For Eyes moving into new downtown Bethesda storefront (Photos)

For Eyes, one of several businesses forced out of the Apex Building ahead of its demolition, is moving into its new storefront. Their new space is in the ground floor of 7101 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda. The move has been delayed several months, as the store was originally scheduled to open in February.

For Eyes clears out at Apex Building in Bethesda (Photos)

All the glasses are gone at For Eyes, a longtime tenant at the Apex Building at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, which is facing demolition in the coming months to clear the way for redevelopment by Carr Properties. The empty display racks remain at the shuttered store.

Regal Bethesda closes (Video + photos), For Eyes to move

After closing forever Thursday night, the Regal Cinemas Bethesda 10 theater had a farewell message for patrons of its three decades in business. Known better as "UA" by longtimers, for its original United Artists Bethesda brand, the cineplex may be replaced with a new one in the Carr Properties development that will replace the Apex Building at this corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Elm Street.

If a deal can't be worked out with Regal or another chain, the Montgomery County Council and Planning Board will be held accountable, as they deliberately chose to not require a replacement theater in their approved Apex Building minor master plan amendment. Permanent loss of a mainstream cineplex would be devastating to downtown Bethesda restaurants.

The fact that the Regal message states, "We'll miss you," is troubling, suggesting they have not yet reached a deal to return. Such a deal should be a no-brainer for both parties, given the traffic that a theater anchor can deliver.

Another Apex tenant, For Eyes, will close at the close of business on Wednesday, December 28. The good news is that they have found a new spot. For Eyes will reopen in late February in the ground floor of 7101 Wisconsin Avenue, walking distance from its current location. Their phone number will remain 301-913-0290.

If you somehow fail to pick up any glasses they have of yours, they will be available during the interim period at the Rockville For Eyes location at 718 Rockville Pike. Their phone number is 301-424-4370.