The building that was once Dunham's Garage, and most recently home to Cherner Classics, is beginning conversion to its next phase of existence. Construction crews have knocked out most of the interior and rear walls of the building, mostly leaving its external walls.
Before any renovation or construction can begin on the site, Chevy Chase Bank, which now owns the property, must submit and gain approval of construction plans to the Montgomery County Planning Board. Nothing has yet been submitted to the board, said Callum Murray, the Potomac team leader of the board’s staff.
According to Maryland tax records, the 24,600-square foot property at 9916 Falls Road was purchased by Chevy Chase Bank in May 2005 for $3.05 million. Cherner Classics operated until February when its owner, Jonathan Cherner, was notified by Chevy Chase that they were ready to begin use of the site.
Officials with Chevy Chase Bank did not respond to inquiries regarding their plans for the site by the Almanac's press time.
Dunham's Garage opened in 1951 and operated until Cherner bought the site in 1998 and opened his store that sold rare and classic automobiles.
— Aaron Stern