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Thursday, January 31
Restaurant Week and Bethesda Art Walk
by
Estridge Group
on Thu 31 Jan 2008 09:04 AM EST
Check out Bethesda's Restaurant Week and the
Feb. 8th Bethesda Art Walk!
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Restaurant Week, Jan. 28 - Feb. 3, 2008, returns to offer prix fixe lunch and/or dinner menus at 35 Bethesda area restaurants. A two-course lunch is $12 and a three-course dinner is $30. Restrictions may apply. Please call individual restaurants for restrictions, menu options and reservations. To see a complete listing of restaurants, go to http://www.bethesda.org/misc/restaurantweek.htm.
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The Bethesda Art Walk takes place on Friday, February 8, 2008. Twelve downtown Bethesda galleries and studios open their doors from 6-9pm showcasing local, national and international art. Many of the galleries hold opening receptions in conjunction with the Bethesda Art Walk, which is held the second Friday of every month. To learn more, go to http://www.bethesda.org/arts/artswalk.htm
Friday, January 4
Building laws need overhaul
by
Estridge Group
on Fri 04 Jan 2008 09:04 PM EST
Group: Building laws need overhaul
Legislation expected from Berliner in spring will be based on task force recommendations
by Audrey Dutton | Staff Writer
An ambitious project that quietly ended in mid-December may redefine how houses are built in Montgomery County.
The 19-person task force chosen by County Councilman Roger Berliner (D-Dist. 1) of Potomac began meeting in downtown Bethesda last spring.
Their task was to address the so-called ‘‘mansionization” trend — tearing down small old houses to build bigger new ones — that has turned affluent Beltway suburbs into crucibles for disputes.
If the group’s recommendations carry forward into County Council legislation this spring, as expected, new rules would limit building size and give neighborhoods a stronger legal role in guiding residential development.
The task force was made up of six downcounty residents; five building industry professionals; and eight county government representatives to give planning and legal perspectives.
Six conflict resolution specialists were brought in to cool tempers and lead the group to consensus.
The task force ended its final meeting Dec. 10 with a set of recommendations that may become the future of homebuilding in Montgomery County.
Berliner will translate the task force recommendations into a legislation package to be introduced to the council this spring.
‘‘Everything that we reached consensus on will be included in the legislation,” Berliner said.
Berliner’s package would apply countywide, although changes would mostly impact areas that Berliner represents.
The package will include legislation that:
*sets most of the county’s lot-coverage limits based on the lot’s total size, in increments of 1,000 square feet, instead of on zoning designations;
*decreases the height limit to 35 to 50 feet for single-family detached homes on lots larger than 20,000 square feet, like those found in Bethesda’s Bannockburn neighborhood;
*excludes smaller porches from being factored into how large a house can be;
*allows neighborhoods to set voluntary building guidelines, created with help from county building experts;
*requires builders to obtain neighborhood guidelines before construction begins;
*requires the Department of Permitting Services to print its definition of the ‘‘sloping lot” measurement that lets some homeowners build taller homes because of the tricky topography.
The county has legal standards for residential building height, setback, lot area and width, and lot coverage. Rules are enforced by regulatory agencies like the Board of Appeals and Department of Permitting Services. But critics say the rules are confusing and antiquated — ordinances date back to the 1920s.
According to a report issued in mid-February by the county’s Office of Legislative Oversight, zoning ordinances are muddled by ‘‘varying uses and interpretations over time by government authorities.”
‘‘The challenge is that, by waiting as long as we did, by the fact that so little had been done over the years, it becomes more important to act now,” Berliner said. ‘‘It’s unfortunate that we’re acting at a time when the [housing] industry is not in its strongest position by any stretch of the imagination.”
Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac and Kensington had 77 percent of the county’s home teardowns and rebuilds in the last five years, according to the oversight report. Homeowners in those areas also made about 4,750 additions and renovations during that time — or 950 per year on average. With those projects have come disputes about development.
‘‘Builders don’t want to incur the wrath of the community, and community members don’t want to be fighting their neighbors,” Berliner said.
The task force failed to agree on everything. For those mainly esoteric, technical homebuilding rules, Berliner said he will make the call in his legislation.
‘‘Neighborhood compatibility is what I was looking for,” said Len Simon, an urban affairs advisor and task force member representing the Edgemoor neighborhood in downtown Bethesda. ‘‘You are not always going to find precise common ground [between industry and community interests]. But I do think we found consensus on a number of areas.”
