The newest future addition to the downtown Bethesda skyline has a name - The Claiborne. That's what developer Novo has just branded its 110' luxury condominium building it has filed for review by Montgomery County Planning Board. Inside the 11-story building will be 58 condos and 2800 SF of retail/restaurant space. 15% of the units will be moderately-priced, more than the 12.5% required by Montgomery County. The building is located at 4820 Auburn Avenue, in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle.
This project is being filed under the current zoning, rather than that expected to replace it via the new Bethesda Downtown Plan in the coming months. To achieve the proposed height, Novo is acquiring density transfers from the following properties: 5001 Wilson Lane (The Peripoint Building), 5027 Wilson Lane (a commerical building across from Bethesda Elementary School), 4820 Cordell Avenue (???), 5004 Cordell Avenue (on the block between Wilson and Old Georgetown Road).
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| Ground level floor plan |
According to the sketch plan application, The Claiborne will have a 4-story base dominated by masonry, then step back six feet from the fifth floor upward with a greater emphasis on glass. "Dramatic views of the neighborhood" will be available to residents on the rooftop deck, which will have landscaping, seating and gas firepits. The 3-level underground garage will hold 45 parking spaces; the project is in a parking district with public parking nearby.
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Rooftop deck as seen
from above the building |
No public art installations are planned, but the developer says colored lights will be added to the upper northern facade of the building. These are designed to be seen by pedestrians and cyclists following Norfolk Avenue from Battery Lane Park into the heart of downtown. That feature will be fleshed out during the site plan phase, but you can see the lights represented in the color rendering at the top of this article.
SK+I is the architecture firm designing the building; landscaping will be designed by Carvalho and Good, PLLC, of the District. Everything about the project looks promising so far.
Renderings courtesy SK+I
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This looks better than The Lauren for probably a fraction of the price
ReplyDeleteLooks great on paper. A building with personality and character. Hope the reality is just as good.
ReplyDeleteIs it defamatory if someone states an opinion?
DeleteIn my opinion this building looks good.
In my opinion this density is a good thing for Woodmont Triangle.
In my opinion this building for these two reasons is much better than the ugly renovations and low density buildings in Woodmont Triangle.
Glad to see a developer adding some density, although a high rise would have been ideal. Tired of these low density hack job renovations that are going around Woodmont Triangle.
ReplyDeleteI think a major chunk of the unit prices at the Lauren is the location premium, in addition to the amenities.
ReplyDeleteBethesda Row is a great location except this is right next to a homeless shelter and a crappy run down building.
DeleteAny word on the Zika threat from Steamers?
ReplyDelete@10:47 AM - Please elaborate on homeless shelter location....I know of the one that is in the office building next to Golden House.
ReplyDeleteI think he's referring to the homeless shelter (they call it "transition housing" or some shit) that's literally adjacent to the Lauren, right across the street from the liquor store.
ReplyDeleteI'm 10:47 and yes 4;49 is correct I was referring to the property by The Lauren and Hampden Row. I am also a she. ;)
Delete@4:52 AM - This is 3:47 PM...I totally forgot the Lasko Manor building was a "transiting housing" complex. I thought you were talking about the place next to Golden House. Not many people know that there is a small private shelter on one of the floors in 4715 Cordell Ave. I guess people aren't allowed to stay there overnight but during the day they have access to whatever they need (food, bathrooms, counselors, showers, etc...). Occasionally, I see drunk or high or just crazy people sitting just a few feet from the entrance.
ReplyDelete@5:20 AM - Your guess about 4715 Cordell Avenue is not correct. This facility, named "Cordell Place", provides permanent supportive housing for 32 former homeless individuals. It is not a "small private shelter" for day use. See: https://www.mcch.net/programs/cordell.html
ReplyDelete"In my humble opinion" The latest in troll-speak.
ReplyDeleteAs opposed to Dyer's not so humble opinion. Lol.
DeleteGreat concept!! Sketch plan of the building seems great. Hope the actual building is as good as this plan.
ReplyDelete