The latest iteration of the project calls for a mixed-use development of up to 319,000 SF, but does not yet break down the number of square feet designated for residential, retail or restaurant space. Developer Bainbridge put a smaller project here on hold several years ago, waiting for greater height and density to be approved in the 2017 Bethesda Downtown sector plan. Real estate observers have been looking for a much bigger project here, a site that literally sits atop the Bethesda Metro station, and will be only a block away from the future Purple Line station at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue.
29 comments:
I can't wait for all the crappy gas stations in Westbard to get nice mixed-use development like what Bethesda is getting.
I don't understand how any gas station other than the W stays in business. More proof that Westbard residents are stupid.
You can't use Giant or Safeway reward points at W, right?
But, I agree with you. Bring on a shiny new Wawa or Sheetz gas station to replace one of the existing.
7:16: What do you figure you're going to run your car on after all the gas stations close? It'll take more than magical thinking to operate it without gasoline.
Electricity.
And in the meantime, gas-sipping hybrids mean fewer trips to the gas station.
7:47: Maybe by 2030, but certainly not now. Majority of vehicles are gasoline powered.
7:50: And in the meantime, you're destroying the planet by driving your hybrid up to Germantown to fill it up because all the closer stations have closed. Think about it.
Folks who live nearby appreciate having local businesses who can service their vehicles.
At last this site might get redeveloped. It is perhaps the most centrally located site in Bethesda, with three or maybe even four street frontages if they include the western parcels. It would be nice to see a true mixture of uses including residential, and edgy new hotel, office and amenities like a cinema or live entertainment venues like the Amp.
I say, go big or go home!
8:58 AM Agreed! Being so central in the downtown, next to Metro, this should be the tallest height possible.
Including a movie theater would be another huge win. Residents appreciate Robert's constituent service on the movie theater need in the community.
Good news. This site is an eyesore.
I read elsewhere there is only going to be 5000 sqft of retail. Really sucky if true, especially for this location with so much street frontages!!
They need to close off Hampden Lane between Wisconsin Avenue and East Lane, and combine those two blocks.
Seems like everyday I get up and Robert Dyer is reporting on some new development.
@9:37
Despite its status as Bethesda's de facto main street Wisconsin Avenue is a pretty poor retail corridor. The developer may be trying to minimize their risk exposure in this case.
Robert said:
"And in the meantime, you're destroying the planet by driving your hybrid up to Germantown to fill it up because all the closer stations have closed. Think about it".
Um no Robert, just no. Global warming, climate change and air pollution in general is a hoax. If you would just listen to Trump you would know this. There is no damage to the so called "environment"
Perfect for a movie theater!
Poor Bob doesn't understand that this property is currently under contract to a developer who wants to build senior housing.
For reference, the previous approval was for 205,000 SF, including 15% MPDU’s, and included 5500 SF of retail., and four lev;es of underground parking. The building was going to be 14 stories high, plus penthouse amenities, on a site that allowed 143’ in the Bethesda Sector Plan. The previous approval was only for the former gas station site, that is about 36,500 SF in area.
The proposed new plan shows 319,000 SF, which according to the posted sign, includes some unknown amount of MPD*’s,. The new Downtown Bethesda Sector Plan allows up to 250’ if they have 15% MPDU’s, or 10’ higher for every 2.5% of additional MPDU’s. It’s is unknown if the site will be expanded to include the former Tommy Joe’s or the former Pine’s of Rome, both of which are vacant and abut the former gas station site.
So it looks like the proposed plan is about 50% larger that the previously approved plan. I hope the design is as equally cutting edge as the previously approved concept.
Not sure if they really need any onsite parking in that a large county garage is located just across Wisconsin, that is mostly utilized by office workers, so it could easily be reciprocally shared by residents when not being used by the nearby offices, or the new AC Hotel. Of course most new apartment buildings and all condos provide some onsite parking as a matter of course as a convenience to lease or sell units.
In other gas station news, the owner of the Sunoco on River Road (next to Whole Foods) decided to retire and sold it off. I met the old and new owners when I was filling up the other day. Both nice folks.
Build a giant outdoor bar and restaurant and leave the original building. And for all you complaining about needing a movie theatre, there’s a theatre right next to Bethesda row. Why do we need two?
4:53: Saul, as I've explained to you 1000 times, Landmark Bethesda Row does not show the mainstream blockbusters that draw the extra 20,000 visitors to an area with a mainstream cineplex per weekend.
"If every letter must receive a response, send 30000 letters." - Saul Alinsky
Landmark Bethesda Row brings 30,000 visitors to that area.
See, I can make up statistics, too.
5:19: Unlike your statistics, mine are taken from a scientific study on the impact a cineplex has on the businesses around it. One which the County Council should have read before allowing Bethesda to go without one!
I even directly informed them about it when I testified before the Council on the 7272 Wisconsin minor master plan amendment.
It wasn't a "scientific study". It was promotional material from a developer.
Reminder: The Barnes & Noble adjacent to that cineplex in Towson closed 8 months before the one in Bethesda did.
5:36: Nope, it was an actual study. Perhaps it was cited in other materials, but that doesn't affect the original work.
5:41: It didn't close because of the theater.
Landmark is great for what they do. But they don't offer family films nor blockbusters. Bethesda is pretty family oriented.
Silver Spring has the AFI Silver Theater AND Regal. Both do well and bring folks to the restaurants. Just as Regal and Landmark coexisted for years.
Great constituent service!
Please post a link to the study on how urban cineplex support nearby businesses! You have been referring to this for years. Let us all review this mythical study to confirm it is not just a marketing effort put out by a movie theater company as many of us suspect.
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