The former Lakeforest Mall is now fully demolished, marking the end of an era the Gaithersburg landmark and clearing the way for the next phase of the massive redevelopment project.
Demolition began on April 1, 2026, almost exactly three years after the mall permanently closed its doors on March 31, 2023. Over the past two months, crews steadily dismantled the decades-old structure that once served as a gathering place for generations of Montgomery County residents. With the final remnants now removed, the 102-acre property is ready for its transformation into a new mixed-use community.
Led by WRS Inc., the $1.2 billion redevelopment will replace the former mall and its surrounding surface parking lots with a walkable neighborhood featuring housing, retail, dining, entertainment, office space, green areas, and transit connections…