FIRST LOOK AT iPic THEATER AT PIKE AND ROSE (PHOTOS)

The future iPic movie theater at Pike and Rose in White Flint has mostly been discussed for its upscale pricing, dining options, and reserved seating. But here are the first renderings of what the cineplex will actually look like on Grand Park Avenue in North Bethesda. Those of you who get a chill from the AC at movies will enjoy the preview photo of the trademark iPic blankets. Overall, there are some design similarities to the newly-renovated Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema. Let's take a tour:

Have you bought your Star Wars: Episode VII
tickets yet?

Does the curved screen suspended above
this corridor look familiar?

Not your typical snack bar

Premium ticket holders get iPic pillows
and blankets. In case you're wondering, they are
replaced with fresh ones at each screening

Images: iPic Theaters, All Rights Reserved.

WESTIN BETHESDA HOTEL DESIGN UNVEILED (PHOTOS)

Westin has unveiled the first renderings of the future 12-story Westin Bethesda hotel.

The two-building hotel-office complex will share an underground parking garage with over 500 spaces. A pedestrian promenade will cut between Wisconsin Avenue and Woodmont Avenue.  It resembles Bethesda Lane without the arches. Art and a water feature will be among the public amenities. Lobby and garage entrances will be on the Woodmont side.

You can also see a rendering of the lobby below.

This hotel definitely needs a Las Vegas-style nightclub. But no such nightspot is in the works.

FIRST IMAGES OF FUTURE BETHESDA ROW CINEMA BAR AND CAFE (PHOTOS)

EXCLUSIVE!

Check out these very cool renderings of what the new bar and cafe area will look like at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

Click on the images to blow them up for the fine details. The renderings are very detailed, showing the sweeping, wraparound "shimmer screen" that will play off of the new pendant lights high above the space.

Wall sconces, high-end finishes, and lighted cabinetry will enhance the modern feel.  You can also see where TVs will be installed.

This is all in relation to the theater's acquisition of a liquor license, allowing beer, wine and spirits to be sold in this cafe, and at the bar.

I've included a photo of how the space looked yesterday, so you can compare it to the future design.

The new space, which the theater calls the "Bethesda Row Cafe," should be ready to go by the summer season at Bethesda Row.

I like the design, and the soon-to-be-realized concept proves the County Council doesn't get out in Bethesda very often. Last time I checked, we already are "hip" over here.