Thursday, November 15
Lecture focuses on Chevy Chase’s architectural history
by
Estridge Group
on Thu 15 Nov 2007 04:17 PM EST
The narrow, winding streets of Chevy Chase are lined by Dutch colonials, Tudor revivals and Spanish colonial villas. A Gambrel roof peeks through the tree line, hinting at the architectural history of Chevy Chase — a suburb that grew on acres of farmland.
‘‘Part of it’s the tree canopy, part of it’s the curvilinear streets following the topography,” said Mary Anne Hoffman of the Chevy Chase Historical Society and Chevy Chase resident. ‘‘Part of it’s the architectural diversity.”
Architecture in Chevy Chase — and the details and social trends that shaped its more than 6,000 single-family homes — is the topic of an upcoming lecture at the Chevy Chase Historical Society. Architectural historian Bill Lebovich will explain ‘‘How to look at Chevy Chase architecture,” at 8 tonight in the Leland Community Center, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase.
Hoffman stressed that the talk is purely historical in nature, not a sideways jab at developers or builders who take on Chevy Chase construction projects.
Lebovich said he doesn’t see 21st-century residential development ‘‘fitting in” with the historical talk. His goal is to make people look at Chevy Chase’s architecture in a different way, much like an art history lecture might focus on what makes each element of Byzantine painting important.
The topic nonetheless coincides with efforts by Chevy Chase municipalities to quantify and preserve their ‘‘Chevy Chase” character as they transform local building regulations.
‘‘Jurisdictions that are grappling with these incentives might learn something,” Hoffman said. ‘‘A useful contemporary application of history’s lessons [about architectural diversity] might be that smaller can be gorgeous.”
Land developers in Chevy Chase began promoting the hamlet in the 1900s, Hoffman said, enticing middle-class workers to buy homes in the budding suburb, Hoffman said.
‘‘The absence of sameness in architecture is one of the principal charms,” read a 1916 real estate flier advertising one of the later sections of Chevy Chase.
Since then, homes in Chevy Chase changed to accommodate social trends or an owner’s individual taste. Some were restored to their original state after previous owners made major alterations.
The Williams Farmhouse owned by Lars Hanslin on Williams Lane is one of the oldest in Chevy Chase. Its architectural details tell the story of rural, agricultural Chevy Chase’s transformation.
Built in the late 1880s, the two-and-a-half story L-shaped house with was once surrounded by a dirt farm. But the Williams land split into residential lots during the early 1900s’ residential boom, and new houses went up next door. By 1927, the farmhouse had a new entryway, a one-story garage and its porch was turned into a sunroom.
Hanslin said he has restored the original façade, hoping to recover the house’s historical character.
That kind of living structure ‘‘reflects the various owners,” Lebovich said. ‘‘Most people probably say it’s aesthetics, but really I think it’s more needs, I mean family changes.”
But why should anyone bother to learn Lebovich’s techniques of looking at Chevy Chase architecture?
‘‘I think the average answer that an artsy-fartsy person would give is, ‘Well, art is important,’ and I don’t buy that one,” Lebovich said. ‘‘In a good building — or even when there’s not a good building — you begin to appreciate things. You begin to appreciate the building next door. It informs opinion, increases your appreciation.”
Monday, February 20
Chevy Chase Real Estate Melinda Estridge Maryland Realtor
by
Estridge Group
on Mon 20 Feb 2006 04:01 PM EST
Lively and attractive, Chevy Chase, Maryland is an extremely desirable spot to buy a home and an ideal place to raise a family. A strong sense of community pride is reflected in the striking architectural detail of its distinctive homes. The streets are beautifully well-maintained and lined by hundred year old oaks, maples, and evergreens. Served by the Metro System, the neighborhood is easily accessible to D.C. and is home to some of the best restaurants, shopping, arts and cultural opportunities in the region. In addition, you will find an excellent public school system and a number of exceptional private schools.
Make Melinda Estridge and The Estridge Group your premier site for all Chevy Chase Real Estate. Browse through the communities of Maplewood/Alta Vista, Chevy Chase Commons, The Village, Dunlop Hills, Farmington, Hamlet Place, Martins Addition, North Chevy, Rock Creek Knolls, Clean Drinking Farms, Chevy Chase Village, Rollingwood, and Pinehurst Village.
