Silver Spring Gets New Civic Building And Public Square

By Matt Bush

In Maryland, a new civic building and public square has been opened in Silver Spring. The complex at the corner of Fenton Street and Ellsworth Drive houses large meeting rooms, an art gallery, and rehearsal space for the Round House Theatre School.

But it's the outdoor public square, called Veterans Plaza, that really gets Reemberto Rodriguez talking. He's the head of the Silver Spring Regional Center, and he believes the square, with its large glass canopy, benches, and tables will evoke strong feelings from the community.

"You feel that you belong. You hang out here. You say this is my space too," says Rodriguez.

Rodriguez calls the center the latest milestone in the transformation of Silver Spring, but he says "in Silver Spring, we have a little saying, that we are not done yet."

During the winter months, the area underneath the canopy will become a skating rink, while the rest of the year it will be a performance venue.