Metro, Montgomery County seeking developer to create major life sciences, mixed-use project at North Bethesda
Published: 07/29/2024
Metro and Montgomery County officials launched an initiative Wednesday, to seek an experienced developer to build a major transit-oriented life sciences center at the North Bethesda Metrorail Station, that will include housing, office, retail, and public spaces.
Metro announced the issuance of a Request for Qualifications for a developer with experience creating life science hubs. After selecting a developer later this year, Metro will negotiate a Joint Development Agreement allowing the developer to develop the 13.9 acre site. The project is anticipated to include approximately 2 to 3.7 million square feet of development.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke signed a Memorandum of Understanding, affirming the County’s and Metro’s roles and commitments to the project.
“This is a win for Metro, a win for the County, and a win for the region,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “Metro’s strategic plan calls for maximizing the use of our land for the benefit of the region, and to increase ridership with new transit-oriented development. This agreement is the first step to transform an empty field into a world-class life science-anchored community.”
The County, with the support of its Congressional and state delegations, 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.
"In just a few years, the North Bethesda Metro station will become the epicenter of the region’s life science community – rarely has our region seen such a valuable placemaking opportunity for development," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "By transforming the North Bethesda Metro Station area into a premier life sciences and mixed-use development, we are creating jobs, stimulating our local economy, and fostering a vibrant community where people can live, work, learn, and innovate. As I have traveled around the world and throughout our nation targeting life science and other advanced technology companies, this property, anchored by the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing, has generated an incredible amount of interest. I expect that we will see a lot of world-class development companies bidding to build this space into something that many others will try to replicate."
The University of Maryland’s Institute for Health Computing will anchor the future development. The newly formed research and technology institution is planning to locate its permanent headquarters on the site, which is expected to generate spin-off jobs.
"The University of Maryland is committed to investing in people and communities, partnering to advance the public good, and taking on the grand challenges of our time,” said University of Maryland College Park President Darryll J. Pines. “The Institute for Health Computing is a groundbreaking center of research and discovery that makes the lives of all Marylanders better while simultaneously creating economic benefits for our region. This kind of innovation only happens when partners throughout academia, government, and industry come together around a shared vision of progress.
“As a proud anchor of this transformative development, the University of Maryland's Institute for Health Computing looks forward to pioneering advancements that will shape the future of health research and technology,” said University of Maryland, Baltimore President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS. “This strategic partnership exemplifies our dedication to not only fostering cutting-edge discoveries but also driving economic development for Maryland.”
Congressional, state, and local elected officials from Maryland and Montgomery County highlighted the public investments and commitment to the project, which include infrastructure and higher education funding from federal, state, and local operating and capital funds.
Maryland Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin presented a $5 million check that will help pay for planning and preliminary engineering for a new north entrance to the North Bethesda Metro Station.
“Accessible public transportation is crucial to connecting our communities. That’s why we’ve fought to secure funding to support transit improvements across Maryland, including this $5 million investment to upgrade the North Bethesda Station,” said Sen.Van Hollen.” With this funding – and previous funding we’ve delivered to support the new life sciences center – we’re both improving our infrastructure and boosting economic opportunity in our communities.”
“The North Bethesda Metro station is an ideal location to develop a life sciences hub. Some of Maryland’s major institutions in the area are leading in technology, research and healthcare making this an incredible opportunity for the region,” said Sen. Cardin. “Team Maryland continues to work with our state and local partners along with the Biden-Harris administration to provide federal infrastructure investments that help these critical community-driven projects move forward.”
“Montgomery County is a blossoming hub for science research in America, from medical innovation to biotechnology,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin. “With a powerful new partnership from WMATA and $3 million in new federal funding I helped secure, the White Flint Institute for Computational Life Science will be able to strengthen its workforce, accelerate research and boost public transit ridership in our community. I’m grateful to WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke and the local, state, and federal partners who joined forces to make this exciting project a reality.”
The state of Maryland is providing assistance as well.
“MDOT stands united with Team Maryland in support of transit-oriented development because we know the many proven benefits it brings to our communities,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Creating dense, walkable, mixed-use development near transit stations will further connect Marylanders to jobs, housing, and other life opportunities. MDOT is proud to be part of Maryland’s commitment to support the ongoing planning of the North Bethesda Joint Development Project.”
A map of the nearly 14-acre property at North Bethesda.
Montgomery County has long worked toward increasing the life sciences sector in its economic development efforts. Life sciences include medical and bioresearch, health data research, healthcare, and manufacturing.
“Our ability to meet our full economic potential and climate and equity goals in Montgomery County hinges on our ability to activate strategically located land at Metro sites,” said Council President Andrew Friedson. “The financial commitments and true collaboration among state, federal, and county partners with WMATA at the North Bethesda Metro is a major step towards realizing the type of thriving job for jobs, innovation, and quality of life for our families.”
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.
County officials are also seeking a $25 million USDOT Raise grant to help integrate a new north entrance to the Metrorail station into a building on site.
Metro is an economic engine for the region. While Metro has just 3% of the land in the Capital Region, that land is incredibly efficient: it is home to 40% of the jobs in the region and generates $3.2 billion in tax revenue.
For information on the Request for Qualifications visit the joint development website.
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