Derwood building conversion advances for new Dunkin restaurant

Derwood, August 25, 2025

News Summary

Construction is progressing at 17700 Muncaster Road as a former childcare building is being repurposed into a 2,500-square-foot Dunkin restaurant with a single drive-thru lane. A conversion permit was issued earlier and crews are continuing work while county traffic permits remain under review, leaving the opening date uncertain. Planned site improvements include architectural upgrades, an 8-foot shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, a proposed left-turn lane to improve circulation, and new stormwater management measures to reduce runoff and enhance the property’s appearance.

Dunkin’ conversion at 17700 Muncaster Road in Derwood advances amid traffic-permit delays with a 2,500-square-foot drive-thru and an 8-foot shared-use path proposed

The project at 17700 Muncaster Road in Derwood is moving forward despite ongoing traffic-permit delays. The plan envisions repurposing an existing commercial building that previously housed a childcare facility into a Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant. The new operation is described as a 2,500-square-foot site with a single drive-thru lane and a proposed 8-foot-wide shared-use path to accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians.

The site plan was filed in connection with the adaptive reuse of the property, which sits within the former Convenience Commercial (C-1) zoning framework. The applicant aims to transform the existing structure into a Dunkin’ Donuts outlet while enhancing the building’s appearance and integrating a more inviting streetscape. In addition to the storefront changes, the plan includes architectural enhancements to the current building and a set of streetscape improvements designed to elevate the property’s visual impact.

Highlights of the proposed transportation and circulation improvements include a planned left-turn lane from Muncaster Road into the property. Although a transportation report indicates the lane is not strictly required, the applicant states the feature would help mitigate potential traffic congestion and improve overall local circulation. The left-turn provision is positioned as a way to smooth entry to the site while the 8-foot shared-use path provides safer access for pedestrians and cyclists along the frontage.

Construction activity has continued, even as officials review traffic-related permits. A permit for the conversion was issued in August 2024, but the project subsequently faced a snag in the approval process that has extended the timeline. The latest guidance indicates that opening dates remain uncertain, with officials continuing to resolve permitting hurdles before the store can welcome customers. Despite the delays, project personnel indicate that progress on construction remains ongoing.

The developer behind the plan is listed as Luis Group Management, described as a prominent local franchisee. The group remains committed to bringing a Dunkin’ Donuts location to the Derwood site, leveraging the repurposed building to establish a neighborhood-friendly footprint within the community. In the broader county context, Dunkin’ has a broader push with several locations either in development or nearing completion, reflecting a regional strategy to expand footprints across Montgomery County.

Beyond the Derwood site, the county’s Dunkin’ activity has included related developments such as a Rockville outlet and plans for several other sites in Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Wheaton-Glenmont, and other nearby communities. Details from coverage describe a mix of storefront remodels and new construction, with some sites featuring drive-thrus while others emphasize walk-up or pickup formats. In most cases, official opening timelines are not immediately available while planning and permitting processes advance.

As this Derwood project advances through the approvals pipeline, local residents and observers can expect ongoing updates from the planning authorities. The development team stresses that the project is designed to improve the property’s appearance and to enhance local circulation, all while repurposing an existing structure to serve a new commercial purpose. In the interim, stakeholders are watching to see how traffic-management measures and stormwater considerations will be integrated into the final design.

Current status snapshot: Planning/approvals underway; left-turn lane and 8-foot shared-use path proposed; stormwater management opportunities identified; permit issued August 2024 with subsequent delays; opening timeline not yet confirmed. The developers remain committed to moving forward with construction as approvals progress and conditions are resolved.

FAQ

Key features table

Feature	Details
Location	17700 Muncaster Road, Derwood, Maryland
Project Type	Adaptive reuse of an existing childcare facility into a Dunkin’ Donuts
Size	2,500 square feet
Drive-thru	Single drive-thru lane
Streetscape	8-foot shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists
Circulation Improvements	Proposed left-turn lane into the property
Stormwater	Opportunity for stormwater management on the site
Permits	Permit issued August 2024; ongoing approvals and delays
Developer	Luis Group Management (local franchisee)

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Additional Resources

• MoCo Show: Construction continues at upcoming Dunkin on Muncaster Mill Road
• Wikipedia: Dunkin’
• MoCo Show: Sassy Cleaners closes after thirty years — Dunkin to take over the space
• Google Search: Dunkin Derwood Muncaster Mill Road
• MoCo Show: $285K permit issued for upcoming Dunkin
• Google Scholar: drive-through restaurant traffic impact study
• MoCo Show: Dunkin submits proposal for new Derwood location
• Encyclopedia Britannica: adaptive reuse
• MoCo Show: Six new Dunkin locations coming to Montgomery County
• Google News: Dunkin Montgomery County