Lakeforest Mall: Public Input Sought On Ailing Property's Future

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Gaithersburg officials are seeking the public's input on redevelopment of the long-struggling Lakeforest Mall.

A 20-question survey posted on the city's website asks residents for feedback on desired amenities, possible businesses uses, best transportation modes and traffic circulation patterns, and ideas for open/green space. The survey will be available here through Friday, Nov. 6, 2020.

"Lakeforest Mall was developed more than 40 years ago as a typical suburban mall with four anchor stores and hundreds of tenants, all surrounded by large parking lots," said Mayor Jud Ashman. "It has been in decline for years, and the site now offers a significant redevelopment opportunity. We want to make sure that any redevelopment contributes to the vibrancy of our community, both now and for years to come. And we need your input."

Once a premier shopping destination in Montgomery County, the mall has struggled to adapt to the rise of online shopping and to compete with newer retail centers in the area, like Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg and the Clarksburg Premium Outlets.

The two-story, 1 million-square-foot mall was sold at a foreclosure auction in 2017 for $19.1 million — a fraction of what it was worth. Nearly two years later, South Carolina-based developer WRS Inc. bought the ailing mall's core, but not its four anchor stores: Macy's, J.C. Penney, Lord & Taylor, and Sears. With the exception of Macy's, all other anchor sites have shut down due to bankruptcies.

Last month, the mayor and city council imposed a one-year moratorium on development to allow time for a comprehensive update to the Lakeforest Master Plan Amendment. The amendment process is underway and cannot successfully move forward without the public's input, according to city officials.

"City staff are conducting research and public outreach, soliciting feedback from many stakeholders, and working with both the Planning Commission and the mayor and city council to create a Master Plan Amendment that provides recommendations and overarching guidelines for future development," officials said.

"Should future owners of the mall choose to redevelop, the city wants to ensure that the development meets the needs of city residents and contributes to a vibrant, sustainable community."

Residents can learn more about the the Lakeforest property and master plan process here.