Within walking distance of downtown Silver Spring, MetroRail, MARC, and several bus lines, this project is a case study in transit-oriented development. With new streetscaping, a mural to commemorate the B&O Railroad waiting station that formerly stood on the site, 14,000-sf of ground level retail and carefully planned green spaces, The Veridian is intended to become an essential part of the urban fabric. These seemingly subtle yet intelligently planned details are a testament to WDG’s skill and sensitivity in urban districts.
The project derives its character from the mid-twentieth century architectural styles of Silver Spring: Art Deco and Art Moderne, which are exemplified by such buildings as the Silver Theater and the Canada Dry Building, as well as from the "edgy" urban aesthetic suggested by the industrial history of the site. The Veridian is organized to compliment the streetscape along East-West Highway; to maximize open space and public-use spaces; and enhance linkages to the adjacent Arts Alley, Silver Spring Square, the Silver Spring Innovation Center and Silver Spring’s mass transit network. Each of the public spaces has their own distinct architectural identity contributing to the creation of a diverse and rich neighborhood character.
The sweeping curve of the main façade was specifically designed to allow maximum attention to the historic Canada Dry building. Using rich materials and a mixture of masonry and metal, the Veridian is in harmony with its surroundings and bridges the gap between the historic Canada Dry building and the industrial Arts Alley buildings.