"Quiet discussions between the Clarksburg community and the owner of the Comsat property led to an announcement Monday night that the Comsat building would be saved. "Through the dialogue we ended up with a plan we’re excited about," Mike Smith, vice president of LCOR, the real estate development firm that owns the property, told the Clarksburg Civic Association’s planning committee..."

    "After many months of negotiation and conversation, I’m pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached that will allow the major parts of the COMSAT building in Clarksburg to be saved.
    Last June, Montgomery Preservation Inc. hosted a charette at Montgomery College for Clarksburg residents, preservationists and other advocates to discuss options to allow the Cesar Pelli-designed building to be preserved while still permitting it to be used. While I applauded the discussion, I was concerned that LCOR, the company that owns the property and facility, was not included as part of the charette. I encouraged residents to keep talking, but also urged them to begin a dialogue with LCOR to find out what might be acceptable and possible for the use of the site. Through the autumn and winter, discussions continued, and I’m pleased with the mutually-agreed upon resolution.
    The agreement will preserve the four main wings of the building, its two spines, interior courtyard, and portico. While the plans for the property are still considered a work in progress, ideally the COMSAT site will contain residential and commercial development centered around the Corridor Cities Transitway station envisioned for the property.
    I’m pleased to have played a role in encouraging continued discussions, but the real credit goes to LCOR and residents and advocates who were able to negotiate the compromise agreement."