Ellsworth Place developers envision new building atop their mall, another tenant comes aboard (Photos)

A vision of the future is on display at Ellsworth Place mall in downtown Silver Spring. Renderings of a building that would sit atop the massively-renovated retail center show a glass-facade tower.

Developers Petrie Richardson Ventures are also promoting the opportunity for a corporate office tenant to have its branding on the facade, in one of the highest-visibility spots downtown. Although the former Hecht building facade is protected by historic designation, it is still possible to build above the mall. This was done at the Bethesda Theatre on Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda, when The Whitney apartments were constructed above the art deco former movie house.

In other Ellsworth Place news, Phenix Salon Suites is the latest tenant in the process of leasing space at the mall. The hair salon will be on the Lower Level, next to T.J. Maxx.

A photo showing what is there today
from approximately the angle of
the renderings above