I noticed there are a good number of street trees proposed compared to other recent projects. It's still somewhat disappointing that we are not getting a 29-story office tower with a Fortune 500 anchor tenant at this location on top of Metro; Montgomery County has not attracted a single new major corporate headquarters in over twenty years. On the other hand, this does place seniors who may have limited walking capacity in close proximity to existing and future restaurants and shopping, as well as to the Purple and Red Lines.
At least 11 street trees shown around the block |
"Montgomery County has not attracted a single new major corporate headquarters in over twenty years."
ReplyDeleteThis is FALSE.
Oh, and we're still waiting to see that resume of yours, to see what would actually qualify you to undertake that task.
This looks like they have really listened to the Design Advisory Panel’s comments and responded with an improved concept. The assisted living and independent living amenities are now located on the second and third level and will help engage and activate the street. The enhanced height at the corner, with an enclosed winter garden at the top is nice, especially how this mass rises all the way up from the base to 270’, as suggested by the DAP. The larger number of street trees do look like a nice idea as well.
ReplyDeleteI think this type of high-end luxury senior housing would be a real success at this location and in Bethesda. Highly connected for residents who are still mobile, and perfectly located for visitors and staff very close to transit. A great way to engage seniors in the the community, instead of the typical suburban elderly housing options.
The angled geometry and massing add a bit of variety to the area as well, reducing the bulk of the building. The angular glass bays look like they would create some very cool living spaces with light filled views.
Even more renderings are available at the Bethesda Design Advisory Board website. They post pdfs with architecturals of all the projects that they review. Very useful to see what's coming in Bethesda.
ReplyDeleteThe DAP renderings have been revised by the Sketch Plan submission.
ReplyDelete5:42: That is absolutely TRUE, old sport. You can't name a single major corporate HQ that has moved to MoCo in the last two decades that wasn't already here.
ReplyDeleteMore old people, that'll really help the nighttime economy. Well, maybe Walgreens will now decide to build a full size store.
ReplyDeleteLots of young people will be employed as staff, maintenance workers, cleaning crews, aids and care givers, so yes, it will likely help the so called nighttime economy. You realize senior citizens also eat out and attend movies and events, so even the seniors who are still mobile will likely frequent local venues.
ReplyDeleteAt least more than the vacant gas station.
A complete city needs to serve all age groups.
"You realize senior citizens also eat out and attend movies and events"
ReplyDeleteFrequent phenomenon already in downtown Bethesda.
Bethesda is becoming more sleepy by the day.
ReplyDeleteThe definition of senior citizen for this building is 55+. You whippersnappers.
ReplyDeleteSmashburger Rockville was not "evicted"
ReplyDeleteThere is no gym at Westfield Montgomery
Duck Donuts is open (yum!)
Hooters is not returning (wishful thinking, perv)
Sears didn't close until a year after atleast two bloggers falsely reported it. Dyer broke the story on the correct closure date. And had the emotional final sign off by Sears employees.
Any questions?
Um, dude... I think you're in the wrong room. Here we're discussing a senior residence in downtown Bethesda, not Rockville or Montgomery Mall. Perhaps you're ready for a "memory village"?
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