Real estate firm Rappaport Co. is now trying to re-energize the demand for the space with new marketing materials. They present a vision of a Bethesda Market.
Do grocery stores consider there is too much competition right now, with another grocery store on the way next year at 7900 Wisconsin Avenue, just two blocks away? Walmart has a Neighborhood Market format that fits this space exactly (~40,000 SF), but has closed at least nine of those stores this year, it must be noted. Lidl stores are only 20,000 SF, so one would fit here, as well.
What else is about 40,000 SF that would fit here? Dave & Buster's. Maybe that could give downtown Bethesda's dead nightlife a small shot in the arm.
Rendering via Rappaport Co.
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33 comments:
Keep an eye on Lidl for sure. They are coming to MoCo in a big way.
Boy, would I love an Aldi's, but me thinks the ol' Bethesda demographic isn't a fit on paper.
Perhaps a Whole Foods, or would it be too close to the ones in Chevy Chase and North Bethesda? They seem to like very urban sites like this.
How about a Wegman’s? The one’s in Twinbrook and at Fannie Mae certainly are years away. They could plant their flag in MoCo in a few months of remodeling time.
What would everyone like to see here?
The community could support a Dawson's Market type of grocery.
Walmart would be awesome. But Bethesda Left wing nuts would never allow it. Blocked them from Rockville already.
9:19 AM I think people didn't understand the difference between the urban scale Walmart vs. Super Walmart in Germantown.
The urban Walmart (which was included in a JBG project next to a metro station in Tysons), is more like a Wegman's.
How about a Pinstripes or a Punchbowl Social?
+1 on the punchbowl social or bowling alley suggestion
Bring much needed entertainment options to downtown Bethesda
9:30 - Perhaps they didn't but the smaller Walmart concept would be incredible because all their departments in one place with a sizable grocery. I go to the Tyson's location all the time. Some have everything the larger store has of course but it's pretty awesome.
What about a roller rink?
How about a horse track?
I second the bowling alley/arcade/bar idea. Maybe put an axe-throwing area as well.
Black box theater perhaps?
Car dealership showroom would work here.
Walmart?? Lol There's no way Walmart is coming to Bethesda. Aside from the fact that there's a de facto ban on new Walmart's in Montgomery County, the stuffed shirts in Bethesda would riot at the notion.
Bethesda is more likely to get one of the Las Vegas-style strip clubs that Dyer wants.
You can cross out Lidl too. Whole Foods is the obvious tenant, but the location isn't the best. Would still be an upgrade from the Soviet-style Westbard store though.
It's time for a publix. They are expanding into the metro area. this spot would be perfect for one.
^^^^I second a Publix!
I read on Sam Eig that Wawa is coming to Gaithersburg. (if approved).
Is this space too big for Wawa?
Maybe the Skins can move there!
This rendering is so inaccurate. Where are the drifters?
Sports Book... this place will bring back the night life in Bethesda.
2:16 PM The rendering is great. It brings store further out to the sidewalk and street rather than being a recessed bunker.
2:10 PM is trying to take credit for Dyer's scoop on Wawa's location, renderings and public hearing information on Sam Eig? You owe Dyer a Wawa hoagie for that.
1:14 - I was the one who mentioned Walmart. I agree, as I said, Bethesda would never allow that. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't be perfect because it would be.
Wow!
Even better.
Another grocer of some sort. Harris Teeter needs competition. When I walk by there I can see the tops of their shelving It's all dusty. Learning
Harris Teeter needs more self checkouts.
LOL.
8:49pm always turns the discussion off topic and back to him and his blog. Get back on topic please. We're talking about the future of the old Safeway space. Focus.
22;16 PM: Under the boardwalk or up on the roof...
Went to that Safeway many times and it was rarely crowded. Presumably traffic congestion deterred drivers and it will be that much worse going forward. A successful food retailer at that location will need to rely heavily on foot traffic. Lot’s of prepared food, upscale, etc.
i would love an aldi. huge no to whole foods.
Lidl. Period.
Lidl. Period.
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