A long-planned redevelopment project is gearing up to start construction on the site of the La Madeleine cafe at 7607 Old Georgetown Road. Construction permit applications have been filed to begin work on a 22-story residential tower. The project was originally proposed by Washington Property Company in 2018 as a 24-story tower, and was to be delivered in June 2021, before encountering delays. La Madeleine abruptly closed about two months ago with no explanation.
That was an easy one to predict. That site isn't huge but ripe for redev. No one is missing La Madeleine. It's beyond awful.
ReplyDeleteSure would be nice if a market came in to replace the Safeway which closed on Old Georgetown Road.... Perhaps this redevelopment will encourage a new tenant to move into that vacant space?
ReplyDelete5:19 AM Speak for yourself. I and many liked that place as an eatery gathering spot.
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The quality of the food at La Madeleine was comparable to that of Paul Bakery and Le Pain Quotidien, and you got more bang for your buck. They are all meh and faux French (or Belgian), but at least the prices at La Madeleine were more reasonable for the portions you got.
ReplyDeleteI've got to stick up for La Madeleine, once again. It was a great, family-friendly (and customer-friendly) place where you could meet friends, have a business discussion, or just linger over a private meal or snack. It had great food, particularly the breads and cookies, and reasonable prices. La Madeleine didn't put on any airs, but just did what it did very well. Bethesda needs more places like La Madeleine was, not another high-rise.
ReplyDelete@5:41 PM: Bethesda needs another high rise so that there's enough population density to support the next "La Madeline" or whatever place opens and so that it can succeed. I support residential towers with space for street level businesses, especially places to eat and shop. We have enough bank branches. One thing I wish we had in Downtown Bethesda is a Balducci's location. It's a shame that Dean & Deluca never opened its planned location in Bethesda. It would have done very well.
ReplyDeleteBalducci has closed all locations here and elsewhere. I think the only one left in their company is Wildwood.
DeleteDefinitely won't be missing La Madeleine. Mediocre would be generous. No atmosphere. Time for something better.
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