Ambassador/Howard Johnson Wheaton demolition update (Photos)

Demolition of the former Ambassador Apartments continues at the corner of University Boulevard and Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton. This was formerly a Howard Johnson hotel and restaurant, with the latter structure still visible in the foreground of three of these photos.

You can see the structure on the rooftop, which appeared to be an equipment room, has been obliterated. The flooring and frame girders of the ends of the very top floors that were still in place a couple of weeks ago are now gone, as well. Demolition will continue through the spring.

New hair salon coming to Wheaton Plaza

Montgomery County's moribund economy, and large number of retail and restaurant closures, have led many landlords to turn to businesses that offer practical services to fill vacant retail spaces countywide. A new hair salon is coming to Wheaton Plaza this year. Ronky Creative Hair will be located next to the Dollar Store+. They are now hiring for all positions.

Moe's Southwest Grill opens at Wheaton Plaza (Photos+Menu)

Wonderful news from Wheaton Plaza. Moe's Southwest Grill has opened in the food court. This is the only Moe's location in Montgomery County. Everything looks, sounds and smells so good. I not only got some pictures, but also the menu (see below).

Starbucks pop-up party in Olney today

The Olney Starbucks at 3126 Olney Sandy Spring Road is one of only four locations in Maryland that will host a pop-up party today. Stop by between 1:00 and 2:00 PM today for festive fun and a free, tall handcrafted espresso drink. Sounds good to me!

Macy's Backstage coming to Wheaton Plaza

Montgomery County is getting a second Macy's Backstage store. The new one will be at Wheaton Plaza. Unlike the early Macy's Backstage concept, most are now inside of existing Macy's stores. Macy's Backstage is an outlet store that sells only discounted merchandise.

Merchandise at Macy's Backstage includes a large number of items that full-size Macy's stores don't carry, combined with the overstock inventory of items Macy's does sell. Product categories include apparel, housewares, home textiles and decor, cosmetics, hair and nail care, gifts, jewelry, shoes, designer handbags, accessories and activewear.

"Our customers are thrilled about the Macy’s Backstage shopping experience," Macy's Senior Vice-President Michelle Israel said in a statement. "Macy’s Backstage brings great deals, the thrill of the hunt and fun into our existing Macy’s locations." Another great addition to Wheaton Plaza!

Sligo Creek Trail detour set to begin January 3

The latest recreational trail detour related to construction of the Purple Line is scheduled to begin on or about January 3, 2020. A segment of the Sligo Creek Trail will temporarily close for about a month between Wayne Avenue and a point just north of the Sligo Cabin Playground. See the above map provided by Purple Line Transit Partners for the official detour around the closure.

Merrimac Drive to close at University Boulevard for Purple Line construction

Merrimac Drive will be closed off at University Boulevard for Purple Line-related construction work later this month, according to Purple Line Transit Partners. The closure is currently scheduled to begin on or about January 24, 2019, and last for about three weeks. A detour, shown in the above map provided by PLTP, will be in place to allow access to Merrimac via New Hampshire Avenue.