Redevelopment Launches At Downtown Bethesda Office Building

Developers, community members and local officials gathered Tuesday for a "glass-breaking" ceremony marking the pending redevelopment of the office building at 7550 Wisconsin Avenue.

The project, spearheaded by Akridge and Rockwood Capital, LLC, will bring Class A office space to the 120,000 square-foot building with amenities including floor-to-ceiling glass, a green roof with entertainment space, ground floor retail and a fitness facility, according to a news release. Developers will also aim for LEED gold certification through the U.S. Green Building Council, which rates environmentally-friendly structures.

The developers bought the vacant space from the U.S. General Services Administration last spring for $12.5 million, according to a release. The building, which once housed offices of the will be re-vamped over the course of the next year.

“In spite of being a sort of model child in terms of mixed use, Bethesda has not had any new office space deliver in 11 years,” said Akridge president Matt Klein in a statement. “With 7550 Wisconsin, we hope to remedy that hiatus and also raise the standard for office development in this market by targeting LEED Gold certification, for example, which will represent a new level of sustainability here.”

Among the attendees of Tuesday’s glass-breaking were Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot and chair Leslie Ford Weber.