More "signs" construction of Artena Bethesda is about to begin

More "signs' that construction of the long-delayed Artena Bethesda development is about to begin have appeared at the rear of the 8000 Wisconsin Avenue property, on Woodmont Avenue. After demolition permit requests appeared on the Saphire Cafe building, and the public parking lot on Woodmont Avenue closed to the public, now a couple of Clark Construction signs have been erected inside the fencing around the parking lot. The Aksoylu Properties development has been in the works since at least 2017.

Bethesda construction update: Solaire 7607 Old Georgetown Road apartments (Photos)

The Solaire 7607 Old Georgetown Road apartment tower is in the home stretch of construction on the former site of the La Madeleine restaurant in downtown Bethesda. The Solaire 7607 will house 198 residential units, 1500 square feet of retail space, and a four-and-a-half level underground parking garage. This will be developer Washington Property Company's second Solaire-branded property in Bethesda. Clark Construction is forecasting a 2024 delivery for the tower.

Bethesda construction update: Solaire 7607 Old Georgetown Road apartment tower (Photos)

Construction continues at the apartment tower with the name that's quite a mouthful, the Solaire 7607 Old Georgetown Road development. There's a new frame-like structure attached to the very top floors, which looks a bit like a giant grill from the front of a car. Perhaps a construction-savvy reader can explain what this is. My guess is it's related to the eventual screening of the mechanical equipment up there. 

When completed, the 22-story tower will hold 198 rental apartments, 1700 square feet of ground floor retail space, and 4.5 levels of underground parking. Solaire 7607 Old Georgetown Road was anticipated for a late 2023 delivery, which has slipped to "2024" according to Clark Construction, who ought to know better than anyone as the lead contractor. Developer Washington Property Company's webpage for the project has never listed a delivery date.

Bethesda construction update: Solaire 7607 Old Georgetown Road (Photos)

Here's a look at the latest progress on the Solaire 7607 Old Georgetown Road apartment tower in downtown Bethesda. The tower crane was expected to be removed this weekend, but possible thunderstorms this afternoon and evening may interfere with that plan. With a Jenga-stacked design and brick cladding, the building manages to look both modern and traditional at once. The 22-story tower will hold 198 rental apartments, 1700 square feet of ground floor retail space, and 4.5 levels of underground parking. Solaire 7607 Old Georgetown Road was anticipated for a late 2023 delivery, but I notice Clark Construction is now referring to 2024 on their website, so we'll see how the timing pans out as the year goes on.

Bethesda construction update: Hampden House apartment tower (Photos)

Construction is still in the early stages at the future site of the Hampden House apartment tower, located at 7316 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda. Work is still proceeding on the 5-level underground parking garage. Hampden House will include 366 residential units, and 10,100 square feet of ground floor retail space. The developer is B.F. Saul, the architecture firm is Torti Gallas + Partners, and the construction contractor is Clark Construction. A 2025 delivery is anticipated for the project.

Solaire 7607 Old Georgetown Road apartment tower project tops out in Bethesda (Photos)

Hometown Bethesda firms Washington Property Company and Clark Construction celebrated the topping out of WPC's Solaire 7607 Old Georgetown Road apartment tower development this past Friday. "Topping out" refers to the successful placement of the final beam atop a structure, and is traditionally marked by a celebration among the construction team and development partners. 

Clark has poured 14,500 cubic yards of concrete, and installed 2000 tons of rebar, at the construction site so far, WPC said.  The Solaire 7607 will house 198 residential units, 1500 square feet of retail space, and a four-and-a-half level underground parking garage. A late-2023 delivery is anticipated for the project.

How did they get here? Here's a look at the construction progress over the last two months, in chronological order:

Top 3 photos courtesy Washington Property Company
Construction photos: Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row