In the News...Solaire Bethesda construction complete

By: Adam Bednar

Construction of the Solaire Bethesda, the apartment complex its developer touts as its most “upscale living destination,” is complete.

Washington Property Co. announced it completed construction of the 139-unit development on Tuesday. The mixed-use building’s retail space, which will include a True Food Kitchen, is expected to be complete early next year.

“Solaire Bethesda sets a new standard for modern urban living in Bethesda,” Daryl South, Washington Property Co. senior vice president said in a news release. “Our goal is to provide residents with not only an incredible apartment home in a premier location, but also with service and convenience that will make our residents’ lives a little bit less hectic so they can enjoy living in downtown Bethesda.”
The development currently only has occupancy permits for the first three floors. The rest of the 12-story building is expected to have occupancy permits by the end of next month. Janel Kausner, an associate vice president with Washington Property Co., said the company has just started leasing the units so there were no rental figures available.

The units will range in size from 606-square-foot studios to three-bedroom units with 1,400 square feet of space. Amenities in the development include a pet spa, a terrace overlooking Bethesda and a fifth-floor lounge with an entertainment bar. The average cost per month for a unit, Kausner said, is $2,800.

The building is also within walking distance of the Metro’s Red Line, which connects with Union Station in Washington. Once the Purple Line light rail route is complete residents will also have connections east and west to other portions of suburban Maryland.

Bethesda Solaire, with its emphasis on high-end amenities, appeals to established professionals and empty nesters, Kausner said. That fits with demand in the area, she said, noting that Solaire Bethesda is not the kind of development intended to attract recent graduates leasing their first apartment.

“People generally have some disposable income and are established a little more professionally here in Bethesda,” Kausner said.

The Bethesda development is Washington Property Co.’s third Solaire branded development. The company has also built Solaire properties in Silver Spring and Wheaton. Construction on a second Solaire project in Silver Spring is slated to begin next year.

Washington Property Co., according to the firm, has developed more than 1.8 million square feet of commercial space in the District of Columbia metro area. It also has 1.6 million square feet of residential projects in the pipeline.

http://thedailyrecord.com/2016/10/18/solaire-bethesda-construction-complete/