A Kensington farmers market that was displaced by redevelopment after 39 years in the same location will need to move again if a proposed mixed-use project receives county approval.
Hawkins’ Produce owner Joe Hawkins said the market will stay on the one-acre site at the corner of Connecticut Avenue and Plyers Mill Road until the site is sold for development.
“It was a win-win for all parties involved,” Hawkins said of the temporary address. “It gave us another location in Kensington to operate for a little while until they eventually develop the property, so we are just thankful to the new owners for giving us the opportunity.”
The contract purchaser of 10619 Connecticut Ave., 1784 Holdings, LLC, an Arizona-based developer, is seeking approval to build a self-storage facility and 5,000 sq. ft. of first floor retail space, which could accommodate office space or artist studios.
“Some concept plans reviewed by staff included self-storage and retail space,” said Patrick Butler, a planner with the county’s planning department. However, “significant comments were made.”
Butler said the planning staff wanted more of a mixed-use concept for the property, so they “floated” the idea of “satellite” office space.
“Nothing has been filed yet” that would officially start the approval process, Butler said.
The developer, which has a self-storage facility under development on River Road in Bethesda and approval for a self-storage facility in Annapolis, is required to meet with Kensington Town officials for a courtesy review. That meeting has not yet taken place, Kensington Town Manager Sanford Daily said.
“Luxury storage” is what it’s being called Daily said.
Hawkins said business is going well at the new location, but he is a limited in how much he can do.
“I’m kind of in a tough situation because I can’t go in and refurbish the place,” Hawkins said. “We are using it to the best of our ability knowing the end is soon.”
Hawkins’ Produce was founded in 1979 by Ann Hawkins, Joe Hawkins’ mother.
