Grand Opening Celebration: The Laureate at Westside at Shady Grove

Last week, we celebrated the grand opening of The Laureate, a brand new multifamily building developed in partnership with Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) and Bozzuto at Westside at Shady Grove Metro. Located at 8005 Gramercy Blvd in Rockville, The Laureate is the first development ever to utilize the County's innovative Housing Production Fund (HPF).

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Councilmembers Andrew Friedson and Dawn Luedtke, the Maryland Poet Laureate, and other distinguished guests joined the development team to celebrate the opening of Westside's newest apartment building. 

McLean Quinn, Toby Bozzuto, Bob Youngentob and Councilmember Andrew Friedson

The Laureate pays homage to two Maryland Poet Laureates — Grace Cavalieri, Maryland’s current Poet Laureate, who read an original poem written for the grand opening event, and Lucille Clifton, the second woman and first African-American person to hold the esteemed position. 

Maryland Poet Laureate Grace Cavalieri

The Laureate features studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with 25% of the units available at or below 50% Area Media Income (AMI) and 5% of the units available at or below 65% AMI. 

“HOC is committed to the development of vibrant, diverse, mixed-income communities in Montgomery County," stated Chelsea Andrews, Executive Director of HOC. “This partnership has resulted in a high-quality, high-caliber, and beautifully designed community that offers a resort-like living experience that all residents will be proud to call home.” 

With over 10,800 square feet of ground floor amenity spaces, each amenity features warm and modern designs that provide residents the opportunity to recharge, from the top-of-the-line fitness studio and courtyard pool to the multipurpose creative studio and state-of-the-art clubroom, to the children's playroom and pet spa. The community also has over 23,000 square feet of ground-level retail, 9,600 square feet of outdoor courtyard space, and nearly 7,400 square feet of office space. 

“It has always been our goal to create a sanctuary for our residents, and The Laureate is the perfect example of what can be accomplished when partners come together with a common goal,” said Toby Bozzuto, President & CEO, Bozzuto. “The Laureate is an exceptionally designed community that offers our residents many choices and caters to many lifestyles.  The thought and consideration given to the design, materials, and amenities speak to a sense of pride that all residents in this community will share."   

The Laureate design is timeless, elegant, and inspired by the collective Laureates designated over the course of Maryland’s history whose contributions through their works have led to the development and appreciation for poetry, arts and the humanities. The art displayed in the community was carefully curated to honor African-American clothing and textures, paying homage to Lucille Clifton.

“This is the latest phase in EYA’s Westside at Shady Grove Metro community, and we are incredibly proud of the design, amenities, and lifestyle our partnership has infused into The Laureate. Residents will enjoy the neighborhood’s 'life within walking distance' and the incredible connectivity afforded by our proximity to the Shady Grove Metro and the region’s major employment and transportation corridors,” says McLean Quinn, President & CEO of EYA. 

Click here to learn more about The Laureate.