The conversion of vacant office buildings into apartments is a trend that is likely to grow, thanks to Montgomery County's moribund economy and inability to attract major corporations to fill them. Downtown Silver Spring has been where the action is on this front in the county. We're talking about the conversion of an office building, not the demolition of one to be replaced by a new development. The conversion of the Guardian Building at 8605 Cameron Street is the most ambitious project yet, and almost two years after work began, it looks like an entirely-new building.
It doesn't hurt that about six floors have been constructed atop the existing four stories of the original Guardian Building. There's a nice tribute to the original office building's design on the Cameron Street side of the property, where the window placement echoes the OG Guardian. On the Georgia Avenue side, the facade is much different from the original, which was all-glass. An art deco-inspired lobby, a rooftop lounge and dog park with city views, a conference room, a fitness center with yoga studio, and a pet spa are among the other additions to the building.
Now rechristened The Guardian, pre-leasing of the new apartments has begun. Initial move-ins of the first residents are expected before spring is over. Studios, and 1/2/3 and 4-bedroom apartments are available. Tours can be scheduled via the Guardian website.
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