FAIRMONT AVENUE BRIGHTENED BY NEW STREETLAMPS (PHOTOS)

The block of Fairmont Avenue between Old Georgetown Road and Norfolk Avenue - particularly after the closure of Relic Lounge, and several restaurants - tends to be quite dead at night. Lighting has also been an issue, with so many closed or "for lease" storefronts along the street.

Construction of several residential buildings - hopefully with some ground floor businesses to activate the street at night - and the potential of new tenants for the former Fresh Grill, Dansez Dansez and BlackFinn spaces give some hope for a future transformation. One hint of that future was illuminated this week by the activation of new street lamps along the thoroughfare, by the Bainbridge Bethesda apartments. This improves public safety, and makes the street slightly more inviting at night.

The improved streetscape, which also included new brick pavers, was facilitated by the development of the Bainbridge Bethesda, which spans the block between Fairmont and St. Elmo Avenues.

NEW STREETLAMPS ON ST. ELMO AVENUE IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

I was hoping these might be lit up after dark, but these new streetlamps along St. Elmo Avenue in downtown Bethesda aren't operational yet. You might recall that the sidewalk along this side of St. Elmo was completely redone in June, and brought up to the current Bethesda Streetscape standards. Initially, this type of streetlamp was installed in front of the new Bainbridge Bethesda luxury apartment tower. Now the rest of the block on this side is getting the upgraded lighting.

SIDEWALK WORK MOVES DOWN ST. ELMO AVENUE (PHOTOS)

The streetscape improvements along St. Elmo Avenue have moved further down the block. Remember that all businesses are still open during the work.