Bethesda Theatre
Preservation
Preservation
The owners of the
Bethesda Theatre building, the Beta Corporation, propose to build an entirely
residential complex with a 94-foot apartment building above the theater set
back only 20 feet from the front of the theater.
ADSW is concerned that this will obscure the identity of the theater and make it seem encapsulated into the new construction or, at best, a decorative appendage. In addition to the primary 20-foot set back issue, we are also concerned that the new design is not harmonious with the theater building and its Art Deco style.
In June 1997, ADSW attended and testified at a "preliminary consultation" with the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission. Later that summer, ADSW reported on the status of the Bethesda Theatre.
In July 1998, ADSW nominated the 1938 Bethesda Theatre in Montgomery County, Maryland to the National Register of Historic Places. ADSW calls upon Beta to redesign their project so that the new construction is set back further from the street.
In August 1998, ADSW called for community support to stop the proposed 10-story apartment building from swallowing the Bethesda Theatre.
In October 1998, ADSW's nomination to the National Register was approved.
Anyone interested in this matter, especially Montgomery County residents, should contact Linda Lyons, co-chair of ADSW's preservation committee, about supporting ADSW's position and helping with the work of the committee.