BETHESDA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: HOMELESS SHELTER-TO-RESTAURANT CONVERSION (PHOTOS)

Interior demolition and asbestos removal are among the early stage projects at the former Bethesda House men's shelter at 4848 Cordell Avenue. The building is being transformed into a restaurant space, based on a design by local architecture firm Steven J. Karr, AIA, Inc. That firm is also involved in renovations at other Woodmont Triangle buildings, including the Saah Building and Greenhill Capital's Lot 667 collection of properties along Fairmont, Norfolk and St. Elmo Avenues.

Here's how the interior looked
about 2 weeks ago

This glass is now gone

FIRST IMAGES FOR REVAMP OF SAAH BUILDING IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The architecture firm of Steven J. Karr, AIA, Inc. has posted the first renderings of what the Saah Building at 7813-7817 Old Georgetown Road will look like, when its exterior renovation is completed in August 2015. Aside from one vacant space, the building's tenants currently include Sports Extra and Sandy Nails.

From the renderings it appears the shop window and entrance of Sandy Nails will switch places, but the first level spaces will generally remain about the same in glass coverage. Upstairs, the distinctive street-facing glass will be replaced with a 3-segment window facade that appears to allow more light into the space. Upstairs side windows are similar in layout, but a black segment that matches the color used on parts of the streetfront design will be added. Finally, a public art mural is shown for the side wall of Sports Extra.

Overall it appears to be an overdue refresh for the building, which was constructed in 1954. Karr's firm is also working on several other projects in the Woodmont Triangle, including the former men's shelter on Cordell Avenue, and Greenhill Capital's Lot 667 project along St. Elmo, Norfolk and Fairmont Avenues.

All images courtesy of Steven J. Karr, AIA, Inc.
All rights reserved.

STAIRS REOPEN AT SHOPPES OF BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The through-building staircase at Shoppes of Bethesda has reopened after a temporary closure. It is now again possible to take a short cut between Elm Street and Hampden Lane via these stairs. The closure was part of a massive renovation currently underway at the shopping center, but obviously made it less enticing for patrons to check out the stores on the opposite side of the building.

SHOPPES OF BETHESDA RENOVATION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Yesterday we took a look at the construction of the future Noodles and Company in the Shoppes of Bethesda. But the shopping center-wide renovation is still underway there, as well. All businesses are still open during the makeover (unless they had already closed). Just look for the temporary signage over the storefronts.

HELEN'S/THE BAR FILES RENOVATION PLANS, MAY HAVE SETTLED WHITE FLINT NAME DEBATE

Helen's/The Bar, a new restaurant opening in the former Addie's building at 11120 Rockville Pike, has filed renovation plans with Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services. According to the permit filing, the work will include both interior renovations, and outdoor work on the steps and ramp. The restaurant's opening has been delayed past Tom Sietsema's optimistic article's previous announcement of an April debut.

On the Helen's Facebook page, a Friday post said the restaurant likely won't be ready for a holiday opening in December. However, it said they may consider hosting a pre-opening holiday party for eager fans of Helen Wasserman's former DC catering business. Stay tuned.

The permitting process may have resolved the question of what to call the White Flint area, however. Some consider the area Rockville, and others call it North Bethesda. Competing developers are hopeful for a resolution to the battle, or a third name altogether. But Montgomery County's permitting department says 11120 is a Rockville, MD address. Given that Addie's was south of the area now being redeveloped, by that definition, all of White Flint along Rockville Pike would also be Rockville as well.

That debate won't be solved here, but the "White Flint is really Rockville" faction can certainly use such official documents to support their case.

Photo courtesy of Helen's/The Bar Facebook page

SHOPPES OF BETHESDA RENOVATIONS UPDATE: STAIRS CLOSED (PHOTOS)

The extensive renovation of the Shoppes of Bethesda continues adjacent to Bethesda Row. One particular impact of note, is the temporary closure of the stairs that allow patrons to pass from the Elm Street side to the Hampden Lane side of the outdoor mall. These will remain closed until September 26, 2014.

The major interior work underway on Elm Street is in the former Ri-Ra space, now being taken over by SoulCycle and Noodles & Co. You can also see preparations for the opening of Galaxie Cleaners, which is moving from the Elm Street side up to the Hampden side, to make way for Dunkin' Donuts.

THE PARVA TO REOPEN AS PARVA COCINA & TEQUILA BAR IN BETHESDA

The Parva, a Latin American restaurant and lounge at 7904 Woodmont Avenue, is currently renovating its dining room, and will reopen as Parva Cocina & Tequila Bar. During the renovation, the upper level Parva Lounge will remain open for business on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

While The Parva specialized in South American cuisines, including those of Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela and Peru, the new concept suggests a more Mexican theme. The owners recently opened a Tex-Mex restaurant and lounge in Wheaton, called El Fogón de Wheaton.

Stay tuned for details on the grand reopening.

SHOPPES OF BETHESDA RENOVATIONS BEGIN (PHOTOS)

The planned renovation of the Shoppes of Bethesda I reported on last November has begun. Scaffolding, temporary signage and construction fencing has popped up around the shopping center, located along Elm Street and Hampden Lane. Owner Draiman Properties is aiming to update and freshen the complex with the new design. The shopping center, and its businesses, remain open during the renovation.