It was announced today that, finally, the old historic, art deco J.C. Penney Building, will come back to life! This building, one of the last vacant deteriorating eyesores in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring will become the home to the Live Nation Music Venue - The Fillmore. Vacant for way over a decade, this building is located right accross the street from the restored Silver Theatre which houses the American Film Institute. Lee Development Group owns the site and has set up a website about this property. This is exciting and big news for Silver Spring, Maryland! 
Not all Silver Spring residents are happy about this . . . . many people in Silver Spring have been hoping for more than 5 years, that The Birchmere, a Virginia based folk music venue would be moving into the J.C. Penney Building. Some how it was not to be. Today, it was announced that the Birchmere would be opening their place to nearby College Park, Md! - only a stones throw from Silver Spring - I'd say Silver Spring got the best of both worlds today.
The local Silver Spring Blogs will be buzzing about this tonight! Read them here:
www.silverspringsingular.blogspot.com/ In-the-know blogger, A survivor of the "mean streets of Silver Spring"
www.justupthepike.blogspot.com/ A very savy 19 year old local with insights into development & politics
www.silverspringpenguin.com/ A Silver Spring resident gives a refreshing daily dose of Silver Spring Happenings
www.silverspringscene.blogspot.com/ Resident Blogger that knows all about Silver Spring Downtown Development
hey Debbie - local Annapolis guy who grew up in Alexandria , mortgage banker and musician here... wonderful news about the Birchmere coming to College Park ( you know where? ) - Annapolis is home to Rams Head which is also an awesome and very intimate venue just like the current Birchmere....
The Fillmore? tell us more...............
Sounds like the Birchmere might be going into the new Silver Spring-like East-Campus Redevelopment District in College Park, which Doug Duncan now heads.
'Haven't been to Silver Spring in years, but I bought my wedding dress at the old Jelleff's. In the photo, it almost looks like the same building as J.C. Penney - is it?
Margaret,
One of the photos is taken of the buildings directly accross the street from the J.C. Penney Building. That is a picture of the old Jelleff's Building (across the street) Wow, you have a great memory! I remember it when it was Jelleff's too. It was an elegant store in it's heyday. I bet your dress was gorgeous!
I think it is wonderful when old building a renovated and get a new lease on life! I hate to see them torn down as so often happens. Great news for Silver Spring and you know there always those that disagree. :0)
Debbie, when we were kids, my Aunt lived in Silver Spring. Funny how names and places bring back memories. Thanks for posting!
Mike in Tucson
It's surreal to see downtown Silver Spring reborn. In high school I worked at Phillipsborn - anyone remember that? Next to Jelleff's. The old Drug Fair corner will always look the same to me. Anyone know about good/affordable housing in Dwntown Silver Spring? Never thought I'd be asking this-it's for my son.