A downtown Bethesda building that holds memories for many women in the area is now slated for demolition. Demolition permits have been requested for the former Claire Dratch boutique at 7615 Wisconsin Avenue. Founded by Joseph and Claire Dratch in 1948, and famously serving notable women of Washington society as well as brides-to-be, the business closed in April of 2018. An asbestos removal project will be performed prior to the demolition; it is scheduled to begin today, and conclude on October 25, 2023.
If you like high society but are not born into it, being a fashion designers is a way to get a foot in the door. I met a woman who followed that path. She had stories from Eisenhower to Mayor Barry to Trump (while he was still a democrat) to prove it.
ReplyDeleteThat's just the beginning. That entire side of town will be meeting the bulldozer in the next few years. Old buildings aren't really the issue but they, along with open air lots, are way too valuable. The only one that won't be touched is the old theater.
ReplyDeleteAnd Pumphrey's.
DeleteClaire Dratch was there before the Dead Sea was even sick.
ReplyDeleteAnother bit of old Bethesda slips beneath the waves. My mother, aunt, and grandmother were all Claire Dratch habitues. Many were the afternoons of my early kidhood spent being dragged to the boutique while one or another female of our family explored the latest available. As I recall, a large open wooden staircase entertained me adequately while the adults tried on frocks. Any tedium endured was rewarded; invariably we'd afterwards visit the cool confines of Gifford's, where I was always well contented with a scoop of chocolate or mint chip ice cream.
ReplyDeleteModern Bethesda may be many things, but nostalgic is not among them.
Indeed, very thoughtful post. :-)
DeleteThank god. If it’s just going to sit vacant then rip it down!
ReplyDeleteDoes that include the adjoining business(es) (e.g., Bite of Aisa)? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAmerican City Diner in Chevy Chase was torn down earlier this week. I wonder when the Satsuma block will meet the wrecking ball.
ReplyDeleteAs if on queue, @11:21 proves my point.
ReplyDeleteIt’s been closed for 5 years. You want it to sit abandoned for another 20 years just so you can stare at it and think of your childhood? I’m sorry but not everyone else shares the same fondness for YOUR childhood.
DeleteAnother sad day indeed.
ReplyDeleteSeems odd to completely demolish an infill commercial building like this, without any sort of approved plan to replace it. One would think its highest and best value would be if the site was combined with one or more neighboring sites to create a lot large enough to build a larger and taller building. If this isn’t possible, anyone buying a vacant single lot would likely just build back another one or two story high building on the site, just like what already exists. Asbestos abatement and renovation would surely be cheaper than complete demo and reconstruction.
ReplyDeleteIt seems a vacant lot does not make this parcel any more sellable than the existing building as is. Adding a temporary surface parking lot doesn’t seem to make any sense either at this location.
To quote Jar Jar Biggs, me-so confused.
6:03pm: At least The Avenue/Capitol Crab group is keeping the ACD site as a social gathering spot!
ReplyDelete@12:08 AM Wondering what you mean by "And Pumphrey's"? They're still actively in business :-)
ReplyDeleteStating that the Jazz & Supper club AND Pumphrey's are the 2 buildings that aren't going anywhere.
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