Melinda Estridge
Long and Foster Realtors Bethesda4650 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD. 20814
Phone: 301-215-6837
Fax: 301-951-7668
Email: melinda@theestridgegroup.com
Tuesday, February 7
Dunlop Hills, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Real Estate MD
by
Estridge Group
on Tue 07 Feb 2006 12:33 PM EST
Dunlop Hills features many homes in a great community. This community is also close to such amenities as shopping and parks as well as private country clubs. Dunlop Hills also has great access to the Beltway, making commuting to D.C. a breeze.
While the older more established neighborhoods have traditional colonial style homes, this neighborhood differs with its contemporary look.
 Many Dunlop Hills homes are in the Rambler style. These homes have a more contemporary feel, large rooms and other amenities.
Many of these homes have wet bars and various other additions, the most common of which are cathedral style ceilings, which make the rooms seem very open and compliment the open floor plan, providing a relaxing flow throughout the home. Some of the contemporary homes have a wall of glass, allowing an ample amount of natural light, slate tile and spiral staircase, while others feature balconies and scenic views. The common theme of homes in this neighborhood is uniqueness. All of these homes differ in every trait except one - quality. Each home contains an exceptional amount of personality and flare.
Depending on the home, the price varies. In general these homes sell around the $1 million dollar range but can vary greatly. Dunlop Hills offers variety with unique floor plans to give you a personalized feel to your home.
Melinda Estridge
Long and Foster Realtors Bethesda
4650 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD. 20814
Phone: 301-215-6837
Fax: 301-951-7668
Email: melinda@theestridgegroup.com
Bethesda - Chevy Chase Schools Melinda Estridge Realtors Real Estate MD
by
Estridge Group
on Tue 07 Feb 2006 12:25 PM EST
| Bethesda - Chevy Chase Schools |
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One of the most important factors when choosing an area to relocate are the local schools. As your area experts, we are knowledgeable about the school systems of Bethesda and Chevy Chase in the Montgomery County area as well as the surrounding areas of Washington D.C. including Silver Spring, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Potomac. The school systems serving these districts have a commitment to excellence and strive for student achievement. | |
Thursday, January 12
Rockville Maryland Real Estate Bethesda, Chevy Chase Realtors
by
Estridge Group
on Thu 12 Jan 2006 12:15 PM EST
Rockville, Maryland Real Estate
The county seat of Montgomery County, Maryland, Rockville is situated on approximately 13 square miles amid the rolling hills of west-central Maryland. It is 12 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., and 35 miles southwest of Baltimore. Rockville was established as a city in 1860, but its history is traced back to pre-Revolutionary War days. Early settlers were hunters and farmers, with tobacco the main crop. A road led from Frederick to Georgetown to transport large tobacco kegs. A branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad came to the city in 1873 to further develop Rockville, which transformed from rural farmland into a town center over the years.
Rockville became a suburban resort for Washington, D.C. professionals who sought respite from their business in the nation's capital. Hotels, boarding houses, and fine Victorian homes were built. The city actually remained much like a small quiet town until the 1950's, when after World War II the population rose to more than 40,000 by 1970. Today, Rockville is the second largest city in Maryland and is a four-time "All-America City" winner. Rockville has a population of approximately 50,000, and is a major employment center and one of Washington, D.C.'s major suburbs.
To preserve its past, the city of Rockville designated a Historic District Commission to protect areas and structures of historic significance. Three historic districts were established in 1974, with others added since that time. Rockville also offers a wide variety of housing styles and prices with a range of neighborhoods from condos, townhomes and Victorian homes to contemporary models and more traditional plans.
The City of Rockville has abundant family entertainment and recreation opportunities with a swim center, golf course, 58 public parks, a skate park and much more. Winters are fairly short and mild, and summer temperatures rise into the 90°F's.
Gaithersburg Maryland Real Estate Realtors® The Estridge Group
by
Estridge Group
on Thu 12 Jan 2006 09:48 AM EST
Gaithersburg, Maryland Real Estate
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Gaithersburg, sister to Germantown, is located in the heart of Montgomery County, some 12 miles from the northwestern border of Washington, D.C. The small settlement began at the crossroads of two ancient Indian trails. With the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1873, business and agricultural expansion made the Gaither settlement the commercial center for upper Montgomery County. It was incorporated as the town of Gaithersburg in 1878. Another major growth spurt came in the 1960's with the expansion of the Atomic Energy Commission headquarters and the National Institute for Standards and Technology.
