Wednesday, June 1, 2016

OUTBOX Opens at Downtown Silver Spring, June 6th


From our friends at Downtown Silver Spring...

Downtown Silver Spring Launches Pop-Up Outdoor Service

First-of-its-kind pop-up, outdoor office provides local workers a workspace without walls

A first-of-its-kind outdoor workspace called OUTBOX, will open on Ellsworth Drive in Downtown Silver Spring on June 6, 2016. Similar to the popular retail trend for “Pop-Up Shops,” OUTBOX will pop-up in the plaza at Downtown Silver Spring June through October. Seating up to 20 people, OUTBOX is a colorful, modern open room where workers can plug in their laptops, access free WiFi, or meet with colleagues while enjoying the fresh air.

"OUTBOX was designed to invigorate a typical retail street and arts and entertainment district. We see it as a place where collaboration and creativity can foster in an enclosed, yet outdoor environment," remarked Dan Figueroa, Regional Manager with Peterson Companies. "We anticipate all types of individuals using the space including techies, telecommuters, executives, entrepreneurs and artists."


The concept for OUTBOX was brought to life through a partnership with Montgomery College’s Department of Applied Technology. Under the direction of Professor Shorieh Talaat, four teams of students competed during a semester long course. The students made presentations to the Peterson Companies and visiting architects throughout the process to receive feedback on their designs. The winning team, Catalyst, earned the satisfaction of having their design realized. The team of Ayite Ayivi, Barbara Caponiti, Colleen Sagers, and Thabang Nyondo created a design that met all the technical standards while integrating Silver Spring’s funky, colorful, artistic whimsy.

In addition, Downtown Silver Spring has partnered with Adventist HealthCare Adventist Medical Group to be the presenting sponsor of OUTBOX. Adventist HealthCare, the first and largest healthcare system in Montgomery County is a comprehensive healthcare system including acute and specialty care hospitals and is focused on a mission of  improving the health of people and communities through a ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing. As part of Adventist HealthCare, Adventist Medical Group encourages a healthy work environment that includes outdoor breaks which can result in improved productivity  and moral for employees. OUTBOX exemplifies an alternative workspace that helps achieves this mission.

OUTBOX is free and open to the public and will be available Monday-Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Special events will be held throughout the summer season. For more information, please visit www.downtownsilverspring.com.

About Downtown Silver Spring:
Downtown Silver Spring is a 440,000 square foot shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring spanning from Ellsworth Drive to Fenton Street in Silver Spring, MD. Downtown Silver Spring has an eclectic mix of specialty retailers, exciting restaurants and amenities that include Whole Foods Market, Regal Majestic Theaters, H&M, a mosaic interactive fountain with outdoor cafes provides a neighborhood gathering spot for outdoor events. For more information, visit www.downtownsilverspring.com; or follow Downtown Silver Spring on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates.