Limon's Gems & Jewels closing in Bethesda after 105 years in business

A number of longtime Bethesda businesses have closed since I began this blog in 2006, but Limon's Gems & Jewels might just be the oldest. Owners Cliff and Robbie Limon have announced their shop at 7909 Norfolk Avenue will likely close by Thanksgiving this month. Their great grandfather, Jacob Limon, founded the business in 1920. The family has been involved in the jewelry industry even longer, 125 years. They are going to cease accepting new work sometime this week, and they will remain available after the closure to ensure any outstanding orders or work are fulfilled.

Stalled Bethesda condo project site sold to new developer

A downtown Bethesda lot that has been vacant, at best - and an eyesore at worst - for nearly a decade has now changed hands. 8011 Norfolk Avenue had been touted as the future site of The Claiborne, a boutique condominium property, since 2016. The project repeatedly stalled out, with the last attempt to revive it taking place a full three years ago. At that time, the project's approval from Montgomery County had expired.

Rock Creek Property Group has acquired the site, and is now going to explore its options, citing potential uses to include residential, commercial, or office. The new-construction condo market has all but collapsed in downtown Bethesda since The Claiborne was first announced. Nobody is building them. The last successful condo project was The Cheval, which was delivered by Duball, LLC in 2018.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Bethesda Row (Photos)

The Christmas season was officially here, as of 12:00 AM this morning. Bethesda Row hasn't wasted a single minute. Elves from American Christmas of Mount Vernon, New York, have been busy working all day at the Bethesda development, and the main Christmas tree on Bethesda Lane has already been erected at this hour. Some decorations are new this year, such as the ornaments bouquet tacked up on the facade of Anthropologie & Co. And large stars, which are being hung from the new plaza canopy in front of that store, and hopefully light up.

Hampden Lane now open in both directions in Bethesda

Hampden Lane is open in both directions between Woodmont and Wisconsin Avenues in Bethesda today. Recently, that stretch of Hampden has been reduced to one lane, ostensibly for one-way use, but without clear directional signage. Access to the road has been limited over the last two years, due to construction of the Hampden House and The Charles apartment towers on either side of the street. Vehicular access has been restored recently, as Hampden House welcomes its first residents.