SHOCKER!

FRESH GRILL CLOSED,

DANSEZ! DANSEZ! MOVING

AFTER CONSTRUCTION

DAMAGE RENDERS BETHESDA

BUILDING "UNSAFE"

Fairmont Avenue Storefronts Shuttered

After Building Ruled Structurally Unsound

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Diners hoping to enjoy an Angus Burger at Fresh Grill, and patrons anticipating a much-publicized dance performance at Dansez! Dansez!, were equally shocked and disappointed Saturday night.

Both businesses were locked tight, and surrounded by security fencing. Puzzled diners and dance buffs alike had more questions than answers. A small sign was placed in front of each shop, explaining that construction damage ("in our building," said Dansez! Dansez!, "caused by construction next door," said Fresh Grill) had forced closure of the building they share.

Patrons were advised to stay tuned for updates on when they would reopen. In the case of Dansez!, concertgoers were directed to an alternative site Saturday evening, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center.

It being Saturday night, neither business responded to messages. It is unclear right now who is "to blame" for the construction mishap.

But after some preliminary digging on my part, it is clear that the building's shutdown could be a long one. If not permanent. Especially for Dansez! Dansez!.

Their website says the damage occurred all the way back on February 14, and that their building has been deemed "unsafe to operate." In contrast to Fresh Grill's hopeful "Please Stand By" type of message, Dansez!'s actions suggest they have given up on the damaged structure altogether.

Dance classes have been moved to Imagination Stage temporarily, but Dansez! is moving to a brand new location on April 1, at 8020 Norfolk Avenue.

It isn't known this morning if there is any more hope of reopening the Fresh Grill at their current location, or if they will have to relocate as well.

Ironically, this is nothing new for Bethesda. Last year, South Street Steaks suffered a lengthy shutdown, when a car crashed into its building. I'm not making this up, folks!

The only remaining question in this case is, who caused the damage? My first thought had been that a mishap had occurred at the adjacent site, where a new residential building is being erected. There had been demolition and digging activity.

However, Fresh Grill's sign says, "next door," and - as I mentioned - Dansez! says, "in our building." Although it's hard to imagine what sort of construction inside a dance studio could cause an entire building to be condemned.

So, hopefully we'll have more details soon, but I wanted to post the news so fans of both spots are aware of the situation, and that dance students know where their classes will be. And that the future of that building is possibly in question.