Demolition of Thyme Square/Blu Lounge underway in Bethesda (Photos)

Contractor Coakley Williams has begun demolishing the "old Bethesda" throwback building at 4735 Bethesda Avenue, formerly home to such tenants as Thyme Square and Blu Lounge. Developer JBG Companies is replacing the structure with a new, larger and more modern retail building.

This is part of a block-length makeover of Bethesda Avenue between Woodmont Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue by the development firm, which will include a surface route for the Capital Crescent Trail once construction begins on the Purple Line, a new office building to replace the existing one at 4733 Bethesda Avenue, and a revamped 7200 Wisconsin Avenue with new restaurants and retail.

Several readers have said that the slight detour of the CCT required for this demolition has some sightline safety issues, and has resulted in at least one jogger-cyclist collision, which fortunately did not result in serious injury. Good warning to take extra care here, and be aware of your surroundings, whether you are a pedestrian or cyclist passing through this area.

Here is a panoramic
view of the demolition
(click to enlarge):