FORMER BETHESDA BP STATION REOPENS CONVENIENCE STORE (PHOTOS)

The gas pumps and concrete islands of the former BP gas station at Old Georgetown Road and Fairmont Avenue have been demolished.

But the property has pulled an Eastham's. Like Eastham's, the site is about to be redeveloped as a luxury residential building. But, also like Eastham's, its service station structure remains.

Where Eastham's has temporarily leased their space as a repair shop, the BP has now reopened its convenience store.

My guess is, the convenience store is leasing the space, which allows the landowner to earn income until construction begins later this year.

The shop closes very early in the evening, but if you happen to walk past it on your way to work, or home, it could indeed be convenient.

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.