HOC & EYA groundbreaking for new mixed-income, mixed-use building at Westside

Last week, the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) and EYA held a groundbreaking ceremony for The Sage, the newest multifamily building coming to Westside at Shady Grove Metro. This new mixed-income, mixed-use building will offer 413 energy-efficient apartments and a new branch of the Montgomery County Public Libraries system, all just steps to the Shady Grove Metro station.

The Sage development team members at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Of the 413 units at The Sage, 30% are designated as affordable housing, including 20% restricted to households earning 30 to 50% of the area median income (AMI) range and 10% restricted to MPDU levels, while the remaining 70% will operate as market-rate units. The studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will incorporate energy-efficient, solar and universal design features. The building will also offer a Great Hall gathering and community room, fitness center, pet spa, children’s play room and outdoor relaxation spaces, including three courtyards and a swimming pool.  

The Sage will feature an outdoor pool, courtyards, fitness area and more amenities. 

EYA's President and CEO, McLean Quinn, stated: “The Sage and the new Derwood Library mark the completion of Westside’s transformation from a former 45-acre County Service Park into the walkable, mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhood that EYA, the County and the community envisioned nearly two decades ago. With 413 new homes, The Sage will join the more than 1,100 homes EYA has developed at Westside since 2015. We are proud to once again partner with HOC, whose leadership has been essential to delivering this important transit-accessible, mixed-income community." 

EYA's President & CEO, McLean Quinn, speaking at the groundbreaking event. 

Read the Bethesda Magazine article

The Sage represents HOC’s third utilization of the innovative $100 million Housing Production Fund (HPF), which was created in partnership with Montgomery County in 2021 and provides revolving low-cost construction financing for new mixed-income, publicly-owned developments, without using Low Income Housing Tax Credits.

HOC President, Chelsea Andrews, said: “The Sage is another demonstration of HOC fulfilling our Five-Year Strategic Plan commitment to expand affordable housing in Montgomery County. HOC is thrilled to move forward with development of The Sage and almost double the number of new affordable and market-rate homes in our construction pipeline.”

The Housing Production Fund was first deployed for The Laureate, another multifamily building at Westside adjacent to The Sage that opened in 2023 and includes 268 affordable and market-rate apartment homes. The Laureate has received numerous mixed-income housing awards including the national ULI Jack Kemp Award for Affordable and Workforce Housing in 2024. 

The Sage will feature a new branch of the Montgomery County Public Libraries system.

“The Sage is a great example of how the Housing Production Fund can create new opportunities for households of all income levels to live near transit, jobs, and other amenities like the Montgomery County Public Library,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The County is committed to building on our record investments in producing and preserving affordable housing. Partnership with HOC is part of how we build on our momentum and leverage our resources. I’m glad the HPF is supporting mixed-income developments like The Sage, which will generate more than 120 new affordable units near Shady Grove Metro.” 

Construction of The Sage is projected to be completed in summer 2028 with occupancy and stabilization expected in 2029. The Sage will complete development of the Westside at Shady Grove master-planned community and expand the residential, retail and community amenity options in this important transit-accessible neighborhood.

Click here to learn more about The Sage and here to learn more about EYA's development capabilities.