The first solar energy system financed through a county clean-energy program has been completed, the county announced last week.
Owners of the building at 451 Hungerford Drive in Rockville were able to fund the project through the county’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) initiative. The partnership allows private lenders to finance energy efficiency projects in commercial properties, the county said.
The program was launched in 2016, and the county was the first in Maryland to create a C-PACE ordinance and complete a project.
“We are pleased that the C-PACE program is helping Montgomery County achieve its energy efficiency goals while simultaneously improving the lives of its residents,” Department of Environmental Protection Director Adam Ortiz said in a statement. “Through this program, the County continues to lead by example, showing how the nexus of private and public sector support can improve local communities and support local businesses.”
Rockville-based Recurrent Innovative Solutions LLC contracted the project. The system is expected to save more than $160,000 in energy and maintenance costs per year, the county stated.
The program has drawn more than $8.4 million in private capital.
JBG Smith adds tenant in downtown Bethesda building
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust is moving its headquarters from 7315 Wisconsin Ave. to 4747 Bethesda Ave., the fifth tenant arriving in the building, according to a news release.
Pebblebrook acquired nearby LaSalle Hotel Properties in November 2018, making the company the largest owner of lifestyle-oriented hotels and resorts nationwide, the release stated.
“Bethesda has become the hotel capital of the world, so placing our headquarters in the heart of downtown Bethesda makes sense for our company, as well as for our employees,” Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Chief Financial Officer Raymond D. Martz said in a statement.
The building is slated to open in fall 2019. The 291,414-square-foot space is now 83 percent pre-leased, following the Pebblebrook agreement.
“The building has a commanding presence in the heart of downtown Bethesda, and we are honored that multiple marquis companies have chosen to make it their headquarters location,” JBG Smith Executive Vice President David Ritchey said in a statement.
Bethesda law firm expands staff, adds Northern Virginia office
Paley Rothman brought in six new lawyers — three partners and three associates.
Former Zavos Juncker Law Group partners Eva Juncker and Lynette Kleiza will join the firm’s family law practice. Mirsky Law Group founder Scott Mirsky will join the employment law practice.
“This expansion is exciting because we are broadening our services to clients and widening our geographic reach,” Paley Rothman Co-President Robert Maclay said in a statement. “As we welcome new principals Eva, Lynette, and Scott, attorneys of such deep experience and diversity, our clients gain an advantage, our communities thrive, and Paley Rothman grows even stronger.”
The firm, at 4800 Hampden Lane, also announced plans for a second office in Northern Virginia.
Charlie Wright can be reached at charlie.wright@moco360.media
