Plan
Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, an existing underutilized county-owned civic center and auditorium are re-envisioned as Allium Place as part of the Veirs Mill Corridor Master Plan that better connects communities to improved transportation and urban infrastructure. The design further capitalizes on its prominent location at the intersection of Randolph Road and Veirs Mill Road – the commercial core between Rockville and Wheaton – by adding density, diverse housing opportunities, affordable housing, and community spaces. A public-private partnership with Montgomery County (contributing the land), AHC and Habitat for Humanity overcame constrained financial parameters and leveraged partnerships and efficient design to maximize cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. The design team and community stakeholders developed and studied multiple schemes aligned with Montgomery County’s vision for enhancing the Veirs Mill Corridor for the community per the master plan.
A total of 192 affordable housing units were delivered to provide new opportunities for cost-burdened families. New apartment buildings now anchor the west edge of the site, adding much-needed density and a mix of uses adjacent to the commercial core. Along the southern edge, single-family homes were introduced to reflect and respect the existing neighborhood context. These homes were developed in partnership with a global nonprofit housing organization. A series of 12-unit, 3-story multiplexes were constructed, offering a critical transition between high- and low-density housing. Vital community infrastructure was implemented, including a childcare center, and community center, within the main multifamily building to support residents and enhance local services, and a landscaped courtyard with gathering space and playgrounds. The linear community park acts as the spine of the development, connecting existing neighborhoods to new residential and commercial uses along an East-West axis, with key intersections enhancing connectivity via Collie Drive and Gannon Road. The surrounding buildings promote human-scale interaction and community connection along the adjacent park, with framed views and family-sized decks that engage directly with the park’s activity.
