The Connor Building is...gone in Bethesda (Photos)

The Connor Building has been completely razed at 7720 Wisconsin Avenue. With the retail structure's lot just a flattened pile of rubble, you can now see the historic Bethesda Theatre from Woodmont Avenue. This demolition is part of the site preparation for the future Marriott headquarters, which is moving down here from the Rock Spring office park in Bethesda.

This isn't a loss on the level of Pizza Hut (which was steps away from this building) or Hot Shoppes for me, but I was a fan of the interior "Arcade" corridor design, and the signature quarry stone exterior. Such stone facades seem to be among the most-demolished in recent years downtown.

Bethesda demolition update: Connor Building (Photos)

More of the Connor Building is gone, as demolition of the retail structure continues at 7732 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda. There's even a bit of excavation going on, perhaps to remove utilities beneath the building and parking lot. Rising in its place about 5 years from now will be the new Marriott headquarters, which is moving downtown from the Rock Spring office park area of Bethesda.

Bethesda demolition update: Connor Building (Photos)

Window shoppers at the Connor Building on Wisconsin Avenue are getting a grand view - of Woodmont Avenue. It's almost hard to tell what's holding up parts of the building from that angle, as demolition progresses. The site is being cleared for the new Marriott headquarters and hotel.

Demolition update: Connor Building (Photos)

You can now see through the Connor Building, and you can also see into the interior and central arcade corridor. The commercial building is coming down to make way for the new Marriott headquarters and hotel, which are scheduled to deliver in 2022.

Connor Building demolition begins (Photos)

Days after the Marriott Corporation confirmed the site of the Connor Building would be its choice for a new headquarters and hotel, demolition of the venerable retail building has begun. They waste no time, although the project isn't expected to deliver until 2022.