Wednesday, December 03, 2025

Colonial Opticians won't reopen in Bethesda after fire


Colonial Opticians
has announced its store at 4942 St. Elmo Avenue in Bethesda is now permanently closed. The store was heavily damaged by an electrical fire Sunday night, November 30, 2025. Customers are being directed to the chain's Rockville location at 1776 E. Jefferson Street at Federal Plaza. Colonial Opticians has not ruled out a return to Bethesda in the future, but an expensive repair of its fire-damaged space makes little sense, as the building is expected to be demolished for a new apartment tower.





11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hopefully not an eyesore for years like the old army-navy store on Wisconsin!

Anonymous said...

I SEE what you did there... #EYEsore

JAC said...

1:33 - Yes, you never want an optician to be an eyesore. 😆

Anonymous said...

Upcoming demolition? Looks like perfect timing to have a fire and collect insurance.

Anonymous said...

Shortsighted?

Anonymous said...

Ha, 3:35 not intended but great catch!

Anonymous said...

Be-da-dum!

Anonymous said...

@4:27 Couldn't leave well enough alone could you?

JAC said...

7:40 - I'm not sure what your comment means.

Anonymous said...

Since you mentioned it, is there a closing date for Old Georgetown Grill? For Peter’s Csrry-Out on Wisconsin?

Anonymous said...

They’ll be back. Colonial Opticians is part of the joint venture of the new building going up next year. It’s part of the deal they reached to acquire the property for the new building.