Government > Housing and Community Development > Economic Development > Takoma Park Recreation Center Site Redevelopment

Takoma Park Recreation Center Site Redevelopment

Overview

The Takoma Park Recreation Center is located at 7315 New Hampshire Avenue and is owned and managed by the City of Takoma Park. The property is situated within the Takoma Langley Crossroads Sector Plan study area, adopted by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and Takoma Park City Council in 2012. The Sector Plan provides a framework for the redevelopment and revitalization of the Takoma Langley Crossroads, a major commercial node at the intersection of University Boulevard East and New Hampshire Avenue, the site of a future Purple Line light rail stop.

The City of Takoma Park acquired the property from M-NCPPC in 2020, with the intent that redevelopment of the property would support a new recreation facility plus additional housing or retail opportunities. The Sector Plan recommends the replacement of the Recreation Center due to its age, poor condition, inefficient layout, and limited capacity.

Current Project Status

The City of Takoma Park released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the redevelopment of the Recreation Center property on October 27, 2022. The RFP period is now closed. Click the following link to see the Redevelopment Opportunity: 7315 New Hampshire Avenue RFP with further information on RFP details and deadlines.

Project History

2012-2013
Long Branch Sector Plan was adopted by M-NCPPC and the City of Takoma Park to guide future development along the Takoma-Langley Crossroads and New Hampshire Avenue corridor.

2015
Recreation Center Site Studies conducted for the City of Takoma Park. Studies included:

Takoma Park Recreation Center Zoning Analysis & Concept Plans by Wiencek + Associates
Takoma Park Recreation Center: Recreational Needs Study by Waldon Studio Architects

These studies recommended feasible concept plans for the site, ranging from a standalone recreation center to various mixed-use plans, while also assessing recreation service supply and demand in the Takoma Park area.

2017
A solicitation for Letters of Interest for a partner in the redevelopment of the Takoma Park Recreation Center site was issued by the City. Five development teams expressed interest in working with the City on this project: Brandstetter Carroll, Inc., Coalition Homes, and The Orlo Fund, Community Preservation Development Corporation (CPDC), Mission First Housing Development Corporation, and Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP).

The City Council met with four of the development teams to learn more about their qualifications and interest in partnering with the City on the project. The Council deferred further action on the project.

2019-2020
The City of Takoma Park, in collaboration with Montgomery County Parks Department, finalized the transfer of ownership of the property to the City of Takoma Park, in exchange for the vacant, City-owned parcel at 922 Jackson Avenue, part of the Long Branch Stream Valley park.

2021
The City of Takoma Park contracted with Brick & Story consultancy to conduct a comprehensive community engagement effort and report. The outreach effort determined current resident usage and future programming needs for an updated recreation facility.