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Soltesz is proud to announce that the Montgomery County Planning Board has unanimously approved the Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plan Amendment, and Forest Conservation Plan for Viva White Oak, a transformational mixed-use project in eastern Montgomery County. This marks a major milestone for one of the largest development efforts in the County’s history, spanning nearly 280 acres and up to 12.18 million square feet of total development.

Located at the intersection of Cherry Hill Road and FDA Boulevard, Viva White Oak will transform a former industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use community with a blend of commercial, residential, retail, and civic spaces. Designed to bring long-envisioned economic opportunity to the region, the project will also introduce new master-planned roads and over 57 acres of public and common open space.

Construction of the master-planned roads is expected to begin in Mid-2026, with the first phases of residential and commercial development launching later that year. The retail component is targeted to open between 2027 and 2028. Residential offerings will include a mix of rental apartments and for-sale condominium townhouses and two-over-two units.

“Viva White Oak is more than a project—it’s a promise to revitalize and redefine eastern Montgomery County,” said James Soltesz, PE, President and CEO of Soltesz. “We’re honored to be a part of this legacy, partnering with MCB White Oak Developer, LLC, to help bring the vision to life with our planning, civil engineering, and surveying expertise.”

This latest approval is the result of years of collaboration between development teams, County officials, and stakeholders across the region. The project’s design has been refined to meet evolving market demands while maintaining its community-focused goals.

Jyotika Sharma, PE, Vice President and General Manager at Soltesz, added, “This plan reflects years of collaboration and technical refinement. We’re excited to see it move forward and proud of the impact it will have on mobility, housing, and economic opportunities in the County.”

The approved plans also dedicate land for a future co-located public elementary school and park, provide space for a civic green, and improve regional connectivity through major infrastructure investments. Viva White Oak is positioned to become a dynamic gateway and innovation hub anchored by its proximity to the FDA headquarters and Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center.

Stay tuned for more updates as Viva White Oak progresses.

About Soltesz:

Soltesz is a multi-disciplinary engineering firm with expertise in civil engineering, land planning, surveying, and environmental services. For over 45 years, Soltesz has partnered with public and private sector clients across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia to transform land into thriving communities. With a focus on innovative solutions and community engagement, Soltesz is committed to delivering exceptional results that enhance the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.solteszco.com.

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Media contact: SueAnne Beaumont, Soltesz, 301-948-2750, sbeaumont@solteszco.com

Soltesz, a leading civil engineering, planning, and surveying firm in the DMV region, is proud of its role supporting MCB Real Estate and Montgomery County in advancing the financing plan for the $2.8 billion Viva White Oak project. This transformational development is set to bring new housing, commercial space, retail, and restaurants to Eastern Montgomery County—offering long-awaited economic stimulus and community revitalization.

James Soltesz, CEO of Soltesz, stated:

“Congratulations to MCB Real Estate and all Montgomery County residents on this monumental project. A special thank you to the County’s elected officials for their leadership in providing the public financing necessary to make Viva White Oak possible. We are honored to be part of this effort and excited for the economic stimulus, job creation, and tax revenue this project will generate.”

Soltesz has provided comprehensive land planning, surveying, environmental sciences, and civil engineering services for the Viva White Oak project. The firm has worked closely with MCB Real Estate and public stakeholders to bring the vision of Viva White Oak to life, supporting both the County and the State of Maryland in their long-term goals for regional growth.

When completed, Viva White Oak is expected to generate thousands of new jobs and become a regional hub of innovation, commerce, and community life in Eastern Montgomery County.

About Soltesz:

Soltesz Engineering provides engineering, planning, surveying, and environmental services for public and private sector clients. With offices throughout the Maryland and the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, Soltesz combines dedication to cutting-edge solutions with a commitment to client success on every project. For more information, visit www.solteszco.com.

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Media contact: SueAnne Beaumont, Soltesz, 301-948-2750, sbeaumont@solteszco.com

Soltesz, Inc. is proud to announce that President and CEO Jim Soltesz has been confirmed by the Maryland State Senate to serve on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), following his appointment by Governor Wes Moore.

With over 48 years of civil engineering experience—34 of those focused specifically in Montgomery County and throughout Maryland—Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into land use, infrastructure planning, and the economic development landscape of the State. A licensed Professional Engineer in Maryland and Virginia, Jim is widely recognized as a leading authority on local land use and real estate development.

“I am deeply honored to be nominated by Governor Moore to serve on the MEDCO Board,” said Soltesz. “I look forward to contributing my experience in development, permitting, and infrastructure planning to support MEDCO's mission of fostering economic growth across Maryland.”

As President and CEO of Soltesz, Jim oversees all operations and strategic direction of the award-winning civil engineering firm. Under his leadership, the firm has played a key role in transformative development projects across the region, including Viva White Oak, the North Bethesda/White Flint WMATA Station, Prince George's County UM Capital Regional Hospital, MGM National Harbor, and other numerous high-impact projects throughout Montgomery County.

