DEVELOPER PROPOSES NEW BUILDING FOR CORNER OF NORFOLK AND CORDELL

Remember The Veneto?  That 8 story condo and retail project planned for the corner of Norfolk and Cordell Avenues stalled out in recent years.

Now the owner of the classic building that currently occupies the spot is floating a 2-story, glass facade building for retail and/or restaurant use.  Developer Norfolk-Cordell II, LLC says, optimistically, the "new" building will open in early 2013, and that one floor is already leased.

The concept illustrations, and 2 story height, suggest a renovation of the current building, rather than a demolition of it.  If that's the case, while I think even the existing building design could be made to work, a renovation would be better than knocking it down.

The corner is a prime spot on Norfolk Avenue.  Long-term-minded investors should know that Norfolk is planned to be the "Bethesda Avenue" of the future, redeveloped "Old Town Bethesda."

That makes it a great location to be in, once new residential buildings are constructed and occupied.  There's also a vacuum for a restaurant that is in between the high-end, fine dining of Tragara and Grapeseed, and the more casual spots like Freddy's Lobster and soon-to-open Smoke BBQ.