On March 1, 2025, Congressional Village Plaza in Rockville, MD, officially opened its doors at 1701 Rockville Pike, drawing a lively crowd of community members, professionals, and media. The revitalized plaza introduced a variety of new businesses, showcasing the collaborative efforts of local leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations.
Terring Wang hosted the event, which featured remarks from Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee, Christina Wong Poy, Administrative Director of the Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Rockville Mayor Monique LaRocque Ashton, Montgomery County Council Member Andrew Friedson, and Delegate Lily Qi (District 15). Celebrity chef Tony (Xiao Jun) Hu, IVEA Concepts CEO Edward Wong, and VP of Business Strategy Derek Liu were also recognized for their contributions. Sponsor Karina Hou played a key role in supporting the event.
Furthermore, IVEA Concepts and Windfall Group LLC acquired the Shops at Congressional Village in 2022 for $44 million, paving the way for its transformation. The event showed Rockville’s economic growth, positioning the plaza as a premium shopping and dining destination.
Reflecting on Montgomery County’s development, Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee shared, “When I was growing up in Potomac, we had only one Chinese restaurant.” She praised the area’s transformation and the efforts of key figures, stating, “I want to recognize Terring Wang, Tony Hu, Edward Wong, Derek Liu, and Vivian Zhu for their incredible contributions to this project.” Lee also acknowledged Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton, County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council Member Andrew Friedson, and Board of Education President Julie Yang. She conveyed a message from Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, affirming, “Governor Moore and Lieutenant Governor Miller are committed to supporting all Maryland residents and ensuring inclusive economic growth.”
Christina Wong Poy highlighted Rockville’s growing Asian American community and presented a proclamation from Governor Wes Moore in honor of Lunar New Year. She stated, “This proclamation recognizes the incredible contributions of our Asian American community and celebrates the diversity that makes Rockville special.”
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich praised the shopping center’s revitalization, stating, “This project reflects the strength and resilience of our Asian business community, and we are proud to support its continued success.”
Mayor Monique LaRocque Ashton reaffirmed Rockville’s commitment to business growth and inclusivity, saying, “Rockville is a city that thrives on diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and Congressional Village Plaza exemplifies those values.”
Montgomery County Council Member Andrew Friedson commended Edward Wong and Vivian Zhu for their vision and investment. “Edward and Vivian saw the potential in this space when others didn’t, and their commitment has transformed it into a vibrant community hub,” he stated.
Delegate Lily Qi recognized Rockville’s long-standing role as a center for Asian culture and commerce, remarking, “Rockville has long been a destination for Asian businesses and families, and this plaza adds another chapter to that rich history.”
Edward Wong noted that the shopping center had remained largely vacant for two years before IVEA Concepts’ acquisition, but occupancy has now reached 95%. “We believed in the potential of this space, and we are thrilled to see it come to life with new businesses and vibrant energy,” Wong said. He outlined plans for continued investment in Montgomery County, with five additional projects underway.
Derek Liu emphasized the plaza’s increased property value and broader economic impact, stating, “This transformation has not only revitalized the shopping center but also contributed to the overall economic growth of the area.”
The grand opening concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a traditional lion dance performance, a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. The vibrant display captivated participants, marking a promising future for the plaza and the community.
*Congressional Village ribbon-cutting ceremony Credit: Diplomatic Watch
Attendees enjoyed late-night karaoke at Kanpai, participated in raffles, and played games. A grand raffle prize, valued at over $2,000, encouraged visitors to collect stamps from newly opened businesses, including Meow Claw, Okaeri Japanese Café, Kanpai, Kajiken, and Uzu Sushi. A “Wheel of Fortune” game offered additional prizes to those who tagged the event on Instagram.
With its successful debut, Congressional Village Plaza is set to become a premier destination for shopping, dining, and community engagement, driven by collaboration and economic growth.
