[3] The shopping center is located in downtown Silver Spring, which underwent densification and renovation from around 2005 through 2020, resulting in a retail, dining and entertainment hub for the Washington metropolitan area.

[4][5] Ellsworth Place anchors include a two-story Burlington Coat Factory, Nordstrom Rack, Dave & Buster's, (as of August 2022) DSW,[6] Five Below, Marshalls, Michaels, Ross Dress for Less and TJ Maxx.

An initial redevelopment in the early 2000s saw the addition of a row of street-level shops, including PNC Bank, MOD Pizza, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Ben & Jerry's.

In 2005 then up-and-coming artist Rihanna performed a free concert at the mall, on a temporary stage built over the center court fountain.

The event was sponsored by radio station Hot 99.5, and was in support of her debut album Music of the Sun, with proceeds donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina.