Gaithersburg Breaks Ground on New Municipal Building
The city is launching a new 65,000-square-foot facility to consolidate its operations in Olde Towne.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Construction
Live Poll
Do you support the construction of new, large-scale municipal buildings in your community?
The City of Gaithersburg officially began construction on a new municipal building at 12 S. Summit Ave. to unify its operations. The project aims to transition 158 employees from four separate buildings into a modern, centralized campus.
Why it matters
The project addresses the city's growth and the need for a collaborative workplace after the current City Hall served municipal functions for over 60 years. By consolidating offices, the city seeks to improve operational efficiency for its seven departments.
The new 65,000-square-foot facility represents a total investment exceeding $50 million. Construction crews will consolidate 158 employees from four existing buildings into the new workspace over the next 14 months.
The players
City of Gaithersburg
This local government jurisdiction is overseeing the consolidation of municipal operations into a unified campus.
Edward P. Schwartz
He was an individual who created a peony garden on the site at 12 S. Summit Ave. in 1913.
The details
The facility is located at 12 S. Summit Ave., situated near the existing police station and Council Chambers at 16 S. Summit Ave. The site was historically occupied by a peony garden created by Edward P. Schwartz in 1913 before the city purchased the estate in 1958.
Timeline
Construction officially began on October 23, 2026.
The city purchased the current estate in 1958.
The original peony garden was created on the site in 1913.
Completion and building occupancy are anticipated in early 2028.
Market Landscape
This project follows the pattern set by the City of Gaithersburg's Olde Towne master plan. It shifts municipal activity toward a centralized hub, mirroring broader trends of modernizing aging public infrastructure to improve administrative efficiency.
The consolidation of 158 employees from four buildings into one campus aims to streamline service delivery for local residents. The project represents a significant municipal investment intended to modernize the daily administrative experience for the public.
The takeaway
Centralizing municipal operations can significantly reduce administrative overhead and improve collaboration among departments. Residents should monitor city updates as the 14-month construction schedule progresses toward the 2028 completion date.
What happens next
Substantial completion and building occupancy are scheduled for early 2028.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing city projects, visit the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
Live Poll
Do you support the construction of new, large-scale municipal buildings in your community?
