Silver Spring Civic Areas Assessment

“When public spaces are successful […] they
will increase opportunities to participate in
communal activity.”

-Carr, Francis, Rivlin and Stone, 1993, p. 344)

Table of Contents

Introduction 2
Civic Places Stakeholders 3
Civic Places Definitions
4
Veterans Plaza 5
Sensory Garden 6
Discovery Court 7
Downtown Silver Spring 8
Silver Spring Transit Center 9
BioWall Plaza & The Cameron Urban Square
10
Georgia and Wayne Ave. Urban Square
11
Jesup Blair Park 12

Montgomery County

Ike Leggett, Executive
Executive Office Building 101 Monroe Street
2nd Floor Rockville, MD 20850 
(240) 777-2500 TTY (240) 777-2544 FAX: (240) 777-2517

Silver Spring Regional Center

Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
One Veterans Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910 
(240) 777-5301/5300 FAX: (301) 565-7365

Prepared by:

JCAyala

Note:
All photos in this assessment were taken by JC Ayala unless otherwise noted.

Table of Contents
Page 1

Town Planner + Designer

jc.ayala@iclould.com - Cell. (240) 463-7462

Introduction

“The Plan envisions shaded, tree-lined and
well-placed green parks and plazas, creating a
comprehensive system of open spaces that provide
economic, environmental, and aesthetic benefits
thought downtown.”1

Historical, modern, eclectic, cultural, and
dynamic are some of the attributes that describe
Silver Spring’s urban core. Since its foundation,
Silver Spring has been transforming its vision to
keep abreast of demographic changes, economic
forces, and development trends. Precisely, it is this
metamorphosis that has created an exceptional
place many citizens call home. The vision of
creating an active urban core with mixed-use
development, retail, employment opportunities,
multi-modal transportation, pathways, and bike trails
makes Silver Spring an enjoyable place for those
living, working, playing, or visiting its urban center.

Silver Spring
Urban Center

Silver Spring stands out with a dynamic
urban landscape, plazas, gardens, urban squares,
neighborhood parks and bike paths that emphasize
what Frederick Law Olmsted achieved with his park
designs. Olmsted believed that civic areas serve as
an educational opportunity to “the American public
on the importance of parks. [These civic places]
show how all classes would benefit and how [they]
could serve as meetings grounds for citizens of
different backgrounds.”2 In Silver Spring one will find
passive, active, educational, interactive, gregarious,
and neighborly, delightful civic areas for all to enjoy.

The purpose of this assessment is to deliver
a description of the current and proposed urban
squares, neighborhood parks, plazas and garden in
Silver Spring.

Source: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/silverspring/

1 Montgomery County’s Silver Spring Central Business District
Sector Plan. Pg 22
2 Beverridge, Charles E. and Paul Rocheleau, Frederick Law
Olmsted Designing the American Landscape, Pg. 45

Introduction
Page 2

Stakeholders
1

Civic Park Type: Garden
Stake Holder:
First Security Bank National
Association c/o Discovery

Communications Inc.
Names:
Sensory Garden
Discovery Pl. Silver Spring, MD 20910
Walk Score:
97 / Source: www.walkscore.com
Transit Score:
Maintained by: Discovery Communications Inc.

3

5

Civic Park Type: Plaza
Stake Holder:
Montgomery County
Names:
Veterans Plaza

Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Walk Score:
Transit Score:
Maintained by: Silver Spring Urban District

2

6

Civic Park Type:
Stake Holder:

1
4
2
7

3

Names:

8

Walk Score:
Transit Score:
Maintained by:

4

5

Civic Park Type:
Stake Holder:
Names:

Civic Park Type:
Stake Holder:
Names:
Walk Score:
Transit Score:
Maintained by:

7

Civic Park Type:
Stake Holder:
Names:

9
Source: http://www.mcatlas.org/viewer/

Civic Places Stalkeholders
Page 3

9

Court
First Security Bank National
Association c/o
Discovery Communications Inc.
Unknown
Discovery Pl. Silver Spring, MD 20910
Silver Spring Urban District

