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Thursday, March 31, 2016
Saah Building renovation begins in Bethesda (Photos)
The facade renovation of the Saah Building at 7813-7817 Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda is underway. New windows with more natural light, and the addition of a building-side mural will be among the changes, according to the plans by local architecture firm Steven J. Karr, AIA, Inc.
Going back through the old thread, other readers have really good points. This renovation seems quite lacking.
Karr designs are underwhelming and don't add a whole lot other than raised costs.
There are so many vacancies in Woodmont Triangle now. A refreshed face will drive up rents and many of the new nicer higher prices spaces have high amounts of turnover of vacancies (see other Karr or Greenhill projects).
It drives up the price of the property so any developer seeking assemblage or looking to build higher density is going to face higher prices and barriers to entry.
We need more density and housing this close to the metro!
"We need more density and housing this close to the metro"
Spoken like a true developer. No one who actually lives here who deals with the constant traffic jams, backups, and construction would make such a ridiculous statement.
Our elected officials have failed us miserably. They favor their developer friends over the voices of the citizen groups. They will be dealt with soon enough.
I'm not a developer nor do I know anyone who is a developer. Lots of reasons we need more housing and density.
Look at all of these failing businesses, big and small - they need more people living here to shop there and support them.
As more people move into the area, the further away housing is from the jobs or mass transit it just puts more strain on the road system and creates worse commutes.
More housing will help apply downward pressure (or at least slow down) this hyper growth in housing prices due to desirability here and extremely low inventory.
All IMHO. But can you help explain your position? I would like to better understand your perspective.
I live on Battery Lane and I welcome all this development! Small sacrifice to put up with construction for a nicer place to live, more amenities, increasing my property value, a better view out my condo window, less crime, more people/lively, shops that stick around, and much more that I'm happy for.
"Spoken like a true developer. No one who actually lives here who deals with the constant traffic jams, backups, and construction would make such a ridiculous statement. "
You do realize that Dyer has made the same statement many times, especially in regards to the two TD Banks going up?
A lively area with great views , less crime (wait till PG county druggies start coming on that Purple line better start carrying) great views and increasing property values? Remember: Buy low and sell high.
Do you consider multiple TD banks amenities? I prefer wide open parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, or family things to do like bowling or skating.
Going back through the old thread, other readers have really good points. This renovation seems quite lacking.
ReplyDeleteKarr designs are underwhelming and don't add a whole lot other than raised costs.
There are so many vacancies in Woodmont Triangle now. A refreshed face will drive up rents and many of the new nicer higher prices spaces have high amounts of turnover of vacancies (see other Karr or Greenhill projects).
It drives up the price of the property so any developer seeking assemblage or looking to build higher density is going to face higher prices and barriers to entry.
We need more density and housing this close to the metro!
The renovation is less than inspired, but still, good riddance to that dingy spandrel glass.
ReplyDelete7:34
ReplyDelete"We need more density and housing this close to the metro"
Spoken like a true developer. No one who actually lives here who deals with the constant traffic jams, backups, and construction would make such a ridiculous statement.
Our elected officials have failed us miserably. They favor their developer friends over the voices of the citizen groups. They will be dealt with soon enough.
I'm not a developer nor do I know anyone who is a developer. Lots of reasons we need more housing and density.
DeleteLook at all of these failing businesses, big and small - they need more people living here to shop there and support them.
As more people move into the area, the further away housing is from the jobs or mass transit it just puts more strain on the road system and creates worse commutes.
More housing will help apply downward pressure (or at least slow down) this hyper growth in housing prices due to desirability here and extremely low inventory.
All IMHO. But can you help explain your position? I would like to better understand your perspective.
I live on Battery Lane and I welcome all this development! Small sacrifice to put up with construction for a nicer place to live, more amenities, increasing my property value, a better view out my condo window, less crime, more people/lively, shops that stick around, and much more that I'm happy for.
DeleteGreat re-use and re-purposing of existing building. Very green and sustainable strategy.
ReplyDeleteNot really?
Delete@ 3:39 PM - "Developers" are not "citizens"? Please explain.
ReplyDelete@3:59PM
ReplyDelete"Spoken like a true developer. No one who actually lives here who deals with the constant traffic jams, backups, and construction would make such a ridiculous statement. "
You do realize that Dyer has made the same statement many times, especially in regards to the two TD Banks going up?
And Dyer is absolutely right in this case. We need more housing and density this close to Bethesda metro.
Delete10:15
ReplyDeleteWhat you describe sounds nothing like Bethesda?
A lively area with great views , less crime (wait till PG county druggies start coming on that Purple line better start carrying) great views and increasing property values? Remember: Buy low and sell high.
Do you consider multiple TD banks amenities? I prefer wide open parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, or family things to do like bowling or skating.