A Project to Redevelop the First Baptist Church of Silver Spring

Robb LaKritz heads LaKritz Adler Development, LLC, and directs a broad spectrum of Washington, DC-area real estate renovation, investment, and management activities. Among Robb LaKritz’s current projects is a retail and residential development on the former site of the First Baptist Church of Silver Spring in Maryland.

The project was initiated in 2013 in tandem with the church, with a plan to replace the aging sanctuary with a vibrant development that included shops, apartments, and a new church building. Constructed between the 1920s to the 1950s, the old church buildings on the site were in urgent need of repair and no longer met the needs of the congregation. The process of simply bringing the building up to code would have required a $5 million outlay, and a decision was made to engage in a development that would help create a more vibrant Silver Spring community.

As envisioned by LaKritz Adler Development, the redevelopment will serve as a bridge between the downtown area and surrounding residential neighborhoods. It will encompass a six-story, 259-unit apartment building, as well as ground-floor retail businesses. The newly constructed church will include classrooms, a sanctuary, and a children’s day care center. 

The Aspen Seminar on Leadership, Values, and Good Society

Robb LaKritz is an accomplished private equity investor and the chairman of LaKritz Holdings, a globally diversified private investment firm. Also recognized as a civic leader and steward for community preservation, Robb LaKritz is involved in organizations such as the TED World Economic Forum and the Aspen Institute.

A Washington, DC-based organization that is focused on education and policy studies, the Aspen Institute strives to provide a means to deal with important issues in a nonpartisan context. The organization works toward this goal through a global fellowship program, policy programs, and events such as conferences and seminars.

The Aspen Seminar on Leadership, Values, and Good Society is one such event. A roundtable format meeting that has been held for nearly 60 years, the seminar is scheduled for September 10-16, 2016 in Aspen, Colorado. The event employs a Socratic style discourse on what a good and just society actually means, and it offers professionals a chance to take a break from daily demands and revitalize their mind and body.

Three Chilean Wines to Complete Your Collection

Robb LaKritz, a real estate investment professional, maintains an extensive personal wine collection. In addition to French and Italian wines, Robb LaKritz collects wines from Chile.

Fine wines from Chile are plentiful. Build a personal collection by including these Chilean bottles.

Casas del Bosque 2012 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon: The country is best known for its production of cabernet sauvignon grapes. Unlike those grown in coastal regions, the fruit imparts warmer flavors when harvested from arid regions. The 2012 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives off a lemony scent, contains black fruit aromas that pair well with oak. Expect licorice flavors to linger.

Montes 2012 Purple Angel Carmenere: Slightly more expensive than the cabernet above, this wine contains Chile’s proprietary grape, carmenere. While spicy, the grape helps create a smooth finish when combined with dried and smoked herbs. When drinking this wine, you will notice hints of blueberry and boysenberry as well as subtle flavors of tobacco.

Concha y Toro 2013 Terrunyo Costa Los Boldos Vineyard Block 5 Sauvignon Blanc: The sauvignon blanc grape thrives in the cooler regions of Chile. Herbal, citrus, and fruity qualities are best represented. The wine elevates citrus acidity with passion fruit and grapefruit flavors. An editor’s choice by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the wine is described as “focused and smooth.” 

Commission by Agustina Casas Sere-Leguizamon Garners $12,000

 

A co-founder of LaKritz Adler Real Estate Development, Robb LaKritz divides his time between leading the firm and chairing LaKritz Holdings LLC. In his spare time, Robb LaKritz supports the arts; his fiancee Agustina Casas Sere-Leguizamon, is a renowned artist.

In 2015, affluent members of society gathered at the Auberge sales center to support the Global Gift Foundation. The organization hosted a charitable auction with the support of the Eva Longoria Foundation and the Ricky Martin Foundation, with Longoria and Martin serving as auctioneers.

Attendees bid on unique experiences, such as going backstage with Ms. Longoria to view the show Telenovela and getting a behind-the-scenes look at Mr. Martin’s tour. Among the most sought-after items was a commission by Agustina Casas Sere-Leguizamon. An artist of Uruguayan descent, she specializes in digital portraits. Her work, which includes a piece dedicated to Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, has been exhibited throughout Europe. The high bid was $12,000, which gave the winner a photo session with the artist as well as a framed digital portrait.

Our Miami Organic Garden

So it begins! Our Miami organic garden.