The newest Starbucks in downtown Bethesda at 7200 Wisconsin Avenue missed its August 20 opening date, and still has not opened as of this writing. Everything looks the same inside as it did a couple of weeks ago. When it does open, it will replace the current store across Bethesda Avenue. That one is being demolished to make way for a new apartment tower.
The site of the existing Starbucks (and the Joseph Banks, Vace, Vance’s Wine Shop, Pho Restaurant and the former Capital One Branch Bank) has not been fully approved for any new development yet, so to report that it will be demolished is premature. Even if it get approved, the entitlement process and permitting, as well as construction drawings and bidding, mean that the new construction will not likely start for at least a few years.
ReplyDeleteIt will be nice to have a new Starbucks though, especially will the large adjacent outdoor dining area.
I am curious if the county and EYA are advancing plans for a deal on the development of the underground parking that would replace the two surface parking lots across the street, and allow that portion of the eastern greenway to proceed. It would be great to see Elm Street Park greatly expanded, as well as an expansion and renovation of the Farm Woman’s Market into a new food hall. Especially once the Purple Line and the new south entrance to the Bethesda Metro Station and CCT improvements open in a few years.
These multiple massive projects will really energize the south end of downtown, and I believe might even shift the perceived epicenter of Bethesda south to this multi-modal intersection of heavy rail, light rail and an enhanced hiker biker trail. With Marriott moving in soon, it looks like downtown Bethesda will become a lot more bipolar and bifurcated, with much more development distant from the current epicenter.
Just an accurate photo depiction of nightlife in Bethesda. Moribund!
ReplyDeleteThey are moving today. Sign posted says store closed 8/31-9/2.
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