Civic Park Type: Urban Square
Stake Holder:
Montgomery County
c/o Peterson Retail Management LC
Names:
Unknown
917 Ellsworth Dr. Silver Spring, MD
20910
Walk Score:
Transit Score:
Maintained by: Peterson Retail Management LC

Walk Score:
Transit Score:
Maintained by:

6

8

Walk Score:
Transit Score:
Maintained by:

Urban Square
United Therapeutics Corporation
BioWall Plaza
1040 Spring St. Silver Spring, MD 20910
Urban Square
Fairfield Silver Spring LP
Unknown
1104 Spring St. Silver Spring, MD
20910
Behringer Harvard Residential
Court (Proposed)
Washington Metropolitan Area
Transit Authority
Unknown
8400 Colesville Road  Silver Spring,
MD 20910
TBD

Civic Park Type: Urban Square
Stake Holder:
Montgomery County
Names:
Unknown
8435 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring,
MD 20910
Walk Score:
Transit Score:
Maintained by: Silver Spring Urban District
Civic Park Type: Neighborhood Park
Stake Holder:
Maryland-National Capital Park
and Planning Commission
Names:
Jesup Blair Park
900 Jesup Blair Dr.,  Silver Spring,
MD 20912
Walk Score:
Transit Score:
Maintained by: Montgomery Parks and Historical
Preservation Office

Definitions
“A park is a protected area set aside for human recreation and enjoyment.” 3

D

Defining plazas, gardens, urban squares, and neighborhood parks gives
one an ample understanding of the purpose and character a civic place offers
to the public. It is the intention of this assessment to enlighten citizens about uses,
characters, and purposes of existing and proposed civic places located within Silver
Spring’s urban core. While definitions cannot summarize the use, purpose, and
character of plazas, gardens, urban squares, and neighborhood parks, it is the intent
of these definitions to convey a general idea and identified the nine (9) civic places
in this assessment.

Definitions in this assessment were taken from Dhiru A. Thadani’s book “The
Language of Town Cities, A Visual Dictionary” and Rollins College’s Metropolitan
Greenpaces Web Page. (http://www.rollins.edu/greenspaces/greenways.html)

A

B

C

D

E

A
D

Plaza

Plaza is a Spanish word related to “field” that describes an urban public space, such
as a city square. The plaza is the center of the community life and may serve as
military parade ground, public gathering place, or a place for celebratory events.
The plaza is usually located at the intersection of important thoroughfares and is
circumscribed by building frontages. A majority of plazas are hardscape with little or
no vegetation, usually requiring minimal maintenance. (Thadani, Pg. 537)

B

C

B

D

Court

A court is an interior space that may be defined by buildings, fencing, vegetation,
balustrades, or walls. The space may be accessible to pedestrians only, or it may
have access to a thoroughfare that permits vehicular delivery. The ground plane may
be hardscape, vegetative, or a combination of both (Thadani, Pg. 198)

Gardens

A garden may be a public or private, and may be as large as a relative small park;
a garden differs from a park in that it is generally not used for civic gatherings,
demonstrations, or active recreation. Gardens tend to be more internally focused,
most often walled or fenced; they provide hushed environments honoring the fragility
of the man–made and natural materials. (Thadani, Pg. 278)

Urban Squares

They are comparatively small, formal ornamental grounds, often with a hard surface
and dominated by surrounding buildings. They are intimately ordered with the
abutting streets and are usually graced by monuments, statues, and fountains.
(http://www.rollins.edu/greenspaces/urban-squares-plazas.html)

Neighborhood Parks

Neighborhood parks integrate open space and active play and can range in size
from 1 to 20 acres. Their purpose is to provide recreational activities for visitors and
residents of a neighborhood area. Playgrounds provide healthy activity for children
although they may be loud when occupied by them. Therefore they should be
screened from adjacent residents and occupied buildings or located at the center of
larger parks systems. (http://www.rollins.edu/greenspaces/neighborhood-parks.html)

