top of page

Bethesda Metro Center

Brookfield Office Properties

Challenge

As part of Bethesda, Maryland Downtown Sector Plan deliberations, Brookfield sought to gain approval for plans to transform Bethesda Metro Center into a welcoming gathering place featuring significant open space, outdoor retail promenades, improved Metro bus bays and a world-class office building.  The company’s proposal drew strong, organized opposition from a well-resourced corporation whose headquarters were located close by.

Solution

Chesapeake was retained by Brookfield to develop an outreach strategy to gain support for the redevelopment plans. We chose to maintain a positive, upbeat approach throughout the campaign and did not engage with opposition messaging.  Our multi-faceted campaign included direct mail, a strong digital and social media presence, media outreach and continual communications with the community through emails, event sponsorships and canvassing at the Bethesda Metro station.  We produced a series of 45-second videos discussing the various aspects of the proposal to clarify areas of confusion.  And when Brookfield partnered with the Bethesda Urban Partnership to commission a mural at the Metro station, Chesapeake organized a “Meet the Artist” outdoor lunch that drew hundreds of people and greatly increased our supporter base.

Results

More than 300 support letters and a 250-signature petition were sent to local officials, resulting in strong approvals by the Planning Board and County Council.

bottom of page