Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Andrew Friedson, Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke, and other officials announced a significant initiative to create a major transit-oriented life sciences center at the North Bethesda Metrorail Station. This ambitious project seeks to develop a comprehensive mixed-use space, integrating housing, office, retail, and public spaces into a vibrant community hub.
A Vision for North Bethesda
Metro announced a request for qualifications for a developer with experience creating life science hubs. Later this year, Metro will select a developer and negotiate a Joint Development Agreement for the 13.9-acre site. The project will include approximately 2 to 3.7 million square feet of development.
Commitment and Collaboration
County Executive Elrich and Metro General Manager Clarke signed a Memorandum of Understanding, solidifying the partnership between the County and Metro. This agreement highlights their roles and commitments to the project and demonstrates a unified vision for the region’s future.
At the signing ceremony, Maryland US Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin presented a $5 million check to support planning and preliminary engineering for a new north entrance to the Metro station.
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
“This project will transform North Bethesda into the epicenter of the region’s life science community,” said County Executive Elrich. “By developing this area, we are creating jobs, stimulating our local economy, and fostering a vibrant community where people can live, work, learn, and innovate.”
With the support of its Congressional and State delegations, the County is providing infrastructure funding and economic development incentives. It has also helped establish a higher education-affiliated research institute to attract life science and technology businesses.
Enhancing Public Infrastructure
The initiative also includes significant public investments. Senators Van Hollen and Cardin emphasized the importance of accessible public transportation and the economic opportunities such developments bring. “The North Bethesda Metro station is an ideal location to develop a life sciences hub, leveraging our major institutions in technology, research, and healthcare,” said Senator Cardin.
US Representative Jamie Raskin highlighted the partnership’s benefits for the community: “With new Federal funding, the White Flint Institute for Computational Life Science will strengthen its workforce, accelerate research, and boost public transit ridership.”
The Road Ahead
The County has already secured $36.6 million in local, State, and federal funding for infrastructure supporting the project, including streets and utilities, public open spaces, and transit improvements. The County is also willing to work with the selected developer to address any other infrastructure needs.
To further enhance the development, the County is pursuing a $25 million US Department of Transportation grant to seamlessly integrate the new Metro station entrance into the overall project.
