FAIRMONT AVENUE BRIGHTENED BY NEW STREETLAMPS (PHOTOS)

The block of Fairmont Avenue between Old Georgetown Road and Norfolk Avenue - particularly after the closure of Relic Lounge, and several restaurants - tends to be quite dead at night. Lighting has also been an issue, with so many closed or "for lease" storefronts along the street.

Construction of several residential buildings - hopefully with some ground floor businesses to activate the street at night - and the potential of new tenants for the former Fresh Grill, Dansez Dansez and BlackFinn spaces give some hope for a future transformation. One hint of that future was illuminated this week by the activation of new street lamps along the thoroughfare, by the Bainbridge Bethesda apartments. This improves public safety, and makes the street slightly more inviting at night.

The improved streetscape, which also included new brick pavers, was facilitated by the development of the Bainbridge Bethesda, which spans the block between Fairmont and St. Elmo Avenues.