Mixed-use building combines 268 amenity-rich apartments with 21,000 square feet of retail space

EYA, LLC (EYA), Bozzuto and the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) announce they have closed on construction financing for the Hurston, located at EYA’s Westside at Shady Grove (Westside), a transit-oriented, mixed-use neighborhood in Rockville adjacent to the Shady Grove Metro Station. The Hurston is a mixed-use and mixed-income apartment building that marks the latest phase of the 45-acre development. Once complete, the 7-story building will feature 21,000 square feet of street-level retail and 7,400 square feet of office space with 268 amenity-rich apartments above – 81 of which are designated as affordable housing units.

“It is hard to over emphasize how gratifying it has been to be part of the work and cooperation that is bringing the Hurston to Westside,” said McLean Quinn, President, EYA. “Every element of Westside celebrates community and bringing people together. We are thrilled to watch families and individuals make the vibrant mixed-use neighborhood of Westside their home.”

The Hurston draws its name from acclaimed African-American author, anthropologist, filmmaker, and Howard University alumna Zora Neale Hurston. This new apartment building follows on the success of the adjacent community of new townhomes, condos and The Daley, the first multi-use apartment complex at Westside developed by EYA and Bozzuto. The Hurston offers luxury apartments with a wide range of attractive amenities, including a zero-edge swimming pool centrally located as a focal feature between two fully-glazed amenity spaces and accentuated with indoor and outdoor fire pits, co-working amenities, a makerspace, and children’s play area.

“These homes and apartments replace county-owned warehouses and a maintenance facility,” explained Tess Guinn, Vice President, Bozzuto. “Today you have a lively neighborhood with unparalleled access to the Metro for convenient travel and resort-style amenities that draw neighbors together to build a sense of belonging that is so important in today’s world.”

Ideally located just a two-minute walk to the Shady Grove Metro station, this community offers all of the elements of a live-play-work environment. The broader Westside neighborhood includes a community clubhouse with a 25-meter outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a community kitchen and gardens, a dog park, playground, and outdoor fire pits and patios. Easy access to I-270, Route 370 and the ICC make it an attractive option for commuters who rely on a variety of commuting options.

Westside is public-private partnership between EYA and Montgomery County. The Hurston, as a component, is a public-private partnership between EYA, Bozzuto and HOC. When completed, the broader Westside master-planned community will include 1,014 apartments, 406 townhomes, 100 condominiums, up to 80,000 square feet of retail space, and a public library.

“We have engaged in a number of public-private partnerships. While all different, this effort led to Westside at Shady Grove Metro and is a shining example of how effectively our agency can work with private developers to support our communities,” said Stacy L. Spann, Executive Director of HOC, which owns the building. “One remarkable element of the Hurston is that every unit – whether full-market, moderately-priced dwelling units, or workforce housing – is built to the same high standard with the same design and layout. This is a cornerstone of community and levels the playing field, erasing stigmas or hierarchies.”

Plans are underway for a socially distanced groundbreaking ceremony to be held once the weather allows.

About EYA, LLC

References to “EYA” refer to EYA, LLC. EYA, LLC through its various development affiliates, is a leader in Washington, D.C.’s urban and transit-oriented living that promotes Life Within Walking Distance®. Individual projects are developed and sold by EYA-affiliated entities, and all representations regarding the development, construction, or sale of any project refers to those affiliates. Founded in 1992, EYA LLC and its development affiliates have built more than 5,000 residences and 42 walkable urban neighborhoods across the D.C. metro area. Visit www.eya.com.

About Bozzuto
Bozzuto is an experience-focused real estate company distinguished by their innovative developments, dedicated customer service, and top-rated workplace culture. With award-winning expertise in homebuilding, multifamily development, construction, and management, Bozzuto is devoted to delivering extraordinary experiences for those they serve.

Since their founding in 1988, Bozzuto has developed, acquired, and built more than 50,000 homes and apartments. Celebrating 33 years of creating sanctuary for their residents, Bozzuto currently manages 82,000 apartments and 3 million square feet of retail space along the East Coast, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York City, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, and Boston. Visit www.bozzuto.com.

About the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County’s need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services and day care.

HOC has creatively responded to the changes that affect the production of affordable housing. As federal subsidies for affordable housing were slashed, HOC sought and found other ways to produce housing that is affordable in the County. Because of this, HOC is considered a national leader in developing affordable housing and has garnered national awards and acclaim for its efforts. Visit www.hocmc.org.