Vandals break into vacant Bethesda surplus store again

Vandals have once again smashed their way into a vacant surplus store at the 8008 Wisconsin Avenue property where a redevelopment plan has stalled for several years. An entire glass panel had been shattered away as of yesterday morning. There appears to be an uncovered shaft that disappears into the floor just inside the window, presenting a danger to any trespassing children or urbex explorers who might be tempted to go inside. The store and adjacent properties continue to be one of the major eyesores created by stalled development downtown.

DOUGLAS DEVELOPMENT TO UNVEIL PLANS FOR DOWNTOWN BETHESDA PROJECT (PHOTOS)

One of the two anticipated Douglas Development redevelopment projects is about to be unveiled to the public in downtown Bethesda. The DC-based developer is hosting a public meeting Tuesday, July 15, at 7:00 PM, in room D at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane, regarding its plans for the 8008 Wisconsin Avenue property. That property runs along Cordell Avenue, as well, and consists of the former Ranger Surplus store, a dry cleaners, and a beer-wine store, known as the "Beer House."

This entire city block is about to be entirely overhauled by Douglas and another developer, JBG. What will be left standing in a few years includes Fairmont Plaza, Bruce Variety and a future chocolate shop.

All we know so far is that the project will include up to 135 apartments, and 4000 SF of commercial space. Fifteen percent of the apartments will be MPDUs, above the required 12%. Douglas Development is also seeking a parking waiver for the project.

Several land deals by Douglas in recent times have left residents wondering what will become of those properties, which also include the potential for a major project on the sites of Tommy Joe's and Pines of Rome.

The former Ranger Surplus
on Wisconsin Avenue

A tattered POW-MIA flag
flutters in the breeze behind
the Ranger Surplus building

Flag again, plus a view from the
site towards Triangle Towers

Sign announcing the meeting

Dry cleaners

Beer House

RANGER SURPLUS CLOSES IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Downtown Bethesda's longtime surplus store, Ranger Surplus on Wisconsin Avenue, has closed. The property was recently closed on by DC-based Douglas Development, which plans to redevelop it and several adjoining properties.

One indirect result of the store closing was that the sidewalk out front remained unshoveled. Without Ranger Surplus, the block is a lonelier place: they took the uniformed sentry who used to guard the door with them. He was downtown Bethesda's version of a Buckingham Palace guard.

This guy is nowhere
to be found on
Wisconsin Avenue