Developer South Bay Partners presented a redevelopment plan for the shuttered Exxon gas station at 7340 Wisconsin Avenue, a block from the Bethesda Metro station. Unlike previous developer Bainbridge's scuttled
luxury apartment plan, this project will be all senior housing. The 250' tall tower will provide units for independent senior living, assisted living, and memory care residents, for those 55 and older.
No final architectural design has been shown yet. Massing diagrams were revealed at last night's meeting, however. There will be up to 340 units atop 5000 SF of retail. The potential retail sounds like it will be similar to that of the other new senior housing on Rugby Avenue, targeted toward residents and their family members and visitors, as much as to the pedestrian passerby. There will be dining facilities on-site for residents. Vehicle access to the building will be via Hampden Lane.
While this does not help bring more millennials to downtown Bethesda, it does address a need for senior housing in Montgomery County. It's certainly a great location for still-active seniors to be able to access downtown Bethesda on foot, and the rest of the region via the nearby Red Line and Purple Line stations (when the latter opens at Elm Street). Real estate observers will still wonder what might have been, had this site been assembled with Douglas Development's adjacent lot (former Pines of Rome/former Tommy Joe's), and rumored acquisition of the AOTA property next to that.
I was at the meeting last night as well.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great idea, and maximizes the density near transit with minimal parking, only about 8- spaces below grade, mostly for staff and a few residents that might still drive. Its nice to see senior living options that are located in city centers, and not just relegated to remote suburban locations. To include seniors in our life, and not tuck them away. This location will be ideal for visiting children and grandchildren, only steps from the Metro. The residents get to enjoy living in an active area with tons of nearby events within a quick stroll.
The massing looks interesting as the are proposing to stack the building different that most senior facilities. Lobby and retail in the base, with memory care on the next two floors, with an adjacent outdoor living area carved out of the massing. In the middle of the building the propose assisted living, also with a dedicated outdoor terrace carved from the tower. Both of these would of course include food service and dining rooms.
On top, the bulk of the building would be independent living, with a nice roof terrace and adjacent dining room for those who choose to take a meal outside of their apartment, but still stay in the building. At the meeting, they indicated that these would all be straight rental units for age 55+ residents, without the need to “buy in” with a required substantial payment.
They indicated the building would be mostly clad in brick, but would still be a modern design that doesn’t try to look historic, like the retro inspired Metro Tower multifamily housing high rise proposed to the south.
They are proposing a recessed lay-by lane near the building entrance on Hampden, which will be handy for drop offs, mall and grocery store shuttles and ride share services. The building will be set back from its western property line, so it will be able to have tower separation and windows on all four elevations, unlike a few other projects around town that share adjacent property lines with other existing or proposed buildings. The project will utilize brownfield tax credits to remediate the former gas station site of any hazardous materials.
Yes, a full block development would be cool, but in some ways, smaller buildings create a more granular density with more variety and character. I look forward to watching this project proceed.
Putting a "Memory Village" right next to a Metro station...I can't see any possible problems with this, no, siree...
ReplyDeleteYou don’t think seniors have a right to be part of a thriving community? Obviously, memory care floors are secure and limit the possibility of memory impaired residents from wandering off.
ReplyDeleteFinally a project that the Bethesda residents who require utter quiet and peace can approve of. No pesky blue LED lights either.
ReplyDelete8:49
ReplyDeleteWouldn't be so sure....Kensington residents are up in arms over a senior building going up there. There is no project in Montgomery county safe from the NIMBYs. If they won't use it, they don't want it near them.
Told you about this in May... yawn.
ReplyDeleteWhile I applaud more senior housing in urban areas, this location right next to metro is a waste not to be useful for those who won’t take metro.
ReplyDeleteYou think folks who are 55+ do not take the Metro? You sir or madam are an ageist!
ReplyDeleteLiving steps from a Metro station is a great option for seniors who might not be able or want to drive, but are still active. Seniors are more mobile and healthier than ever before. I can imagine lots of seniors who might choose to live here and take the Metro to Grosvenor for a concert, Chevy Chase for a doctor appointment or grocery store, Pike & Rose to shop or dine, or one of the many museums in DC that are just steps from a Metro station. Even a trip to see a Caps or Nats games or to go to the Wharf is very easy on the Metro. Of course soon we will all be able to use Metro (and MARC) to access three international airports, without driving and expensive parking. Metro fares are very affordable once you are over 65, at 50% of the peak fare price and much less hassle and expensive than owning, insuring, fueling, parking and maintaining a car, even if you still maintain your drivers license as you age. Not having a car in America means you can spend over $9000 per year on other things that may be more important to you, perhaps like a great apartment in this new tower.
Being close to a Metro also makes it much easier for friends and family to visit, especially grandchildren who don’t drive.
I am 70 and take the metro more than twice a week. Would you rather have me drive?
ReplyDeleteBrightview senior living just opened on Rugby so there could be more capacity than demand. Brightview is expensive and out of the reach of many people. I am sure this planned facility will also be expensive but it would be nice to think it would open itself up to less well off people.