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A residential project designed to attract 20- and 30-somethings to the Frederick Avenue Corridor near Olde Towne Gaithersburg made headway June 1 when city leaders unanimously approved plans for "Suites 355."

The 3.7-acre development, slated for 12-16 S. Frederick Ave. near George Street and the Father Cuddy Bridge, will replace 85 garden-style apartments known as Executive Gardens. Suites 355 will have 263 apartments and structured underground parking, according to concept plans.

No timeline for construction has been set.

The project will bring one- and two-bedroom apartments and studios, said Rich Koch of Keystone REI, the project's developer.

Some city councilmen questioned parking plans.

The parking garage will have 437 parking spaces, according to an analysis prepared by city planning staff.

"I've done a lot of soul-searching about this plan because I like it, but I don't think we're there yet," said Councilman Jud Ashman. "I'm just really concerned what happens when someone throws a party."

Gaithersburg Planning and Code Enforcement Director Greg Ossont said that the regional parking model, which recommends 1.6 parking spaces per unit including guests, used to determine needed parking spaces for projects does not consider Suites 355's proximity to the Shady Grove Metro station or MARC train station. Nearby projects that used a 2 or 2.5 parking spaces per unit ratio have excess parking and wasted space, he said.

City leaders ultimately approved the project.

"The proof is in the pudding as to whether these units are going to be the types of places people want to live," said Councilman Michael A. Sesma, who said that despite hype, the concept of upscale apartment living has not yet taken off in Gaithersburg. "I just hope that it gets built."