Monday, October 20, 2014

FIRST IMAGES FOR REVAMP OF SAAH BUILDING IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The architecture firm of Steven J. Karr, AIA, Inc. has posted the first renderings of what the Saah Building at 7813-7817 Old Georgetown Road will look like, when its exterior renovation is completed in August 2015. Aside from one vacant space, the building's tenants currently include Sports Extra and Sandy Nails.

From the renderings it appears the shop window and entrance of Sandy Nails will switch places, but the first level spaces will generally remain about the same in glass coverage. Upstairs, the distinctive street-facing glass will be replaced with a 3-segment window facade that appears to allow more light into the space. Upstairs side windows are similar in layout, but a black segment that matches the color used on parts of the streetfront design will be added. Finally, a public art mural is shown for the side wall of Sports Extra.

Overall it appears to be an overdue refresh for the building, which was constructed in 1954. Karr's firm is also working on several other projects in the Woodmont Triangle, including the former men's shelter on Cordell Avenue, and Greenhill Capital's Lot 667 project along St. Elmo, Norfolk and Fairmont Avenues.

All images courtesy of Steven J. Karr, AIA, Inc.
All rights reserved.

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:19 AM

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    1. Anonymous7:46 AM

      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    2. Anonymous8:51 AM

      Sigh. Putting lipstick on a pig.

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    3. Anonymous9:49 AM

      Seriously why bother with this kind of renovation? Is this going to attract more business? Rents going up? Higher profile new tenants? What's the rationale?

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    4. Anonymous9:50 AM

      I get if there were more density added or new better businesses attracted, but this seems kind of pointless without knowing the big picture.

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  2. Anonymous10:01 AM

    Nice to see "old" Bethesda get a refresh but Steve's stuff just looks all the same. And I agree with the above commenter - what's the point exactly of this facelift?

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  3. Anonymous11:12 AM

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  4. Anonymous11:13 AM

    Snark aside, that is one of Bethesda's ugliest old buildings. Yet I will miss it when it is gone.

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  5. Steve D.12:24 PM

    A Bethesda classic. Good to see it hanging in there.

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    1. Anonymous7:49 PM

      Not trying to sound rude but what is classic about it? Honest question.

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