HOME CARE ASSISTANCE MAKES DOWNTOWN BETHESDA MOVE OFFICIAL (PHOTOS)

The somewhat-obvious move of Home Care Assistance down Norfolk Avenue to the former O'Rourke Jewelers space is now official. Their old office is closed, and that space is now for lease. Home Care Assistance provides in-home care for seniors, as well as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients. The new HCA address is 7950 Norfolk Avenue.

NEW TENANT FOR OLD O'ROURKE JEWELERS SPACE IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

There's been some activity in recent days inside the former O'Rourke Ltd. Jewelers space at 7950 Norfolk Avenue, in downtown Bethesda. It appears Home Care Assistance, a Bethesda agency that offers in-home care for seniors, is either expanding, or moving into the vacant store, which is right near their existing Norfolk Avenue headquarters. HCA also offers specialized in-home services for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients. 

There is no official announcement on any lease or move/expansion yet. But a number of people have asked me about the future of this space, so I'm keeping you up to date on what I'm hearing.

O'Rourke was an Old Bethesda fixture, enjoying a run of more than 45 years in business, and closing on its own successful terms.

THE RUINS OF O'ROURKE IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

An old building, and one of modern Bethesda's oldest businesses. Closed for good, after 45 years, and now cleared out. Welcome to what remains of O'Rourke Ltd. Jewelers on Norfolk Avenue.

O'ROURKE JEWELERS CLOSING IN BETHESDA AFTER OVER 45 YEARS (PHOTOS)

Amidst the barrage of Ronnie Mervis and "Jewelry Exchange in Bethesda!!!" ads, it's sometimes easy to forget the quieter jewelers in Bethesda - some of whom have been around for decades. O'Rourke Ltd. Jewelers is one of those. Sadly, they will be closing their doors (or should I say, door?) at 7950 Norfolk Avenue for good on January 31. O'Rourke has been in business here for over 45 years.

Their space will now be up for lease, on a block that has seen tremendous change south of the store. Part of the older structures that line the block was demolished to make way for the Norfolk-Cordell II building, which now houses Smashburger, rooftop restaurant Roof, and - next month - a Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins store.