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.
Derwood Dunkin’ conversion moves ahead despite traffic‑permit delays
Construction is moving forward at the site just off Muncaster Mill Road where a former childcare building at 17700 Muncaster Road is being converted into a Dunkin’ restaurant, even as the project works through traffic‑related permitting issues. A building permit was issued in August 2024, but the approval process hit a small snag afterward and county traffic permits remain under review, leaving the official opening date uncertain.
What is planned and current status
The project repurposes an existing commercial structure that previously housed a childcare facility. The new restaurant will occupy about 2,500 square feet and is planned to include a single drive‑thru lane. Site plans and a transportation report were submitted as part of the adaptive re‑use application. Developers are continuing construction work while resolving outstanding traffic permits and final approvals.
Design, streetscape and traffic changes
The application proposes several changes aimed at improving safety, circulation and the look of the property. Plans call for architectural enhancements to the existing building and streetscape upgrades that include an 8‑foot‑wide shared‑use path for pedestrians and cyclists along the frontage. The applicant also proposes to add a left‑turn lane from Muncaster Road into the site to help ease congestion, even though the transportation report indicates that lane is not strictly required under current rules.
Stormwater and visual improvements
The project includes new stormwater management features where none currently exist on the parcel, a change expected to reduce runoff and improve site drainage. The applicant notes that the proposed work will significantly improve the visual appearance of the property, combining building updates with landscaping and pedestrian amenities.
Permits, delays and next steps
A conversion permit was issued in August 2024 and construction activities have continued since. Shortly after that permit, a minor approval snag emerged related to traffic permitting. Project teams are actively working with county staff to clear outstanding traffic permits and finalize any required circulation improvements. Because those traffic‑related approvals are still being resolved, a firm opening date has not been announced.
Who is behind the project
The project is being developed by a local franchisee group that has confirmed the site plan filing to turn the existing building into a Dunkin’ restaurant. That developer remains committed to this Derwood location while moving forward with construction and the permitting process.
Context within the area
The conversion at 17700 Muncaster Road is part of a larger expansion of similar restaurants across the county. Multiple sites are in various stages of planning, permitting or construction elsewhere in the region. This project follows a pattern of re‑using existing commercial spaces and adding pedestrian and circulation improvements as part of adaptive re‑use development.
What to watch next
- Resolution of outstanding traffic permits and final county approvals.
- Confirmation of a public opening date once permits are cleared.
- Completion of streetscape work, including the 8‑foot shared‑use path and the proposed left‑turn lane.
- Installation of stormwater management measures on the property.
Other permitting notes
Separate permit filings reported in the area include a $285,000 permit tied to conversion work at the property, and standard planning submissions such as the transportation report that accompanied the site plan. The property was developed under the prior C‑1 zoning classification and the current work relies on adaptive re‑use approvals under existing zoning and permitting channels.
Frequently asked questions
What is being built at 17700 Muncaster Road?
The existing commercial building is being repurposed into a 2,500‑square‑foot Dunkin’ restaurant with a single drive‑thru lane and updated exterior and streetscape features.
Is the site open yet?
Not yet. A building conversion permit was issued in August 2024, construction is underway, but final traffic permits are still being resolved and no official opening date has been announced.
Will the project change traffic on Muncaster Road?
The site plan proposes a left‑turn lane into the property to improve circulation and mitigate congestion. This lane was proposed voluntarily even though the transportation report did not require it. Final traffic controls and circulation changes will depend on county approvals.
Will there be pedestrian and bicycle access?
Yes. Plans call for an 8‑foot‑wide shared‑use path along the frontage to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists as part of the streetscape improvements.
Who is developing the site?
A local franchisee group is leading the project and has confirmed its commitment to the Derwood location while permitting and construction continue.
How will the project affect stormwater?
Stormwater management measures are included in the plans where none exist at present, which should reduce runoff and improve site drainage once installed.
Key project features
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Address | 17700 Muncaster Road, Derwood |
Building size | Approximately 2,500 square feet |
Drive‑thru | Single drive‑thru lane proposed |
Active permits | Conversion permit issued August 2024; additional traffic permits under review; a reported $285,000 permit related to conversion work was noted |
Streetscape | Architectural enhancements and an 8‑foot shared‑use path for pedestrians and cyclists |
Traffic improvements | Proposed left‑turn lane from Muncaster Road to improve local circulation |
Stormwater | New stormwater management measures proposed where none currently exist |
Current timeline | Construction progressing while traffic permits are finalized; opening date not yet set |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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

Author: Construction FL News
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