Montgomery County leaders are starting a new push to transform downtown Wheaton, riddled with strip malls, shuttered stores and an array of economic ventures that never materialized, into a polished, walkable urban center.

County Executive Ike Leggett Wednesday announced that local real estate company B.F. Saul will craft a mixed-use plan in coordination with private interests around the Wheaton Metro station and downtown hub, now lined primarily with small retailers and restaurants.