Jim has served on several local and regional committees focused on transportation, infrastructure financing, and permit streamlining. He is a Life Director of the Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA) and a trusted advisor to both public and private sector leaders.

MEDCO is a nonprofit organization that partners with the public and private sectors to attract, retain, and grow business activity in the State. The Corporation finances, develops, and manages real estate and infrastructure projects that advance Maryland's economic development goals and enhance job creation.

Jim’s nomination aligns with the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals who understand the vital connection between infrastructure, smart growth, and economic opportunity.

About Soltesz:

Soltesz is a multidisciplinary engineering firm that provides a full range of civil engineering, land planning, and surveying services to public and private clients throughout the DMV region. With a focus on innovative solutions and community engagement, Soltesz is committed to delivering exceptional results that enhance the communities in which it operates.

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Media contact: SueAnne Beaumont, Soltesz, 301-948-2750, sbeaumont@solteszco.com

On April 12, 2025, we gathered for a very special occasion — our 45th Anniversary — at the beautiful Hotel at the University of Maryland (check it out here). It was an evening of connection, celebration, and gratitude, marking more than four decades of excellence, growth, and lasting partnerships.

We’re incredibly thankful to Jim for his leadership and for hosting such a meaningful evening. The event brought together team members from across all three offices to honor the achievements that have shaped Soltesz and to celebrate the people who continue to drive our success.

From shared stories and laughter to looking ahead at what’s next, the night was filled with inspiration and camaraderie.

Here’s to 45 years of dedication, innovation, and impact — and to building an even brighter future, together.

Special thanks to our professional photographer for capturing the joy and memories of the evening. Check out the photos from this year's event:

Rockville, MD – [January 8, 2025] – Soltesz Engineering, a leading provider of engineering, planning, surveying, and environmental services, is proud to announce that Kyle Soltesz, a dedicated civil engineer and leader in the development community, has been named President of the Montgomery County Chapter of the Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA). In this role, Kyle will lead efforts to address industry challenges, foster collaboration, and advance the goals of MBIA within Montgomery County and beyond.

Reflecting on his appointment, Kyle shared, "I am deeply honored to take on this role. It’s an incredible opportunity to work alongside the talented professionals who shape our communities. Together, we can tackle the challenges of development and create innovative, sustainable solutions that serve the needs of Montgomery County residents and businesses alike."

Kyle's passion for the industry stems from years of involvement with MBIA, starting long before his professional career. "The positive impacts MBIA has made in Montgomery County and throughout Maryland are profound, and I’m eager to contribute to its mission," he added.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration, quoting a fundamental piece of advice that guides his work: “You never want to be the smartest person in the room.” Kyle recognizes that development is a collaborative effort, requiring input from multiple agencies, companies, and disciplines to navigate projects from entitlement and engineering to construction and final use.

Kyle’s vision as President centers on fostering these partnerships to address challenges and drive success in the building industry. His leadership will focus on uniting industry professionals to deliver impactful results for the Montgomery County community.

For more information about the Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA) or to connect with Kyle, visit MBIA’s website.

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About Soltesz:

Soltesz is a multidisciplinary engineering firm that provides a full range of civil engineering, land planning, and surveying services to public and private clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. With a focus on innovative solutions and community engagement, Soltesz is committed to delivering exceptional results that enhance the communities in which it operates.

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Media contact: SueAnne Beaumont, Soltesz, 301-948-2750, sbeaumont@solteszco.com

Rockville, MD – [September 17, 2024] – This summer, the interns from Soltesz, embarked on a meaningful pro bono project to support the Scotland AME Zion Church in Potomac, Maryland and its surrounding community. The interns worked closely with church representatives, Soltesz engineers, and Soltesz landscape architects to address a critical safety issue: the need for a safe pedestrian pathway from the Scotland community down Seven Locks Road to the church.

The project, spearheaded by interns from all three of Soltesz's offices, involved identifying the problem, researching potential solutions, and ultimately proposing two viable options. These proposals were formally presented to key stakeholders, including the church and eventually at a formal presentation at the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) office.

Graham, one of the interns who played a significant role in the project, shared his thoughts on the experience: "As an intern at Soltesz, I was given the opportunity to draft this proposal alongside my fellow interns and Anaija Head, a landscape architect at Soltesz. It was incredibly rewarding to contribute to something so meaningful, especially as an intern. The guidance and support I received from Soltesz’s project managers were invaluable, allowing us to create well-researched and viable solutions that received positive feedback from both the church and MCDOT."

During the final presentation, Christopher Conklin, Director of MCDOT, expressed his admiration for the interns' work, and that he was impressed by the thoroughness and creativity of the solutions presented. He said their dedication to addressing the community's needs was evident. Conklin also provided the interns with valuable feedback and ideas for when they work on future projects, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and community-focused solutions. He confirmed that MCDOT will continue working with the Scotland AME Zion Church to advance the project.

