Team Joins County Advisory Group to Create Streamlined Permitting Initiatives

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