Unsafe Downtown Silver Spring staircase to be upgraded with new design, public art (Photos)

The tiling on the iconic staircase at the Peterson Co.'s Downtown Silver Spring development has deteriorated to the point that it is now "unsafe," according to a Montgomery County Planning Department staff report. Peterson has applied for a Site Plan Amendment to renovate the stairs, and add a new public art element to the stair rail. The proposal would also relocate the ATM underneath the rear of the staircase.

Peterson has commissioned local artist David Carlson to create design panels for the staircase, which will be behind glass and lit from fixtures within the handrails. Carlson's panels are estimated to have a minimum 35 year lifespan. The current tile design has already deteriorated after only being installed in 1999, according to the report.

The staircase is located on Ellsworth Drive (although the planning staff mistakenly refers to the street repeatedly as "Ellsworth Avenue"). Planning staff are recommending approval of the amendment, and the matter will be taken up by the Planning Board at its January 14 meeting.

Zoomed-in detail of proposed
art panels for staircase

Renderings via Montgomery County Planning Department