BETHESDA SKYWALK EXCLUSIVE PHOTO TOUR!

Be a skywalker by taking this exclusive photo tour of the renovated Bethesda Skywalk, shot on its reopening night.

Take in the spectacular views, and consider that this skywalk at one time represented the future of downtown Bethesda. Alas, bad planning, recent dull architecture and a vertically-challenged vision of "the future," have caused us to go adrift over the last decade.

For now, enjoy the scenery!

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

IS NOT LIGHTING THE VETERANS PARK MEMORIAL DISRESPECTFUL TO VETERANS?

LIGHTS OUT

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

One thing that concerns me as summer begins, is the darkness at downtown Bethesda's Veterans Park.  As previously lit in the past, the fountain memorial to Bethesda soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice was visually impressive, and animated the park as a public space after dark.

July 2010

June 2012

After all, Veterans Park is not just a place to hang out or eat lunch; at its heart, it is a memorial.

Out of sight, out of mind, as they say.  If the memorial is hidden in the darkness of night, how is it reminding visitors of those sacrifices?  You're free to hang out there and enjoy life, because someone else gave theirs so you could.

I also wonder if the flag is adequately lighted at night, as well.  Technically, an American flag flown at night should be properly illuminated.

Is the unlit fountain a cost-saving measure?  Is the lighting malfunctioning, and in need of repair?  Given the unwise spending increases - and massive tax increases - approved by the Montgomery County Council, it would be hard to justify a cut in the lighting of a veterans memorial.  And a troubling statement about misplaced priorities.

It's time to turn the lights back on at Veterans Park.