Gaithersburg is now the second largest incorporated city in Maryland, and one of the fastest growing communities on the East Coast. Gaithersburg has been singled out as one of the "Fifty Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family" in a volume published by Career Press. The city was also rated first in the country for running a home-based business, according to Home Office Computing magazine. Gaithersburg has been characterized as "the most historic and unique community in Maryland".
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Gaithersburg has been successful in preserving its rural past, while sustaining unmatched growth in industry and population. Gaithersburg enjoys many of the amenities of D.C., just a short trip away, but retains the laid-back lifestyle of a small town.
Gaithersburg real estate offers a variety of housing styles, prices, sizes and neighborhoods - everything from condominiums to old Victorian homes. Prices for single-family homes start at about $200,000 and can well exceed $500,000. Townhome prices range from $180,000 to $300,000+. |
Wednesday, January 11
Washington, D.C. Real Estate Condos & Neighborhoods -- The Estridge Group Realtors®
by
Estridge Group
on Wed 11 Jan 2006 07:34 PM EST
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Our nation's capital city, Washington, D.C. was built as the symbol of democracy. At the same time it enjoys world-class city and business status. Transformation in recent years into one of the strongest economies in the country, Washington, D.C. offers booming business and real estate markets along with unmatched tourism, industry, and educational opportunities.
Washington, D.C. is ranked as the #1 national and international investment markets among foreign investors and the #2 retail investment market. The Washington D.C. real estate market investors are realizing that D.C. hosts an array of vibrant neighborhoods that are as diverse as its residents. Living in D.C. has many advantages, from the excitement of watching professional sports teams to strolling through the many national monuments and gardens.
New neighborhoods are emerging in Downtown and surrounding communities. From affordable to upscale to exclusive, from townhomes to multi-family complexes to single family, the Washington, D.C. real estate market is bursting with every residential lifestyle.
The District of Columbia offers the perfect atmosphere for living, working, and playing. With some of the finest museums and restaurants in the world, Money Magazine has ranked D.C. as a "best place to live" in the world.
Bethesda Maryland Real Estate -- Melinda Estridge Realtors® Chevy Chase, MD
by
Estridge Group
on Wed 11 Jan 2006 06:37 PM EST
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Bethesda, Maryland is an unincorporated area of the Montgomery County real estate market near Washington, D.C., retaining its old-fashioned charm but with a modern flare. The town is named for a local church, Bethesda Presbyterian Church, built in 1820, but originates from a passage in the New Testament.
Some prestigious institutions located in Bethesda are the National Institutes of Health, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, and Bethesda Naval Hospital where many political figures and others have been hospitalized over the years. Also, Bethesda is headquarters to Lockheed Martin Corporation and Marriott International Hotels and Resorts.
Bethesda is famous for its vast and eclectic 200+ restaurant offerings, farmers markets, and fine arts, and as well as for its shopping and nightlife. The Bethesda real estate market area is mostly outside the downtown area, but there still are many Bethesda homes for sale and choices located within walking distance of downtown. Bethesda is a wealthy and well-educated area, named "the best-educated city with a population of 50,000 or more." The outstanding Bethesda public schools get great recognition as well as the many public parks, recreation facilities and cultural events. |
Maplewood/Alta Vista - Chevy Chase Real Estate World Bank Employees
by
Estridge Group
on Wed 11 Jan 2006 05:37 PM EST
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The Maplewood and Alta Vista neighborhoods are made up of many World Bank employees whose families have made these communities home. With international flavor and enough housing variety, these communities have a wide range of residents.
Most homes come from the 1940s and 1950s era, when large homes and lots were common. These fabulous homes average in the high $500,000s. There are also townhomes and condos in the nearby areas.
Maplewood and Alta Vista are served by a fine school district including Wyngate Elementary, Tilden Middle School, and Walter Johnson High.
Close by you'll find the picturesque campus of the National Institutes of Health, a Metro station, making the commute to work hassle free, in addition to a YMCA and a neighborhood park.
Come see these communities and find out why so many families choose these areas as their place to settle down. |
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