Canada Dry bottling plant facade rehab ahead in Silver Spring

A facade rehabilitation project is imminent for the historic Canada Dry bottling plant at 1201 East-West Highway in downtown Silver Spring. The art moderne-style bottling plant opened in 1946, and ceased operations in 1995. It was then used as a warehouse by the beverage company until 2003, when part of the building was demolished. Today, the portion that remains is a protected historic structure, and is part of the Silverton condominiums. It has been largely hidden from the street by trees in recent years.

Silver Spring hotel converting to apartments

The shuttered Hotel Silver Spring at 8727 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring is getting new life as an apartment building. Preparations are being made to convert the hotel rooms into 227 studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom rental apartments. The parking garage will remain in place, but receive any necessary updates or renovations required for tenant use. Previously branded as a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, the building is 13 stories tall and 190,000-square feet in size.

Qdoba opening in Olney

Qdoba Mexican Eats is expanding to Olney. It will be located at 3486 Olney-Laytonsville Road, at the Olney Shopping Center. That was previously home to Eco Cleaners. Qdoba has three existing locations in Montgomery County, in Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Silver Spring.

Spirit Halloween now haunting in Wheaton (Photos)

Spirit Halloween is now open for the 2025 Halloween season in Wheaton. It is in the former Party City building at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall at 11006 Veirs Mill Road. Here's a sneak peek at what is inside for this year, including an apparent "Giant Rat" trend for 2025 that could get Donald Trump's attention. Also on sale is a Montgomery County Council-inspired Stuffed Dummy Prop. Gardez Bien! Operating hours for the store are 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays, and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sundays.

Cristina Ristorante Italiano space marketed for lease in Wheaton

The space currently home to Cristina Ristorante Italiano at 2666 University Blvd West in Wheaton is now being marketed as available for lease. That's according to signs posted on the front of the Italian restaurant. An online listing, which was posted this past weekend, indicates that the space will become available on September 1, 2025. The restaurant remains open for business at this time, and has been in operation for over 30 years.

Advance Auto Parts opens new Wheaton store

Advance Auto Parts has opened its new Wheaton store. It is at 12222 Veirs Mill Road, at the Randolph Crossing shopping center. "Grand opening" signage has been posted on the building. This was previously a Walgreens store, and for longer prior to that, a Rite Aid. Advance Auto Parts has an existing Wheaton location at 12021 Georgia Avenue.

A grand opening sale is offering special prices on select products, such as those pictured below. Operating hours for the new Wheaton store at 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sundays.

Armed carjacking in Aspen Hill

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed carjacking in Aspen Hill on August 13, 2025. The carjacking was reported in the 13600 block of Georgia Avenue at 10:33 PM, near Hewitt Avenue and the Matthew Henson Trail. Two suspects displayed unspecified weapons, and drove off in the adult male victim's vehicle. Police were able to recover the vehicle two days later.

The suspects remain at-large. Police describe them only as two Black males of unknown age. If you can assist police in identifying or locating the carjackers, call (301) 279-8000.