The $1bn+ Lakefrost mall redevelopment project in Gaithersburg Md. In Maryland is facing a major setback. The project is running into design conflicts over stormwater systems, roadway geometry and transit coordination. Furthermore, this comes as early infrastructure works move through reviews. Scope on early works could span to approximately 100 acres. Of this, 94 acres is of disturbance, including relocating an 84-in-dia storm drain.

It also include reconfiguring stormwater ponds and basin systems and a rough grading with frontage work along Odendhal Avenue. These insights are according to site plan submission documents prepared by Rodgers Consulting. The project has received schematic development plan approval.

It establishes uses, density and overall layout but requires a series of final site plan approvals before construction permits can be issued, said Jasmine Forbes, a planner with the City of Gaithersburg. “Because of the project’s size, those approvals are being submitted in phases tied to individual development blocks and infrastructure components,” she said. Despite its scale, the mall is still far from being among the largest malls in the United States. 

Scope of Implementation on the Lakefrost Mall Redevelopment  

The implementation of the Lakefrost mall redevelopment is being done in phases because of the project’s size. Two of those final site plans are now under review, including an infrastructure submission covering stormwater systems and pond reshaping. Furthermore, a separate plan for the project’s primary internal roadway network is also in consideration, according to the Gaithersburg planning department.

Core infrastructure and roadway work are expected to precede vertical development across individual blocks, according to Forbes. Approved schematic development plan materials allow for up to about 1,600 housing units, roughly 470,000 sq ft of retail and as much as 750,000 sq ft of employment space. It also includes life science and research uses, across the 102-acre site.

The mall, which opened in 1978 as a regional retail hub, closed in 2023 after years of declining tenancy. This left a roughly 1-million-sq-ft structure and surface parking slated for redevelopment. Montgomery County Dept. of Transportation officials said key elements must be addressed before the city can act on the infrastructure submission.

Project Factsheet

Project Name: Lakeforest Mall Redevelopment
Location: Gaithersburg
Estimated Investment Value: $1 Billion+
Project Type: Mixed-use urban redevelopment

Timeline
1978: Original mall opened
2023: Mall closed
2025–2026: Planning and infrastructure review phase
Construction: Pending final site plan approvals

Site & Scale
Total Site Area: ~102 acres
Early Works Area: ~100 acres (94 acres disturbance)
Residential: ~1,600 housing units
Retail Space: ~470,000 sq ft
Employment Space: ~750,000 sq ft (including life sciences)

Project Teams
Planner: City of Gaithersburg Planning Department
Engineering Consultant: Rodgers Consulting
Transport Authority: Montgomery County Department of Transportation

Infrastructure Scope
Stormwater system redesign and pond reconfiguration
Relocation of 84-inch diameter storm drain
Internal roadway network development
Grading and frontage works along Odendhal Avenue
Phased infrastructure preceding vertical construction

Strategic Objectives
Redevelop underutilized retail site into mixed-use hub
Introduce residential, retail, and employment spaces
Support life sciences and research development
Revitalize local economy and land use

Challenges
Design conflicts in stormwater, road geometry, and transit integration
Complex phased approvals process
Coordination between city and county agencies

Current Status
Schematic development plan approved
Multiple final site plans under review
Infrastructure approvals pending before construction permits