Redevelopment Overview
Overview
The Friendship Commons project proposes the two-phase redevelopment of the former GEICO headquarters into a mixed-residential community. Phase 1, which is now moving through the approval process, is envisioned as an urban, walkable community featuring more than 500 new homes and 5,000 sf of ground floor retail. The first phase focuses on establishing the initial framework for the redevelopment - introducing new uses, improving site circulation, and setting the stage for a walkable, connected environment. Phase 2 will follow at a later date, once the Friendship Heights Sector Plan is adopted. The second phase will expand in a way that fully reflects the updated planning guidance and may include mid-rise and high-rise residential with additional retail. Together, the two phases will deliver a cohesive, forward-looking redevelopment that evolves in step with the community’s long-term goals.
Phase 1
The project’s initial phase envisions over 500 new homes, including two condominiums (48 units each), multifamily apartments (240-250 units) with ground floor retail along Willard Avenue, and townhomes (175-185) stretching from Willard Ave towards Western Avenue along the edges of Brookdale Park and the adjacent Brookdale community.
The first phase will require Montgomery County approvals through a concurrent Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plan and Site Plan application that was submitted in March 2026.
Key features of the proposal include:
transitional development, stepping down in scale from higher-density uses along Willard Avenue to lower-density residential neighborhoods to the south and west
an extensive open space network, including the enhancement and public dedication of approximately 3.7 acres of Brookdale Park, along with additional green connections, promenades, and internal open spaces.
strong pedestrian and bicycle connectivity through new streets, mews, and a tree-lined promenade along Willard Avenue
a new green spine that connects from Willard Avenue + Friendship Boulevard through the site to Brookdale Park allowing for enhanced accessibility
improvements to the greenway running from Willard Avenue to Western Avenue, including significant tree preservation efforts, installation of a 10-ft shared use path, removal of invasives and improvements to the stream valley area
modern stormwater management, preserves a significant portion of existing trees, and adds substantial new landscaping to improve environmental performance. Vehicular access is provided through multiple entry points, supported by internal circulation that prioritizes safety and accessibility
community-serving retail and an activated streetscape along Willard Avenue
Timeline
Phase 1:
Pre-submission Community Meeting – February 2026 ✓
Sketch Plan, Site Plan, and Preliminary Plan Submission – March 2026 ✓
Board Hearing – Anticipated July 2026
Permits Approval – Anticipated Q1 2027
Site Acquisition - Anticipated March 2027
Start Construction – Anticipated Q2 2027
Phase 2:
TBD - Redevelopment along Friendship Blvd & Western Ave frontage will follow after Sector Plan