THAT 70s BUILDING STARTING TO LOOK LIKE A BUILDING - BETHESDA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

The well-lit Donohoe construction site of That 70s Building (a.k.a. The Gallery at Bethesda) makes details of the rapidly-rising structure more visible at night than in the daytime.

Among the interesting details in the photos below: the actual underground parking garage entrance and ramp are now well under construction. It practically looks ready to drive a whitewall tire, vinyl roof 70s sedan into.

There's also a bridge segment that ends in middair, probably temporary, but where you might expect Darth Vader to duel Luke Skywalker.

The building in the background is Triangle Towers, and that's the original WHFS radio tower atop the building.

That 70s Building continues to hold a commanding lead in the current Bethesda construction race, and Donohoe is on track to deliver the first post-recession luxury building downtown by winter.

STREET SWEEPING TO AFFECT BETHESDA STREET PARKING STARTING THURSDAY, APRIL 11 (PHOTO)

Be alert for signs prohibiting on-street parking around downtown Bethesda later this week.

Starting Thursday, Montgomery County will be conducting Spring street sweeping operations in Bethesda. As you can see from this sign along Woodmont Avenue, you may not be able to park on certain streets during that period.

Signs are popping up now, so plan ahead if you utilize downtown street parking.

You may have seen Bethesda Urban Partnership's street sweeper before. It makes regular rounds to keep downtown Bethesda clean. But the county sweeper is doing a more-thorough cleaning. Hence, the parking restrictions.

NEWS EXPRESS INSTALLS STOREFRONT SIGN, MAILBOXES (PHOTOS)

News Express, downtown Bethesda's newest convenience store and newsstand, has installed a permanent sign over its future Cordell Avenue storefront.

Another intriguing addition is the bank of post office boxes, which strongly hints that the functioning U.S. Post Office in the old News Express could be returning at the new location.

That would be good news for residents and businesses in the northern part of downtown Bethesda, who are not within easy walking distance of the nutty new post office location at 6900 Wisconsin Avenue.  Contrary to political and media assertions, the failings of 6900 and its lack of parking persist, and have absolutely not been resolved to the satisfaction of residents.

7550 WISCONSIN AVENUE NEW LOBBY PHOTO GALLERY

Finally, I have here for you a complete photo gallery of the gleaming new main lobby of 7550 Wisconsin Avenue.

7550 is the first new Class A office space in downtown Bethesda in over a decade.

Take note that Ethan Hunt left his sunglasses on the lobby's still-under-wraps front desk.

For you, readers, this exclusive preview is Mission: Possible.

CHRISTMAS LAMP POSTS IN OLD TOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The Christmas spirit is slowly making its way all around downtown Bethesda.  Here are some lamp post decorations you'll find on Fairmont Avenue, and by the CVS on Wisconsin Avenue:

GLEAMING NEW LOBBY AT 7550 WISCONSIN AVENUE (PHOTO)

Here's a photo of the brand-new main lobby at the future Class-A office tower 7550 Wisconsin Avenue.

WHERE TO BUY CHRISTMAS TREES IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

A Christmas tree lot in downtown Bethesda? Yes!  It's on Hampden Lane, just up Woodmont, north of Bethesda Row.  Just follow the signs.

Better yet, buy your tree, and they will deliver it to your apartment or house within 10 miles of Bethesda!

Years ago, there used to be a Christmas tree lot on Bradley Boulevard, on the street behind the Bradley Shopping Center. What's there today? Houses.

You will also be able to buy trees from the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, on the corner of Battery Lane and Old Georgetown Road. And from North Star on Wisconsin Avenue, along the "Green Mile" between downtown Bethesda and Friendship Heights.

BETHESDA RESTAURANTS OPEN FOR THANKSGIVING 2012

Spending Thanksgiving in Bethesda, but need to find a restaurant serving Thanksgiving dinner?  Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row to the rescue!

Whether your kitchen has malfunctioned, or you have to stay in town for work, or you're just all alone in the world, just about anybody can find themselves in need of a restaurant Thanksgiving dinner.  And it sure beats having to do all that cleaning up!

Here is a list of downtown Bethesda restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner.  There may be others offering dinner, but these are the ones that have made their intentions public so far:

Assagi - 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM.  3-course dinner, $44.  Whole turkeys also available to go.

Brasserie Monte Carlo - 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM.  Dinner, $29.95.

Morton's (inside Hyatt Bethesda) - 3:00-9:00 PM.  Steak dinner.

Rosa Mexicano (this in Chevy Chase, DC, but the menu sounds so good, I'm adding it to the list!) - Slow-roasted Yucatan Turkey, pumpkin creme brulee.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - 3-course dinner.  Turkey breast, sweet potato casserole.

At least 2 restaurants are opening as bars on Thanksgiving, providing an after-dinner getaway for those who can't stand their family members or need a meet-up spot for Black Thursday:

American Tap Room - 5:00-10:00 PM.

The Majestic (Wisconsin Avenue) - 4:00 PM - close.  Bar menu only.