E

3 Thadani, Dhiru A. The Language of Town Cities, A Visual Dictionary. Pg. 483

Civic Places Definitions
Page 4

“A community is more than bricksand-mortar. Its expression, values,
and future are
determined by the time and effort
people spend with each other. From
story hour at the library to job
training, Silver Spring will build a
stronger community. The physical
environment should support that
growth.”
Source: Silver Spring Central Business District Sector Plan, Pg. 21
2013 Aerial

Civic Park Type:
Plaza
Stake Holder:
Montgomery County
Name: Veterans Plaza

Veterans Plaza is a modern version of historical plazas seen in cities built during the
Spanish commission of the Law of the Indies. This plaza serves as a common congregation
node in Silver Spring. It is a gathering place where cultural events such as music concerts,
arts festivals, and educational activities take place.

This plaza was designed with modern architectural lines with multiple levels
of active and passive terraces. Walking northeast on Ellsworth Drive the pedestrian is
welcomed by a promenade of lined trees guiding one to the main entrance of the iconic
Silver Spring Civic Building. Monuments of those who sacrificed their life for the betterment
of the community and the nation exist in this plaza alongside concrete benches, wood
rocking chairs, and a modern glass covered area to protect citizens from the inclement
weather. This is also a perfect setting for music concerts, or other activities. Veterans Plaza
is surrounded by a movie theater, restaurants, retail, cafes, and parking garage.

At night, the Veterans Plaza atmosphere becomes a safe active celebration of
diverse cultural ethnicities, musical performances, and families strolling with their children.
Veterans Plaza is truly a place of social capital necessary for an urban core to thrive.

Veterans Plaza
Page 5

“This Plan views civic facilities as
partners in economic revitalization.
New and
regenerated facilities will draw
people downtown, returning it to the
center of
community life and creating
opportunities for economic and
social connections.”
2013 Aerial

Civic Park Type:
Garden
Stake Holder:
First Security Bank National Assoc.

c/o Discovery Communications, Inc.
Name: Sensory Garden

“The Philosophy of the Sensory Gardens was to conceive a landscape of
discovery – One that unfolds in layers, revealing information in both literal and
figurative ways. The content was driven by means of how people explore their world the senses.” (Source: Discovery Communications, Inc. Sign)

From the pedestrian point of view, the Sensory Garden inspires serenity, natural
holistic enjoyment, and a place to re-connect with nature. In this garden, different
concrete and green pathways guide one to discover hidden places of meditation
and tranquility.

In the main semi-circle green, activities such as a family picnic, sunbathing, or
just tossing a Frisbee are adequate. If one is looking for a secluded place, the Sensory
Garden provides different areas for passive time. Scattered wooden tables with
umbrellas are located in the back of the garden. Each space has benches for sitting,
tree canopy, and different types of landscape accentuating visual senses. The garden
is enclosed by the Discovery Communications Building and edged by intermodal
modes of transportation such as Silver Spring Green Trail, pathways and bus stops
connecting Silver Spring to DC’s metropolitan region.

Sensory Garden
Page 6

“This Plan views civic facilities as
Civic spaces are formal or informal,
large or small, public or privateanywhere people meet, cross
paths, and gather. From sidewalks to
plazas, Silver Spring should have a
variety of civic spaces.”

2013 Aerial

Civic Park Type:
Court
Stake Holder:
First Security Bank National Assoc.

c/o Discovery Communications, Inc.
Name: Unknown

Located at the intersection of Georgia and Wayne Avenue, this court serves
as a natural buffer between major bisecting thoroughfares and the Discovery
Communications Building. This public court resembles a hidden naturalistic wooden
setting for minor community gatherings. Furthermore, this civic place serves as a point
of arrival or departure node with an easy access to the Silver Spring Bike Trail and
spacious pedestrian walkways.

The masonry materials used in this court accentuate the epicenter of a circle
as the most important place of assembly. Some of the amenities found in this court
are mature trees, rock or wood benches, and bike racks. Additionally, from Monday
to Friday, a food cart vendor locates in this court and allows visitors to enjoy a snack.

