proposed that the community can overcome these issues through the development of a comprehensive retail strategy.