Future of GEICO headquarters under discussion

Montgomery County officials are proposing plans for the future of the former GEICO headquarters, though it’s not known if the company plans to sell the site.

Montgomery County is in the process of updating its Friendship Heights Sector Plan, an outline that serves as a blueprint for development in the area. The officials at the Montgomery County Planning department have said they are reworking some of the plan to account for the new space and possible sale of the former GEICO property.

According to the Montgomery Planning website, the sector plan aims to provide more housing, more environmental design, walkways/bike paths, more green spaces, and even a public library.

In early 2025, GEICO announced it was moving its headquarters to Bethesda by early 2026.

Elza Hisel-McCoy, the West County Planning Division chief for Montgomery County Planning, said that GEICO’s move will bring a big change to Friendship Heights. Hisel-McCoy said the Planning Division did an urban design study Friendship Heights, which opened the conversation about GEICO’s site and how it fit in the neighborhood.

“We learned in the urban design study that on weekends neighborhood folks use the green space for recreation. Folks have learned how to drive in the parking lot. So, it’s definitely been a part of the community for a long time,” Hisel-McCoy said.

Hisel-McCoy said residents of Friendship Heights are excited about parks and some are concerned about potential redevelopment of the site, especially since it is 26 acres. Hisel-McCoy said the site likely will be developed through phases over a long period of time.

“The sector plan right now is in the visioning stage,” he said.

Friendship Heights Alliance, a “property owner collaborative focused on the transformation of Friendship Heights,” said it helps to give voice to residents of Friendship Heights and makes residents aware of what is happening in their neighborhood.

Alliance Executive Director Natalie Avery in a statement said the group is sorry to see the headquarters move but the site presents the neighborhood with many opportunities.

“Transforming surface parking into housing, green space, and welcoming gathering places will create a more connected and vibrant urban environment. With better walkability, active public spaces, and new homes, the site can help strengthen social connections and support the long-term vitality of Friendship Heights,” Avery said.

Avery said GEICO was an important neighbor in the Friendship Heights neighborhood that brought thousands of jobs. She said the company supported the neighborhood for years.

Roberta Avila, a resident of Friendship Heights, said the neighborhood has a lot of older people. Avila said that, although she does not see many young people, there is still a lot of people in the neighborhood.

“I love being here, very safe, quiet, and we have wonderful neighbors, very polite,” Avila said about Friendship Heights.

According to the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Scope, the last time sector plans were updated was 1998. The scope said the plan envisioned a “mixed-use” concept that had office buildings, residential development, and green spaces, although, nothing has been done to further the developments.

In a statement to The Wash, GEICO said, “We continue to work closely with Montgomery County, Village of Friendship Heights and other relevant state and local officials regarding the future redevelopment of this property. We are also working closely with the Friendship Heights Alliance and local community members throughout this process.”

The parking lot outside the former headquarters was nearly deserted, showing the large-scale site that will be left behind. At the main entrance to former headquarters there is sign showing information on the plan and where to find more information.

While there is nothing set in stone, Hisel-McCoy said he believes GEICO will sell the former headquarters property.