The Lauren installs coronavirus barrier at front desk

We're seeing plastic shields popping up in places like store checkouts to protect cashiers from the coronavirus, and they are expected to be a part of post-lockdown workplaces, white collar offices and blue-collar factories alike. Glass has now been installed at the front desk of The Lauren, the ultra-luxury condo development at 4901 Hampden Lane in downtown Bethesda. Is your building's front desk staff being protected? Let me know in the comments below.

Bethesda construction update: The Lauren ultra-luxury condos (Photos)

The gas lamps out front are flickering at The Lauren, the newest and most-exclusive address in downtown Bethesda. Lighting around the entrance and the building name on the canopy are now lit up at night, as are a few windows. The nearby sales office has relocated into the actual building.

Woodmont Ave. lane reopens as construction of The Lauren winds down in Bethesda (Photos)

I've been keeping you updated on the final phase of construction inside and outside of The Lauren, but here's another sign the end is near. Drivers can now reclaim the right lane on southbound Woodmont Avenue, between The Chase condominiums and Hampden Lane. It appears fresh asphalt and paint were applied to the lane, which has been occupied by construction equipment for the last 18 months or so.

Related: See The Lauren light up at night for the first time

The Lauren lights up in Bethesda (Photos)

The surprisingly calm weather that had area meteorologists grasping for creative explanations as to why they blew the storm forecast so badly made for a good evening to watch the Lauren ultra-luxury condos light up for the first time. Note that the mirror "L" Lauren logo is now installed on the lobby doors, on the lobby floor, and on a fixture outside. Check out the decorative lobby ceiling lighting fixture as well.

One other note of interest. The concept of apartments/condos at ground level with direct street access seen recently at the new Flats at 8300 is at The Lauren, as well. I also notice that there are below-ground "basement" units in the building, that couldn't be seen when the sidewalk was blocked off for construction. Are these guest suites (you can buy a guest suite for visiting friends and family) or are they the MPDUs?

Basement unit at The Lauren

Finally, landscaping is being installed along the streetscape, which is probably also appreciated by the wild rabbits of downtown Bethesda who tend to hang out in this corridor near the Metropolitan. The Lauren is located at 4901 Hampden Lane. 1788 Holdings and Persimmon Capital Partners are the development team.

Landscaping in place

Benches don't appear to
have anti-homeless-people
 features found elsewhere
in downtown Bethesda

Mirror "L" Lauren
logo door handles
under wraps

There is the logo again on
the floor of the lobby

Photobombed by Dodge Ram
pickup truck 

Forget "Where's Waldo" - can you find
the Lauren logos?

Lobby ceiling fixture

Before the lights came on

Your high-end refrigerator is already
in place 

Will you be one of the few
who can call Bethesda's
most-exclusive address
home?

The view at street-level

Street level door

Another fridge

South Beach art deco balcony
railings

Bethesda construction update: The Lauren ultra-luxury condos (Photos)

Some of the finishing touches are being added to the facade of The Lauren, the ultra-luxury condo building at 4901 Hampden Lane. The balcony railings have a bit of a South Beach art deco accent to them. You can also see the work being done on the sidewalk pavers, which match the Bethesda Streetscape guidelines. Some of the grander aspects of the main lobby entrance are taking shape, as well (trust me, the "4901" sign temporarily tacked up over the canopy isn't a permanent one).

Inside the building's units, which range from the several millions to a $10 million+ penthouse, each owner will have a standard Thermador Wine Preservation Column. That will come in handy to chill selections from the in-house sommelier, Jarad Slipp. Valets, concierges and other staff will be trained to the standards of the world's finest hotels and the best Manhattan luxury condos, according to the promotional materials.

The 29-unit building is aiming to be downtown Bethesda's most-exclusive address. On the rooftop, developers 1788 Holdings and Persimmon Capital Partners plan pergola-covered dining areas, "living green walls," a gourmet outdoor kitchen, plasma TVs, and sweeping views over Bethesda Row and the Central Business District.

You also don't have share guest suites in this building. There is an option to purchase private guest suites for use by friends, relatives or business colleagues visiting from out of town. And inaugural buyers at The Lauren will also receive a year-long membership in the RdV Ambassadors program, which bestows a variety of perks related to the RdV Vineyards where Slipp is the master sommelier and estate director.

To find out more, visit the property website, or call 301-909-8846 to schedule a preview.

Bethesda construction update: The Lauren ultra-luxury condos (Photos)

Some of the units inside The Lauren are now being furnished, and the lobby is now more built out. Don't worry - that street number sign is just temporary. The building at the corner of Hampden Lane and Woodmont Avenue is expected to be downtown Bethesda's most-exclusive (and most-expensive) address.