Metal barricades were erected yesterday across vehicle access points at the Westwood Center II at 5110 Ridgefield Road, and the Citgo gas station at 5471 Westbard Avenue in Bethesda. Both are facing demolition to clear space for a new assisted-living senior housing development, and a realigned Westbard Avenue that will directly connect to River Road. The structures are vacant and power has been shut off to both for several weeks. On a side note, it was so foggy when these photos were taken, that the landmark TV tower is hidden behind clouds in all but one picture.
So glad to see those nasty old office and tired commercial buildings, and the gas station, come down for a nice dense mixed-use neighborhood. The central urban plaza, and the new park will be welcome additions to the area. The new senior housing will be great, and easily walkable to the central urban plaza of Westbard, which will be flanked by shops and cafes. Exactly what this tired old area needs.
ReplyDeleteHopefully more frequent bus service will be added as the place fills out with more density. Maybe someday a Phase Two Purple Line stop, on the west to Tysons. I predict that nearby condos and single family homes will increase in value being so close to a walkable 15-minute city like Westbard. The new architectural design could be better, and more varied, especially in the townhouse portion.
Hopefully the Bowling Alley site will be redeveloped soon as well, adding density on both sides of the realigned street.