If your restaurant is serving dinner on Thanksgiving, and it's not listed here, email me or tweet me @BethesdaRow so I can add it (if you're in Bethesda, obviously!).

WHICH BETHESDA RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN?

Note:  If you don't see your favorite Bethesda restaurant on here, that doesn't necessarily mean it's closed.  It may just be that I don't know they're open yet!

OPEN:

American Tap Room
Capital Teas
Bold Bite,
Lilit Cafe
Mon Ami Gabi
Jaleo Bethesda
Parkers
Yamas Grill
BGR
Nando's Peri-Peri
Georgetown Bagelry
Bethesda Bagels
Zen Tara Tea

UNFINISHED WISCONSIN AVENUE SIDEWALK PROJECTS CONTINUE TO DRIVE DOWNTOWN BETHESDA RESIDENTS CRAZY (PHOTOS)

I continue to hear many complaints from downtown Bethesda residents regarding the Maryland State Highway Administration's unfinished sidewalk projects on Wisconsin Avenue.

Stay classy, Bethesda

The jagged edge - watch your step!

The work has been going on for months now.  I've seen county contractors do one of these ADA retrofits in 2 days, in contrast.

Don't trip on that currrrrrb!!!

These photos were taken last week.  I can't recall a sidewalk project that was partially finished, and then just abandoned like this.

MATHNASIUM OPENING IN FAIRMONT AVE. STOREFRONT (PHOTOS)

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Here's a leasing update from Old Town Bethesda:  Professional math tutoring company Mathnasium is coming to Fairmont Avenue.  The tutoring center will take over the storefront next to the future Take 5 Boutique.

Mathnasium provides children struggling with math a diagnostic evaluation, and then tailors a custom learning program.

This is good news for students and parents in Bethesda, and a convenient location.  Of course, for the rest of us who might have been hoping for an interesting new restaurant, or specialty store, this is a bit of a letdown...

EASTHAM'S EXXON COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, STRIPPED OF SIGNAGE - EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!

HOPES DASHED

FOR STATION'S

BID TO REMAIN

AS REPAIR SHOP

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

The developer of the historic Eastham's Exxon gas station in Bethesda showed no mercy Monday.

While gas sales were expected to end forever on Sunday, September 30, Eastham's ownership had been seeking a temporary lease to stay open as a service center, until the site was demolished for a luxury building.

But those hopes were dashed Monday, as the gas station was abruptly encircled by security fencing, and stripped of all signage.  The flags are gone from the flagpoles, and Bethesda has lost yet another auto repair facility.

A post-apocalyptic atmosphere
permeates Eastham's Exxon
Monday evening

The Eastham's flagpoles are bare,
as storm clouds roll into Bethesda

Like McDonald's and Hot Shoppes,
Eastham's was a last vestige of the
Golden Age of Motoring in Bethesda

The owners had also expressed hope of reopening Eastham's at another Bethesda location, but - again - as a service center, not a gas station.

I am aware of a site available for lease in the Westbard industrial zone on River Road.  Perhaps the Eastham's folks should investigate this, as it is a hidden site, but their customers are loyal enough to seek it out.  They would be able to have a sign out on River Road.

Could this be a future location
for Eastham's service center?
5200 River Road is for lease,
but is not roadside

For now, another piece of Bethesda history is gone.  

3 BETHESDA METRO CENTER RENOVATIONS BEGIN (PHOTO GALLERY)

TWO OF BETHESDA'S

TOP BUILDINGS PUT

ON A

NIGHTTIME SHOW

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row

Renovations are now underway at 3 Bethesda Metro Center.  The building - and neighboring Newlands Building - are two of the best architectural designs in the DC area.  Impressive in the daytime, both come into their own after dark.  Heavy moisture in the air last night - ahead of electrical storms moving into the area - heightened their already-dramatic lighting.

A beam of light points to scaffolding at
the top of 3 Bethesda Metro Center [left];
the Newlands Building is at right

Close-up view of scaffolding

Another scaffold at upper right corner

Believe it or not, you can
still enter the building
despite the police tape

Protective canopies have been installed
over street-level sidewalks

This is the company doing the work

MY FIRST BETHESDA APARTMENT - A YOUNG PERSON'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO APARTMENT HUNTING IN BETHESDA, MD - BETHESDA APARTMENTS, RENTALS

Welcome to the sixth installment of My First Bethesda Apartment:  a weekly, urban guide to the intimidating task of apartment hunting in Bethesda, and scoring and furnishing your dream pad once you find it.

BETHESDA APARTMENT

OF THE

WEEK

1 BR/1 BA  THE METROPOLITAN (click for listing) - $1801 a month

This week's apartment is not cheap.  But the outstanding location right by the Bethesda Metro Center, washer and dryer in-unit, large closets plus storage, fitness center, 24-hour concierge, and pool are among many reasons to round up a roommate or two, and make it work!

SPLURGE OR FAKE IT

SPLURGE OR FAKE IT

Spend lavishly, or just make everyone think you did!

