A decade ago, the dense D.C. suburb of Silver Spring had a bustling downtown district with steady daytime foot traffic supporting a host of local and national retailers. But that has all changed.

The area lost anchor tenant Discovery Communications five years ago, and with no office buildings newer than 20 years old, it has struggled to compete with other areas for companies. Rising office vacancy and the remote work trend have led to less foot traffic and a spate of retail closures.

“There's nobody there,” said Denizens Brewing owner Julie Verratti, who decided to close its Silver Spring location in October. “It's crazy.”

Verratti is one of a dozen business owners, brokers, researchers and local officials who Bisnow D.C. Reporter Emily Wishingrad spoke to about Silver Spring, and they described an area that has lost its vibrancy over the last several years and fallen behind other parts of the D.C. region.

— Bisnow Deputy East Coast Editor Jon Banister