WORK IN PROGRESS
2025 has gotten off to a robust start here at MV+A. In this issue we will explore the full range of projects keeping us busy—from a host of multifamily / mixed-use projects to a range of commercial projects nearing construction completion.
Multifamily Moves Forward
Following up on the success of Phase I completed this time last year, Westbard Square, Phase II, a mixed-use multifamily project for Greystar, is well into the entitlements process.
While sitework for a new park and townhomes is currently underway, MV+A has begun the schematic design of the 5-story, 200-unit residential building with approximately 22K SF of retail—all serviced by an interior parking structure. MV+A is thrilled complete the vision for this new neighborhood that has ben nearly a decade in the making.
Westbard Square Phase II | Bethesda, MD
718 + 800 Central, a new multifamily development for Republic Metropolitan, involves the rezoning of a 3-acre parcel and the development of its neighboring site to allow for two new residential buildings with approximately 400-units total. The project, located at the entrance to the Plaza – Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte NC, is planned to accommodate a future light rail line and station at its western boundary and expertly crafts its design and scale to connect to the existing neighborhood.
718 Central | Charlotte, NC
1021 Gilpin is our latest collaboration with longtime client Berger Rental Communities. This 7-story, 130-unit multifamily development will be a transformative project for the Trolley Square neighborhood of Wilmington, DE. The project is currently in review and construction is expected to start this summer.
1021 Gilpin | Wilmington, DE
MV+A is currently working with Rob Rosenfeld Real Estate and the Knutson Companies to design the first phase of The Loehmann’s Plaza Shopping Center Redevelopment in North Bethesda, MD. Phase I will include 89 three bedroom rental units – 36 duplex townhouses and 53 smaller townhouses – targeted to families and young couples. This development will help to address Montgomery County’s identified family housing shortage. The phase includes the addition of three new streets defining two pedestrian friendly blocks. New on-street parking and sidewalk improvements to the surrounding existing infrastructure will help integrate the development to the existing residential fabric. In conjunction with the redevelopment, MV+A will provide design services for the renovation of the existing shopping center. Construction is planned to start this fall.
Loehmann’s Plaza Redevelopment | Bethesda, MD
NoBe II is the next major development in the North Bethesda corridor along Rockville Pike. This affordable, 7-story, 268-unit multifamily development will replace a previously underutilized office building site with a more walkable, pedestrian friendly neighborhood development. The project, developed by SCG, has been submitted for permitting and will hopefully begin construction before the end of the year.
NoBe II | Bethesda, MD
Big And Bright In Bethesda
Landow & Co. Management is a longstanding MV+A client with a signature office building at 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD. The building has increasing competition from new, taller, amenity-rich buildings built in the advent of the 2017 Downtown Plan which advanced major zoning changes to building height and other requirements affecting commercial office buildings.
The first order of business was the front door and creating a sense of drama; how to transform a dark, dated, single-story space into an open, airy, welcoming space that pulls you through an enfilade of materially resplendent spaces including a beautifully lit, glass channel feature wall.
Lobby Entry | 7910 Woodmont Avenue | Bethesda, MD
One of the initial major challenges was removing a substantial section of post-tensioned floor slab to create the new double-height lobby space. In addition, the building was to remain fully operational throughout the construction.
Removing the post tension structure was a slow process that involved shoring up the second-floor slab, installing new turned up beams and structural elements before slowly cutting the existing post-tensioning and removing small sections of the slab. Most of the work was done at night during a short window of time so that they would not disturb tenant in the building as well as residents living in nearby buildings.
Construction Photos in Area of Existing Post-Tension Rods
Lobby Renovation Details | 7910 Woodmont Avenue | Bethesda, MD
Lobby Feature Wall Lighting | 7910 Woodmont Avenue | Bethesda, MD
With the lobby nearing completion, a whole host of additional building projects are either in construction or in the works. A new major fitness room will feature a full range of gym equipment and full locker rooms within a spa-like atmosphere. A large bike room accessible from the street will be added along with a more graciously appointed tenant mailroom.
Overlooking the lobby on the 2nd floor, a new conference and lounge area will provide tenants with a range of new, well-appointed amenities. The conference space will accommodate larger groups with flexible furnishing options. A catering kitchen will service the 2nd floor amenities as well events within individual tenant spaces and a separate coffee bar and kitchen area will be accessible to all tenants. Other amenities will include a quiet zone and a terrace-like space for the warmer months.
More to come, so stay tuned!
Other Commercial Projects Nearing Completion
West Springfield Shopping Center in West Springfield, VA presented numerous challenges in terms of extensively renovating an active retail location without disrupting the robust commercial activity. Working with property owners Principal Real Estate and McCaffery, along with Rappaport as the construction manager, MV+A pursued a range of solutions to appropriately reposition the center.
An extremely ambitious initial vision for the project was gradually tempered in lieu of a more stealthy and artful approach to incorporating and reimagining existing structures and installations with the intention of minimizing disruptions and the overall project duration.
Left: Pentagon City, VA | Right from Top: Rocky River, OH | Tysons, VA
West Springfield Shopping Center | Left: Before; Right: In Progress
For our latest Whole Foods Market in Reston, VA, MV+A was charged with developing a new, larger location for an existing store. Moving into a former Best Buy at Reston Spectrum near Reston Town Center, involved a host of building improvements from reconfiguring the loading and other service required upgrades to creating new glazing and skylight installations to align the space with Whole Foods’ design standards for natural lighting.
The design aesthetic for the interior will speak to Reston’s modern design roots along with reflecting the areas open spaces and wildlife habitats and the community’s passion for the outdoors. Other local references will include trailways, railways, highways and airways [think Dulles Corridor].
Whole Foods Market | Reston, VA | Proposed + Existing