The project not only provided the interns with hands-on experience but also showcased Soltesz's commitment to community engagement and public service, even beyond the firm's traditional scope of work. Jim Soltesz, President of Soltesz, praised the interns for their dedication and professionalism: "Our interns demonstrated exceptional skill and initiative in tackling this important project. Their work on the Scotland AME Zion Church pathway exemplifies our firm's dedication to improving the communities we serve. I am proud of their contributions and the positive impact they have made."

The Scotland AME Zion Church Project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of giving back to the community. Bernard Scott of the Scotland AME Zion Church expressed his gratitude for the interns' dedication and the overall efforts of Soltesz in making this project possible. Soltesz is honored to have played a role in this initiative and looks forward to continuing its support for projects that enhance the well-being and safety of local communities.

For more information about Soltesz and its community initiatives, please contact SueAnne Beaumont at sbeaumont@solteszco.com.

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About Soltesz:

Soltesz is a multidisciplinary engineering firm that provides a full range of civil engineering, land planning, and surveying services to public and private clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. With a focus on innovative solutions and community engagement, Soltesz is committed to delivering exceptional results that enhance the communities in which it operates.

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Media contact: SueAnne Beaumont, Soltesz, 301-948-2750, sbeaumont@solteszco.com

This document outlines the nuanced process of developing a data center, focusing on the indispensable role that local civil engineering plays in navigating the intricate landscape of technical, regulatory, and environmental challenges inherent in such projects. Central to this endeavor is the indispensable role of civil engineering, which ensures that every aspect of data center development is grounded in precision, efficiency, and sustainability. From site selection and due diligence to dry utility coordination, feasibility studies, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness, civil engineering's contributions are vital to the success of data centers. Soltesz’s comprehensive approach highlights the critical importance of civil engineering in transforming complex data center projects from concept to operational reality.

Take the next step in ensuring your data center project's success by partnering with Soltesz – contact us today to learn how our expertise can bring your vision to life.

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To access the full PDF version of this article, please click the link below:

Kickstart your career in civil engineering with a Soltesz internship! Joining our team means more than just gaining experience; it's about becoming part of a family that is passionate about what we do. As a paid intern, you'll be treated as an integral member of our team, where your development is our priority. We are committed to building your confidence and equipping you with the skills needed to make a real impact in your field after graduation. Discover the joy of working in a dynamic and supportive environment—let Soltesz show you how much fun your career can be!

Send resume to Kristin Hamrick. khamrick@solteszco.com

Over the past seven years, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) region has witnessed a notable transformation in development patterns, transitioning from rural to suburban, and finally to intensified urban use. This evolution has led to a scarcity of industrial land due to longstanding restrictions imposed by zoning and growth policies. However, the surge in demand for industrial properties, driven by the rise of e-commerce and the need for distribution facilities, has created unprecedented challenges for jurisdictions, particularly in urban suburbs, where existing structures and properly zoned land are limited. In response, Soltesz, drawing on 44 years of expertise in civil engineering, land planning, environmental sciences, surveying, and zoning, offers a comprehensive white paper on the future of industrial development in the DMV area. Covering critical aspects such as location analysis, infrastructure evaluation, zoning analysis, building design considerations, and site design intricacies, this paper provides invaluable insights to address the burgeoning needs of the industrial market segment. With Soltesz as your trusted partner, benefit from our expertise to navigate the complexities of industrial development and turn your vision into reality.

Contact us today to unlock innovative solutions and embark on a path towards success.

To access the full PDF version of this article, please click the link below:

[Rockville, MD, March 6, 2024] - Soltesz Engineering, a leading provider of engineering, planning, surveying, and environmental services, proudly announces the successful hosting of a comprehensive land development seminar led by Jim Soltesz, President & CEO. The seminar, held at the Rockville office, showcased Soltesz's commitment to employee development and excellence in client service.

During the seminar, Jim Soltesz emphasized the importance of understanding every aspect of development to better serve clients and become an integral part of their delivery team. Attendees gained insights into the entire land development process, from market research and feasibility studies to engineering, permitting, construction, and home closing.

Soltesz Company, with a rich history spanning 44 years, has established itself as one of the oldest, most knowledgeable, and successful land development consulting firms in the greater DMV area. Over the years, the company has contributed to the development of over 200,000 residential units, providing homes for more than 500,000 residents in the practice area, solidifying its position as one of the largest housing providers in the greater Washington market.

"This seminar underscores our dedication to continuous learning and development," said Jim Soltesz, President & CEO. "By equipping our team with a comprehensive understanding of the land development process, we not only meet our clients' needs but also maintain a competitive edge in the market."

Following today's seminar in Rockville, Jim will extend this valuable training to all Soltesz offices throughout the month. The initiative reflects Soltesz's ongoing commitment to fostering expertise and innovation within its workforce.

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About Soltesz:

Soltesz Engineering provides engineering, planning, surveying, and environmental services for public and private sector clients. With offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Soltesz combines dedication to cutting-edge solutions with a commitment to client success on every project. For more information, visit www.solteszco.com.

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Media contact: SueAnne Beaumont, Soltesz, 301-948-2750, sbeaumont@solteszco.com

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