UNCLE SAM REFINES DESIGN OF SANGAMORE RD. INTELLIGENCE CAMPUS IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Images of a future Bethesda homeland security site have been unveiled by the U.S. Government, in response to feedback on the initial blueprints. The Montgomery County Planning Board will examine refined designs for the future federal intelligence campus, at 4600 Sangamore Road, at its January 30 meeting. County planners are recommending approval of the new renderings for transmittal to the National Capital Planning Commission, which has oversight of the project.

A refinement of the initial designs was sought in response to both community concerns, and the environmentally-sensitive location of the project, at the former Geospatial Intelligence Agency campus. The updated designs take into consideration the cosmetic appearance of several structures, as they appear from both the adjacent residential neighborhood, and from the Potomac River below.

Overall, the project aims to balance a return of the site to its origins as a scenic river bluff, and the significant expansion of personnel. The federal agencies in charge of the project are the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

I love the fantastic aerial photo of the river running behind the campus. Clark Construction has been in charge of the current construction phase, reconfiguring the high-security entrance and parking, and construction of the new Centrum building. The ultimate expansion will be a huge boon to businesses and restaurants in the Shops at Sumner Place, located directly across the street from the campus. Click images to enlarge for more detail: