Barlow Building sold in Friendship Heights

It may have one of the most frustrating parking facilities outside of the Bethesda Trader Joe's, but the Barlow Building in Chevy Chase changed hands for a premium price about a week ago. The 1966 office tower still looks fresh on the outside, and even more upscale inside, with a total remodeling and swanky lobby upgrade in recent years under the management of Carr Properties. In fact, the building won a Toby award in 2015.

A major medical office destination for patients in the DC area, and steps away from the Friendship Heights Metro station, the building was able to command a $160 million price according to Maryland real estate records. The buyer is listed as SREIT Barlow, LLC, a shell company established in Miami Beach, Florida.

Bethesda construction update: Pitango Gelato (Photos)

Progress has been made on the interior at Pitango Gelato & Coffee at the corner of Norfolk and Fairmont Avenues in downtown Bethesda. Will we see an opening here soon, and will it be before or after Montgomery County is "reopened" from the coronavirus lockdown?

Pitango is currently offering pick-up orders at their Adams Morgan and Baltimore locations, so it's theoretically possible for them to open for business, particularly if the shutdown is extended by Gov. Larry Hogan. Stay tuned!

Arlington Road squeezed by construction in Bethesda

Arlington Road was down to one lane midday between Bethesda Avenue and the Bradley Shopping Center yesterday. There are now construction sites for EuroMotorcars on both sides of the street, including the future Audi Bethesda dealership now under construction on the former Crawford Goodyear Tire site. Watch for lane closures and flagmen.

Bethesda Metro Center fountains activated for 2020

The fountains were activated yesterday at the Bethesda Metro Center. This usually signifies that spring is officially underway, and that summer is just around the corner. However, the frigid evening temperatures and dark skies suggest that Old Man Winter just won't let go this year.

Pepco work for Marriott may cause brief blackouts for Bethesda neighbors this week

Pepco is working on underground power lines related to the Marriott construction site at 7750 Wisconsin Avenue this week. Marriott's development partners say that nearby Pepco customers may experience intermittent power outages between today and Thursday night, April 30, 2020.

The utility has also been repairing its conduits along Wisconsin Avenue. Marriott's partners say that connections for the hotel will be installed this week on the western side of the property (Woodmont Avenue).

 

Firefighters respond to smoke at Bethesda apartment tower

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a report of smoke at the new Gallery Bethesda II apartment tower on Rugby Avenue last night. No fire was found by firefighters, who still had to turn out in force, due to the height of the building. MCFRS spokesperson Pete Piringer said the mystery smoke had been seen on the 12th floor.

Fire and rescue units depart the scene after investigating smoke

at the Gallery Bethesda II apartment tower

Thief steals from cars in Ayrlawn neighborhood of Bethesda

Items were stolen from at least two vehicle in the Ayrlawn neighborhood of Bethesda off Old Georgetown Road Friday evening. Both cars were parked in driveways at the time they were plundered. The first was in the 5700 block of Trafton Place; the second was in the 5500 block of Johnson Avenue. 

If you live in that area, you may want to check if anything was taken from your vehicle. Another reminder to lock car doors, and remove or hide any items visible in the vehicle cabin.

Sex assault on Grosvenor Lane in Bethesda

A sex assault on Grosvenor Lane in Bethesda was reported to Montgomery County police Friday afternoon, around 3:45 PM. The victim reported being fondled in the 5400 block of Grosvenor Lane. According to crime data, the assault occurred along the street, not indoors.

Bethesda construction update: 8001 Woodmont (Video+Photos)

Installation of one of the most-awaited features of JBG Smith's 8001 Woodmont (rebranding of 7900 Wisconsin Avenue) development is now underway. What was shown in renderings as a mirrored ceiling of a pedestrian pass-through has been just substructure for a few months. But a reflective surface is now being attached. So far it is more of a kaleidoscope/funhouse mirror effect, but the installation is far from complete.