Exterior walls are being formed on side of the new Giant building that faces the existing Giant store at the Westbard Square development, located at 5400 Westbard Avenue in Bethesda. Most of the rest of the structure is still just a frame. This Phase 1 buiding will contain the grocery store on the top level, office space on Level 2, retail storefronts on the ground level, and a 3-level parking garage.
Delivery of the building is currently anticipated for late 2023. The current Giant will then close and move into this new building. All businesses at the Westwood Shopping Center remain open during the construction.
I like the scale of this so far. The details and materials on the mock-up look good, and should create some interesting architecture. I still believe this will be transformative for the area, by having a dense urban village composed of a new supermarket, shops, restaurants, cafes, apartments, senior housing and townhouses, all supported by structured parking, and centered by two large green spaces.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be so much better than the nasty one story high strip center, that awkwardly has the service areas facing the street.
I look forward to what might get built on the Bowlmor site, and around the HOC and American Plant sites.
The Giant is going to be on the third floor?
ReplyDeleteIt’s the best place to frame a grocery store, without lots of columns passing through the floor plan supporting floors above. Mechanical is much easier as its on the roof of the market, and doesn’t have to pass through other floors. It also allows more retail shops on the ground floor. Since its adjacent to a parking deck, its easy to park on the top floor of the deck, and enter the market directly. Not unlike the older Trader Joe’s.
ReplyDeleteUnlike most buildings in this area, it is framed in steel, not concrete, allowing longer beams and joists framing a lightweight roof.
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