“We want to make sure that everybody in Montgomery County has a place to live.” This was the statement made by Council President Andrew Friedson just before cutting the ribbon at Strathmore Square in North Bethesda, Maryland.
Nestled against Rock Creek Park and adjacent to the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station, Ravel and Royale represent the latest affordable housing development in the county. The project marks Metro’s fourth development in 2024, adding a total of 1,300 new housing units. The initiative was carried out in partnership with Fivesquares Development, Strathmore, Aimco, the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, and Montgomery County officials.
The Amazon Housing Equity Fund plays a key role in ensuring that these new apartments are accessible to a range of income levels.
“Here, we actually have gone from a commuter parking lot to a new community,” said Andy Altman of Fivesquares Development.
Council President Friedson highlighted the broader vision behind the project: “This has become, and will continue to be, a model for how we can transform parking lots into vibrant, sustainable communities,” he said. “When we talk about land use, we often focus on the ‘what’ and the ‘where.’ The ‘what’ is housing near Metro, the most sustainable and transit-oriented location possible. The ‘where’ is critical from both environmental and equity standpoints, as well as economic considerations. But the ‘why’ is just as important. The ‘why’ involves the arts, the connection to the environmental footprint, and the role this community plays in a vital area.”
The connection to the arts is evident in the Strathmore Square neighborhood’s development.
“As I walked up to this incredible structure, I walked by and saw ballet taking place,” Friedson added.
The new affordable housing complex is located next to The Music Center at Strathmore and sits above City Dance, fostering a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
“Dance rehearsals happen here everyday,” said Monica Jeffries, President and CEO of Strathmore. “Imagine life in a community enlivened by the arts, and today we’re living that vision.”