Discovery Court
Page 7

“An urban area’s greatest economic
asset and strongest physical
definition comes from
its pedestrian environment.
Sidewalks and streets scaled to
walkers create active environments
where
people can shop, commute,
recreate, and socialize.”
2013 Aerial

Civic Park Type:
Urban Square
Stake Holder:
Montgomery County

c/o Peterson Retail Management LC
Name: Unknown

Situated within the Downtown Silver Spring development, this urban square is
one of the most iconic civic places in Silver Spring. This urban square is designed to
prioritize pedestrian safety with its friendly pathways and limited automobile access.
The Downtown Silver Spring urban square, while small in size, gives one the experience
of prominent pedestrian friendly squares found in large U.S. cities.

In the central area of the square is the multicolored splash fountain, a popular
amenity for youth. At night, the neon lights, ornamentally landscaped light poles, and
array of restaurants with outdoor sitting provide a great ambiance. Family friendly
activities, such as farmers market, live music, or art festivals make this urban square an
activity destination for all citizens to enjoy.

The Regal Cinema Majestic Stadium 20, New York & Company, Lebanese
Tavern Cafe, to mention a few, serve as anchors in this pedestrian friendly civic place.
Furthermore, the square’s proximity to Veterans Plaza enhances pedestrian traffic and
civic activities between this urban square and the plaza.

Downtown Silver Spring
Page 8

SILVER SPRING
TRANSIT CENTER
SILVER SPRING, M D
JOINT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

“Transportation choices go beyond
the car to link local and regional
buses and trains, bikes and foot
travel. A system of paths combined
with a full complement of
transportation options and sidewalks
can increase mobility for the elderly,
handicapped, children, and those
without a car.”

L E V E L 3 2 6’

ISSUE DATE 01-06-06

THIS OPTIONAL
METHOD SUBMITTAL
APPLIES TO THE AREA
WITHIN THE LIMITS
DEPICTED ON SHEETS
4,5,6,7,8 AND 10.
WORK OUTSIDE OF
THOSE LIMITS,
WHETHER DEPICTED
OR SUGGESTED BY
THESE DRAWINGS, IS
BY OTHERS AND MAY
NOT BE ACCURATELY
DEPICTED.

SILVER SPRING
TRANSIT CENTER
SILVER SPRING, M D
JOINT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

APPROVED
FOREST
CONSERVATION
PLAN

SHEET

60

2013 Aerial

Civic Park Type:
Court (Proposed)
Stake Holder:
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Name: Unknown
ISSUE DATE 11-08-04
REVISED 01-06-06

THIS OPTIONAL
METHOD SUBMITTAL
APPLIES TO THE AREA
WITHIN THE LIMITS
DEPICTED ON SHEETS
4,5,6,7,8 AND 10.
WORK OUTSIDE OF
THOSE LIMITS,
WHETHER DEPICTED
OR SUGGESTED BY
THESE DRAWINGS, IS
BY OTHERS AND MAY
NOT BE ACCURATELY
DEPICTED.

The Silver Spring Transit Center site, zoned as CBD-2, will be developed as
a “well-functioning, compact urban environment near transit center and foster a
variety of land uses designed at a pedestrian scale.”4 The 2006 proposed documents
submitted to Montgomery County Planning Board established that this 5.67acree
site will be developed with a hotel, two (2) residential towers, and several multilevel
interconnected courts with generous tree canopy, water fountains, and benches for
sitting.
Note: Renderings and plan view shown on this page were taken from the
Montgomery Planning Web Site. (http://www.mcatlas.org/Development_Info/Default.
aspx)

SHEET

41

4 Montgomery Planning. http://montgomeryplanning.org/info/documents/CBD-2.pdf

Silver Springs Transit Center
Page 9

“Incorporating environmental
improvements, recreation facilities,
and landscaped parks, plazas, and
sidewalks into downtown
revitalization will make Silver
Spring more competitive in the
metropolitan-area
commercial and residential
markets.”
2013 Aerial

Civic Park Type:
Urban Squares
Stake Holder:
Name: BioWall Plaza
Stake Holder:
Fairfield Silver Spring LP
Name: Unknown

Located at the United Therapeutics Corporation, the BioWall Plaza is one-ofkind urban squares in Silver Spring. Their modern motif highlights sustainable green
infrastructure with interactive high-tech display of science.

