SOLAIRE BETHESDA LUXURY APARTMENTS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Solaire Bethesda is still in the early stages of construction on the former site of Eastham's Servicenter, at 7100 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda. Eastham's has moved to the corner of Fairmont Avenue and Old Georgetown Road. Solaire is being developed by Washington Property Company, and has signed its first ground floor retail tenant, True Food Kitchen. The new building's close-by neighbor seen in these photos is Crescent Plaza.

7008 WISCONSIN AVENUE OWNER HAS PROPOSAL FOR REDEVELOPMENT IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The new downtown Bethesda development map created by the Montgomery County Planning Department has an idea from owner Washington Property Company listed for its properties at 7008, 7010, 7022, 7026, 7028, 7032 and 7034 Wisconsin Avenue. These retail properties are between Woodmont Avenue and the Playseum next door on Wisconsin.

A potential redevelopment scenario shown on the map consists of a mixed-use residential building that would range from 145' along Wisconsin to a stepped-down 75' where it faces residential properties in back. Its combined new street address would be 7008 Wisconsin Avenue. The current CBD-1 zone only allows for a structure of 60' in height, so the zone would first have to change to CR 4.0.

The existing property backs up to an alley and the multifamily housing along Strathmore Street. Washington Property Company is currently building a mixed-use project across Woodmont Avenue from this site, the Solaire Bethesda.

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN TO OPEN BETHESDA LOCATION IN 2016 (PHOTO)

The future Solaire Bethesda luxury apartment building has its first tenant, a healthy lifestyle-themed restaurant based on the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil. True Food Kitchen will occupy a 6400 SF ground floor space when it and the Solaire open in 2016. A partnership between Phoenix-based Fox restaurants and bestselling medical author Dr. Weil, True Food Kitchen has an existing area location in Fairfax County's Mosaic District.

Developer Washington Property Company believes the restaurant fits Bethesda's reputation as a healthy place to live. “We think Solaire Bethesda is the perfect location for True Food Kitchen,” said Daryl A. South, Senior Vice President of Development and Acquisitions in a statement yesterday. “Bethesda is home to the National Institutes of Health and is one of the nation’s most bicycle-friendly communities. We think this exciting restaurant concept will be a magnet for Bethesda’s discerning and health-conscious residents, as well as visitors from all over the area.” Two other healthy dining concepts attempted in Bethesda have had mixed results - Rock Creek closed on Elm Street (and at Mazza Gallerie) a few years ago, but Seasons 52 remains a mainstay at JBG's North Bethesda Market.

In addition to the restaurant, the Solaire Bethesda will house 139 luxury apartments, and is being marketed with its proximity to the popular restaurants, shops and theaters of the Bethesda Row area in mind.

The Solaire will rise on the site remembered for its historic Eastham's Exxon service station, which was demolished to make way for the new development at 7100 Wisconsin Avenue.