Bethesda's Shame

Just minutes from now, the beautiful, historic, Art Deco treasure, the Bethesda Theatre, goes on the auction block. Rumors suggest it could be converted to a retail space.

Shame, shame, shame on so many levels.








First of all, look at this building, a living monument to a culture, an age, when design mattered. Art Deco wasn't just about architecture, it was a style that crossed into fashion, home furnishings, film making











Second, there is no need for additional retail space in downtown Bethesda. Look around at the shuttered windows.

And look at the humanity left behind by the neglect of our less-humane interests:













Photographs by C. G. Wagner


Shame. Damn shame.

Save the building, and save the culture and the community it honored. Turn it into an educational and cultural center, a gallery, a ballroom, a bandstand, theater, cinema, reception hall.

Or turn it into a homeless shelter until our town gets back on its feet again.


Love, hosaa
Lifelong Bethesda resident, ashamed

ETA, later that same day... Bought by the lender for $2 million. Apparently only the bank itself wanted to buy the debt. I'm assured that "they know" Bethesda Theatre is a treasure, but it will be some time before it will glow again. It's the economy. Still.