You can't spend more lavishly than at Bethesda's Design Within Reach.  So if you're searching for a multi-arm lamp for that living room sofa, you're going to have a choice:

SPLURGE

Serge Mouille 3 Arm Floor Lamp from DWR - $7,380

FAKE IT

Ore 5 Arm Floor Lamp from Kmart - $93.60

Where do you stand?  There are people in Bethesda who could write that check for the Serge Mouille without a second thought.  And they'd be getting a 1952 design classic, the finest materials, and... it's made in France.

But the rest of us will have to Fake It this week, and save over $7200(!!) in the process.  Get to know your local Kmart in Aspen Hill for handy bargains like this.  5 arms beat 3 any day!

Have a great weekend, and let me know if this guide helps you find the apartment of your dreams, in the Richest Town in America!

DO YOU KNOW YOUR CRANE SIGNALS? - BETHESDA CRANE WEEK

After a day off for torrential downpours, Bethesda Crane Week is back in full swing (pun intended).

Today, we should brush up on crane signals.   In fact, everyone in downtown Bethesda should!  If you know the signals, you'll be able to follow the action at the Monty and That 70s Building construction sites like a pro.

Crane signals - click for larger image

With crane fever spreading in downtown Bethesda, I expect workers to empty out of offices at lunch, and head to Bethesda Lane for a crane signal workout.  When I think of the large dance and yoga gatherings held previously outdoors at Bethesda Row, my thought is, why not crane signals?

Sure, maybe you know the latest dance moves, but do you know how to "Lower the Boom" or "Dog everything?"

It's just a matter of time before Equinox adds a Crane Signal Workout!

BETHESDA RESTAURANT WINDOWS SHOT OUT - EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

TWO RESTAURANTS

TARGETED, MOTIVE OF

SHOOTER UNKNOWN

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Two Bethesda restaurants on Wisconsin Avenue had their front windows shot out over the weekend.  Pizza Tempo and Shangri-La each had a large front window pane boarded up Monday.

Pizza Tempo

Pizza Tempo

Shangri-La

I've heard nothing official from police in regards to the crimes, as of press time.   It's unclear what the shooter's motive might have been, as the locations and cuisines of the two restaurants are quite far apart.

ANOTHER BURGLARY NEAR DOWNTOWN BETHESDA - BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

A break-in last Thursday, September 13, was the 9th burglary in neighborhoods near downtown Bethesda in 2 months.

The burglary occurred in the 4800 block of Langdrum Lane, in a Chevy Chase neighborhood that directly adjoins downtown Bethesda.  That neighborhood borders Somerset, which has been hit 5 times by itself during that period.

Again, it was another such crime in an old-money neighborhood, a hallmark of this set of late summer burglaries.

WHERE TO CELEBRATE MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY IN BETHESDA - ¡VIVA MEXICO!

Sunday, September 16th is Mexican Independence Day.  Why not celebrate at one of downtown Bethesda's Mexican restaurants?

Uncle Julio's, at the corner of Arlington Road and Bethesda Avenue, is a Bethesda Row favorite.  Their beverages - alcoholic and non-alcoholic - are standouts on the menu, especially their Swirls.

Tia Queta

Ascend to the open-air rooftop patio for specials and perfect weather Sunday at Tia Queta, at 4839 Del Ray Ave.

Guapo's may be the most popular Mexican restaurant in downtown Bethesda.  8130 Wisconsin Avenue.

Bethesda's newest place for Mexican food and drinks is Plaza del Sol, at 4932 St. Elmo Avenue.

What is Mexican Independence Day?  It started with Father Hidalgo's Grito de Dolores on September 16, 1810.   At 11:00 tonight, the Mexican president will ring a bell, and address a crowd in the Mexico City public square, concluding with a triple "¡Viva Mexico!"

Join them in spirit, tonight or Sunday, at one of the many Mexican restaurants in downtown Bethesda!

MORE PICS ADDED TO BETHESDA BUILDING DEMOLITION PHOTO GALLERY!

Lots more smashing, crashing, crumbling and shattering action brought to you from downtown Bethesda, in this exclusive photo gallery.

The Veneto "phantom condo" building is being knocked down, and the raw destruction is captured in every frame!

COREPOWER YOGA COMING TO BETHESDA NOVEMBER 16

STUDIO TO OFFER

POWER YOGA,

HOT POWER FUSION,

YOGA SCULPT AND

MORE

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

After much discussion of opening a Bethesda location, CorePower Yoga has confirmed it will open in downtown Bethesda on November 16.

The new studio will be above CVS at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Bradley Boulevard.

In addition to all of the amenities you would expect from an upscale yoga chain, they will have a boutique selling active wear and accessories for men and women (you can comparison shop with Lucy and lululemon at Bethesda Row).

If you aspire to teach yoga, they have a special training program just for that, as well as boot camp programs.

This will be a convenient location for those who live in the Adagio, or in the apartments along Bradley Boulevard.

CorePower Yoga, 6800 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 300.