More Bethesda Open Space

It’s all about connecting people. Brookfield Bethesda will transform underused Bethesda Metro Center open space from an empty plaza into an energized spot for people to gather. This open space will include a large, welcoming and active Metro Commons fronting Wisconsin Avenue.

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The plans will provide for more useable Bethesda open space and create an attractive and fun destination for residents, visitors and Metro riders. Meet friends at the new, street-facing Metro Commons, stroll through the pedestrian Gallery, browse the shops and cafes in the pedestrian retail Promenade, enjoy the Arts Zone and arrive at the Central Lawn.

What’s There Now

Bethesda Metro Center needs help. Poorly planned landscaping, inconsistent grade changes and physical barriers make it an outdated and unwelcoming space. Metro riders emerging from the station experience a poorly lit and uninviting bus bay with no pleasant connection to the Plaza. Our plans include removal of the existing 3-story building, which is unattractive and poorly located. Removing this barrier will help to make the open space more accessible.

What’s Happening Next

The Montgomery County Planning Board unanimously approved Brookfield’s sketch plan to revitalize Bethesda Metro Center in July 2018. This follows the Planning Board and County Council’s approval of the Bethesda Downtown Sector Plan, which includes Brookfield’s vision for Bethesda Metro Center.

Brookfield will now begin work on their Preliminary and Site Plan applications to submit to the Montgomery County Planning Board later this year.

How You Can Get Involved

The future of Bethesda Metro Center open space is up to you. What events would make the future Metro Commons a lively place to visit? Share your ideas with us by answering our questionnaire.

Not ready to say anything just yet? Click the Follow button to get occasional email updates on Brookfield’s Bethesda Metro Center open space plan. You can also follow the new Bethesda Metro Center on Facebook.

About Brookfield

As the owner of Bethesda Metro Center Plaza, only Brookfield has the authority and ability to transform the property into an open space for everyone to enjoy. Brookfield Property Partners is one of the world’s largest commercial real estate companies with a goal of being the leading global owner, operator and investor in best-in-class commercial property assets. Brookfield’s diversified portfolio includes interests in over 150 premier office properties and over 125 best-in-class retail malls around the globe. The company also holds interests in multifamily, industrial, hotel and triple net lease assets through Brookfield-managed private funds.

Locally, Brookfield owns 27 properties in the Washington, D.C. region, including seven in Montgomery County. In Bethesda, Brookfield owns Bethesda Crescent and 3 Bethesda Metro Center. In Silver Spring, Brookfield owns three buildings at the Silver Spring Metro Plaza.

Which physical elements do you want to see most in the Central Lawn?