The Potts Hall Welcome Center Project will create the new Mount Rainier Potts Hall Welcome Center. The Project consists of a new double-height lobby addition to City Hall, the renovation of the existing adjacent 2-story Potts Hall, and a connection to City Hall. The proposed lobby addition will be located between the existing Potts Hall building and the existing City Hall building.
Background
Mount Rainier is part of the economic revitalization efforts of Prince George's County. Mount Rainier is within the Gateway Arts District, an area designated by the state and county for revitalization through the development of arts and entertainment-oriented businesses. The City of Mount Rainier has developed several guiding documents for community revitalization, sustainability, and street improvement and design, including the City of Mount Rainier Mixed-Use Town Center Zone Design Plan, the Mount Rainier Urban Green Infrastructure Master Plan, and the Mount Rainier Bicycle and Bikeways Master Plan.
Potts Hall History
Construction
Construction began in March 2023 and was completed in October 2025. The project was overseen by City Manager, Kourosh Kamali and was completed in two phases, with Monarc Construction awarded both phases.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Mayor Celina Benitez led a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the newly renovated Potts Hall Welcome Center. The event was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including State Delegates Diana Fennell and Julian Ivey; former Mount Rainier Mayors Malinda Miles and Bryan Knedler; current City Council members Valerie Woodall, Danielle Carter, Jenny Hoffpauir, and Joseph Jakuta; and City Attorney Elisa Levan. Former Council members Jimmy Tarlau, Jarrett Stoltzfus, and Shivali Shah were also present, along with Tracy Hadden Loh, Principal Director of the WMATA Board of Directors, project architects Howard Goldstein and Jill Schick, and representatives from Greenwill Consulting Group. Community members and city staff also joined the celebration.
Related News
City of Mount Rainier Celebrates Official Opening of Potts Hall Welcome Center
Historic Building, Potts Hall to Undergo Renovations
