TAKOMA PARK REVITALIZATION AND WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY’S VISION

TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND – On the 20th of April, the Montgomery planning staff presented their preliminary insights for the redevelopment of Takoma Park’s area.

The Planning Board of the Minor Master Plan Amendment focuses on critical aspects such as transportation, housing, facilities, open spaces, and Washington Adventist University’s (WAU) role.

The process has diligently considered the community’s input in urban design, architecture, and open space planning, and it is now entering its final stages.

Washington Adventist University is situated on a 24.8-acre campus bordered by Maple Avenue, Flower Avenue, Carroll Avenue, and the former Washington Adventist Hospital. This institution, owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, provides quality education to students of various faiths from across the globe. Currently, the University has 600 enrolled students, with a peak enrollment of 498 in WAU’s undergraduate and graduate programs.

“I am pleased that Public Hearing Draft has recognized the need to rezone our University
property and the former Washington Adventist Hospital property to a more flexible zone that also respects the built environment outside of the campus.”, said WAU’s president, Dr. Spence, “The CR zoning further accommodates some creative housing and connectivity opportunities that could certainly invigorate the area. These changes present transformational opportunities for the University to ensure it may continue to support and attract students for many more decades at the current location.”

However, he also raised concerns about certain aspects of the plan: “We also look forward to discussing other recommendations in the Public Hearing Draft that need to be clarified or may not align with our future vision. These matters include the proposed study designating the University as a National Historic District. We also have concerns about the “Green Promenade” recommended along Maplewood Avenue and into the campus. The limited right of way and grade challenges associated with these improvements should be reviewed closely to ensure a realistic outcome for this aspirational vision. We are interested in how the proposed pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure will coordinate with our campus plans and have concerns about the blanket call for adaptive reuse of campus buildings”.

WAU’s president shared these concerns during discussions with the Takoma Park council, as they work together to shape and refine project goals and recommendations. These efforts are based on thoroughly assessing the area’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and constraints.

View WAU’s President Dr. Weymouth Spence Testimony re Takoma Park, Master Plan, Public Hearing here.