More News

Two new garages are now open. The ‘‘library garage” opened first and most folks are used to entering it from Maryland Avenue. However, because that street is temporarily closed, motorists now have to use the other entrance on Middle Lane, across the street from the entrance to the Regal Cinema surface parking lot.

After turning into the driveway, bear to the left and follow the road until you get to the orange and white barriers. At that point, make a very sharp right turn — almost a full U-turn — to head down the ramp into the ‘‘library garage.” Use the elevator or the stairs to get to the street. The library is just up the street to your right.

The other parking option is brand new. The North Washington Street Garage is now open and has two entrances. One is on Middle Lane between Chevy Chase Bank and Cosi, and the other is on North Washington Street, between Middle Lane and Beall Avenue. The garage entrances are marked with a very large blue ‘‘P” sign, and are easy to find. It is easy to walk to the library and other Town Square businesses from this garage, too.

Parking in the garage for the library is free. While the rest of Town Square unfolds, its other garages are also free, although there is a two-hour time limit. This gives everyone the opportunity to explore the area in its early stages.

While you are in the garages, check out the oversized photos of Rockville’s past that adorn the columns. You might be surprised at the similarities between the Rockville Memorial Day Parade in the 1950s and the ones that are still held annually.

Town Square has other new signage, too. Directional signage leading to Town Square, the library and the Arts and Innovation Center has been added throughout the area. The signs are orange-brown, and may be found at the entrances to the garage elevators and at the pedestrian entrances to Town Square on North Washington Street and Middle Lane.

More directional signage is being added every day.

Visitors to Town Square enjoyed the recent opening of Robeks on Maryland Avenue. Owner Gregory Calvitt handed out free strawberry-banana Smoothies to everyone who walked in the door. It was the first really warm day of spring, and pedestrians, including Rockville Mayor Larry Giammo, shucked jackets and sweaters as they sipped.

The new Chevy Chase Bank branch at the corner of Middle Lane and Gibbs Street opened the same day. Vice president and branch manager Matthew Placella commented on how happy the bank is to leave the temporary trailer on Maryland Avenue (now closed) for its spacious new home.

The branch combines traditional bank architectural features — very high ceilings and dark wood — with modern updates such as honey-colored walls. Stop by, say hello, and see what you think of the décor.

Whether you arrive by foot or by car, Town Square is coming to life this spring.

Sally Sternbach is executive director of Rockville Economic Development Inc., the private-public economic development arm of the City of Rockville.