The BioWall Plaza has sleek spiral benches, stone pavements, lighted elements
capsules, and a high-resolution screen displaying nature scenes. In this square, one
could explore the world of science and mesmerize with the richness of our world’s
ecology presented on the high-resolution screen. With a smart phone one can scan
bar codes and learn about the chemical element symbols displayed on the lighted
capsules. The fountain with its subtle sounds and the tree canopies give the visitors of
this urban square a relaxed experience. The modern United Therapeutics Medical
Laboratories’ building and Cameron Street frame the BioWall Plaza.

In The Cameron, a mixed-use development, and a modern interpretation
of columns provide a clear edge to this urban square. The main entrance, an axial
element of trees promenade accentuates modern architectural details. In the
terrace one will find wood benches, green areas, bike racks, and dining tables.
In the elevated green there are three metal sculptural spheres called; Sysyphus by
Wendy M. Ross. The main terrace serves as a gathering place and entrance to The
Cameron and Surgcenter of Silver Spring.

BioWall Plaza & The Cameron Urban Square
Page 10

“linked open space system of
gardens and parks should be
designed and located for high
visibility to offer seasonal variety, to
be safe, to increase property values,
and to provide flexible recreation
opportunities.”

2013 Aerial

Civic Park Type:
Urban Square
Stake Holder:
Montgomery County
Name: Unknown

Anchored by “La Madeleine”, a country French cafe, this urban square is
located at the corner of Georgia and Wayne Avenues. The centerpiece of this urban
square is a sculpture called “Petalos Refrejantes” by Wilfredo Valladere. In this civic
place citizens can sit in wooden benches surrounding the sculpture. Attractive paths
connect this square to other areas in downtown Silver Spring. This civic area serves as
“a strategic spot in a city into which an observer can enter, and which are the intense
foci to and from which he is traveling.”5Trees, urns, manicured lawn, stones, pebbles,
or rocks are some of the garden elements one could find in this site.

5 Lynch Kevin, The Image of The City, pg 47

Georgia and Wayne Ave. Urban Square
Page 11

“Incorporating nature into the
city makes both economic
and environmental sense. An
environment of
superior aesthetic...the improved
image and amenity of a welldesigned and located
park-creates value for property
owners and users, employees and
residents.
2013 Aerial

Civic Park Type:
Stake Holder:
Name:

Neighborhood Park
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Jesup Blair Park

Jesup Blair Park is located at the southernmost boundary line between Silver
Spring, Maryland and the Commonwealth of the District of Columbia. This historical
picturesque park is edged to the south by Blair Road, to the west Georgia Avenue, and
to the north, Jesup Blair Drive and train tracks. Jesup Blair Park is divided in two sections;
one is passive and the second is active. To the west, this passive area has curved
picturesque pathways, wood benches, a mature tree canopy, picnic tables, and the
Jesup Blair historical house. Retail, multifamily housing, and the Montgomery College
frame this section of the park.

To the east, this neighborhood park is divided in several active areas including
a children’s playground, one and half (1 ½) basketball courts, two (2) tennis courts, a
green field, and small terrace with concrete benches. Jesup Blair Park is pedestrian and
automobile accessible. Two of the main entrances to this park are located on Georgia
Avenue and at the intersection of Blair Road. Additionally, pathways bordering this park
and the Montgomery College pedestrian bridge provide easy access for those wanting
to enjoy a day at the park. Jesup Blair Park offers plenty opportunities for relaxation or
sport activities within Silver Spring urban core.

Jesup Blair Park
Page 12

Source: Google /Images




Prepared by:

JCAyala
Town Planner + Designer

jc.ayala@iclould.com - Cell. (240) 463-7462


Silver Spring Civic Areas Assessment

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