Done Deals: Downtown Silver Spring, MD Makeover Moving Ahead with $10 Million Plan

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Downtown Silver Spring, MD Makeover Moving Ahead with $10 Million Plan

Donna Adi

FAIRFAX, VA, July 15, 2020—During the COVID-19 shutdown, Peterson Companies and their partners Foulger-Pratt have continued to move ahead with their plans for the makeover of Downtown Silver Spring (DTSS.)

Logan Renee

The makeover features a new look—murals, a new plaza area, public art, dynamic greenspace, a refreshed brand and campaign and new tenants.

In addition, DTSS is partnering with Donna Adi, an internationally acclaimed artist, to launch a new branding campaign to correspond with all of the exciting changes.

Paul Weinschenk

Adi’s work for DTSS (Downtown Silver Spring) is featured on DTSS’ social media channels, website and emails.

The campaign strategy was to generate excitement for the new brand, provide some levity during this difficult time and deepen the connection between DTSS and the community through art.

Artist: James Bullough

The campaign is designed to be vibrant, engaging and reflect the diversity of the community and even features a local fashion stylist Logan Renee.

Artists: Peter Chang and Brandon Hill, No Kings Collective

“During this time, as many of our tenants were shut down, we have been working diligently on getting the necessary approvals to move ahead with our makeover,” said Paul Weinschenk, president of retail for Peterson Companies.

“With the pandemic shutdown, our makeover plans and campaign became even more important,” explained Weinschenk.

“The campaign has been designed to uplift and inspire. The makeover and renovation are now an important part of our welcoming back the neighborhood.”

Artist: 1010

“We’re grateful that the Montgomery County Planning Board has continued working with us during this time in getting timely approvals. We’re very excited to be moving ahead.”

Artist: David Carlson, 'Impermanence'

Three large scale murals have been unveiled on the property. These include works by James Bullough, a Washington, D.C. expat living in Berlin; No Kings Collective duo Peter Chang and Brandon Hill, known for their work at Nationals Park,

Artist: Spring Creek

The Wharf and other D.C. locations; and 1010, a Hamburg native known for giant murals that portray hyper realistic motifs of cave forms.

Artist: Craig Kraft

This joins the art, Impermanence, by David Carlson on the Grand Staircase at DTSS and Brush Strokes by John Sonnier made from Indiana Limestone that was conceived from an interior wall detail of the historic art deco Silver Theatre.

Artist: John Sonnier, 'Brush Strokes'

The $10 million exterior refresh includes a beautiful outdoor plaza that will serve as a park and socially distanced gathering place for the community.

“We know the importance of blending beautiful outdoor spaces for relaxation with exciting dining and retail” said Weinschenk.

Peterson Cos. commissioned eight images with Adi that will roll out over the coming months. Peterson developed Downtown Silver Spring 20 years ago.