BETHESDA, Md.
Marriott International Inc. signed a letter of intent with a joint venture between The Bernstein Companies and Boston Properties to develop its new corporate headquarters and hotel project in downtown Bethesda. The selected site is located at 7750 Wisconsin Ave., at the corner of Wisconsin and Norfolk Avenues.
The $600 million urban campus will include a 22-story build-to-suit office building and a 230-plus room flagship Marriott hotel, which are anticipated to open in 2022. The new headquarters will provide a cutting-edge workspace for Marriott's associates, offering access to a range of transportation options.
The new offices will meet green building standards, allow abundant natural light and provide the company's associates new opportunities for flexible, collaborative workspaces. The campus will also offer a childcare center for associates, a fitness center and a cafeteria.
The new Marriott flagship hotel will feature over 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting and ballroom space for meetings, banquets and conferences, and a variety of dining and social amenities, including a ground-floor restaurant with outdoor dining, a specialty coffee shop and a seasonal rooftop terrace.
A landscaped public plaza situated between the hotel and office buildings will serve as a throughway.
The development concept includes over 800 on-site, underground parking spaces for the hotel and office building. Under an agreement with Montgomery County, Marriott also plans to lease Garage 11, also known as the Woodmont Corner Garage, for exclusive use by Marriott associates and visitors during normal business hours. The garage would remain open for public use on evenings, weekends and holidays.
Marriott anticipates final project agreements to be executed in the next several months, including an office lease and hotel management agreement; The Bernstein Companies will own the hotel.
The project is also subject to receipt of necessary zoning and land use entitlements, and final approval of support from the State of Maryland and Montgomery County.
"Montgomery County has been Marriott International's home for more than 60 years, and we take great pride in the strong relationships we've developed and the contributions we have made as a committed community partner," said Carolyn Handlon, executive VP finance & global treasurer for Marriott. "That's a tradition—and promise to the community—that started with Marriott's founders 90 years ago.
“We look forward to continuing that legacy as we create our new, 21st century home in downtown Bethesda and continue our work as the world's largest hotel company,” Handlon said.
For more information about the Marriott HQ, visit www.MHQBethesda.com.
