Silver Spring Library Purple Line station construction update (Photos)

Every day it seems like something new pops up at the future Silver Spring Library Purple Line station at 900 Wayne Avenue. More signage is in place. One new sign advises that tickets must be purchased prior to boarding the light rail train that will run between Bethesda and New Carrollton beginning in late December 2027. Elevated loudspeakers have been installed for station announcements and audio warnings. 

Why install all of this so far in advance of the start date? First, trains will take many test runs prior to the launch date. And second, early activation of all of these signs and sounds will give drivers and pedestrians in the area a chance to become familiar with the cues they'll need to be alert for when trains actually start running. I imagine safety technicians will also be monitoring these interactions during the test phase to see if any additional signage is needed in certain spots, or if a sign can be better positioned.

Armed robbery in Takoma Park

Takoma Park City police responded to a report of an armed robbery last night, April 14, 2026. The robbery was reported in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue at 7:05 PM Tuesday. It took place in a commercial parking lot. An unspecified weapon, other than a firearm, was employed in the robbery.

Assault at Ellsworth Place mall in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Ellsworth Place mall at 8661 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring on Friday, April 10, 2026. The assault was reported at the mall at 7:53 PM Friday. The suspect was ultimately also accused of disorderly conduct, resisting an officer, and possession of a concealed weapon.

Elizabeth House demolition update in Silver Spring

Demolition continues at the Elizabeth House apartments at 1400 Fenwick Lane in downtown Silver Spring. The existing structure will be replaced by a Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County housing project. It will ultimately deliver 887 total housing units. The demolition permit was issued last September, but here we are today. I continue to marvel at the 21st-century trend of slow, manual demolition in Montgomery County. It's a point of pride, apparently, that we don't rapidly demolish structures with wrecking balls or explosive charges.

Buna & Barley opening in downtown Silver Spring

Buna & Barley has leased the space at 901 Silver Spring Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. Very little is known about the business as of this writing. It has applied for a Class D Beer and Wine On/Off liquor license from Montgomery County, and is described in its trade name application with the state of Maryland as a "specialty retail shop." The liquor license hearing is scheduled for May 7, 2026, at 12:30 PM.

"Buna" is Amharic for "coffee." The business entity making the filing translates as "Day and Night, LLC." 901 Silver Spring Avenue was previously home to Wesenyelesh International Market, an Ethiopian market.

Society Seafood House opens in Silver Spring

Society Seafood House has opened at 8229 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. It is holding a soft opening weekend today and tomorrow, April 11-12, 2026. The restaurant will open at 5:00 PM each evening. "Chic evening attire" is recommended in the announcement. The new restaurant is a change in dining concept from the owners of previous tenant Society Restaurant & Lounge.

Dunkin' Donuts to remodel Silver Spring Metro Plaza store

The interior of the Dunkin' Donuts store at 8401 Colesville Road at Silver Spring Metro Plaza will have a new look later this year. A remodeling and renovation of the downtown donuts-and-coffee destination is expected to begin by summer. New finishes, new display cases, a new ceiling, and even a new door are among the upgrades planned. Plumbing and electrical improvements will also be made.