WTOP moving to new headquarters in Maryland

After 30 years at 3400 Idaho Ave. in Northwest D.C., WTOP will soon be located at 5425 Wisconsin Ave. in Chevy Chase, Maryland. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

WTOP's new building is surrounded by a wealth of amenities. (WTOP/Teta Alim) — WTOP’s new building is surrounded by a wealth of amenities. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

Here's a glimpse of the area where the WTOP newsroom will be, starting from the digital desk. (WTOP/Teta Alim) — Here’s a glimpse of the area where the WTOP newsroom will be, starting from the digital department. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

The view of the new WTOP newsroom. (WTOP/Teta Alim) — The view of the new WTOP newsroom, with the operations center and backup studios in view in the background. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

Here's the view of the new WTOP Traffic studio, left window, and the new main studio. (WTOP/Teta Alim) — Here’s the view of the new WTOP Traffic studio, left window, and the new main studio. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

The view into the newsroom from the main studio. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

This is where the editors' desks will be. (WTOP/Brian Oliger) — Future location of the WTOP editor’s desk, which is the “hub” of the newsroom. The chalk outline on the floor indicates where the overhead “media ring” will be located, which holds an array of TVs. (WTOP/Brian Oliger)

Here's the view of Wisconsin Avenue from the new WTOP space. (WTOP/Teta Alim) — Here’s the view of Wisconsin Avenue from the new WTOP space. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

This is a view of the new area for the sales department. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

These are the main elevators leading into the new WTOP space. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

Here's a portion of the new lobby/cafe space. (WTOP/Teta Alim) — Here’s a portion of the new lobby/cafe space. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

These light fixtures and emergency signs will soon have a new home in the WTOP space. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

Here's the new WFED space, also on the same floor as WTOP. (WTOP/Teta Alim) — Here’s the new WFED space, also on the same floor as WTOP. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

Here's where a planned performance space will be. (WTOP/Teta Alim) — Here’s where a planned performance space will be. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

Here's some of the new tech that will go into the newsroom. (WTOP/Brian Oliger) — Here’s some of the new tech that will go into the newsroom. (WTOP/Brian Oliger)

More new tech that will go into the newsroom. (WTOP/Brian Oliger)

Here's the lobby space in the new Maryland building. (WTOP/Teta Alim) — Here’s the lobby space in the new Maryland building. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

The space around the building is also undergoing renovation. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

The new WTOP office space is right across from the Friendship Heights Metro station. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

The new WTOP office space is right by the Friendship Heights Metro station, which is on the Red Line. (WTOP/Teta Alim)

(1/20)

Share This Gallery:

WASHINGTON — The Glass-Enclosed Nerve Center is moving at the end of 2018 from its current D.C. newsroom to a new office space in Maryland.

WTOP will live in an eight-story building that toes the D.C.-Maryland border, right near the Friendship Heights Metro station.

After 30 years at 3400 Idaho Ave. in Northwest D.C., WTOP will soon be located at 5425 Wisconsin Ave. in Chevy Chase, Maryland, about 2 miles up the road from its current location. WTOP’s sister station, Federal News Radio, will also make the move.

Demolition of the new space began in February; the tentative move-in date is scheduled for December.

The new office is just under 31,000 square feet and will allow for more space of new technology. The current D.C. space is around 23,000 square feet.

The new headquarters is Metro-accessible and has more parking availability. It is also surrounded by a wealth of amenities, including fast-casual eateries, restaurants and grocery stores; shopping centers Mazza Gallerie and The Shops at Wisconsin Place are right across the street.

WTOP general manager Joel Oxley said in an email response that though other locations were considered around the D.C. area, the decision to stay relatively close to the old location was kept in mind for the staff members.

And, due to WTOP’s growth over the years, the new space allows for all departments to finally live on the same, expansive floor, Oxley said.

“The key to our success at Federal News Radio and WTOP is that we have evolved to reporting relevant news, which connects with our consumers and advertisers on whatever distribution platform that makes sense for them. We do this with a commitment to our community,” Oxley said.

He added that the move will not affect WTOP’s signal strength.

And though the move will start a welcome new chapter in WTOP’s history, Oxley said he’ll miss the people from the nearby businesses around the D.C. building that he’s come to know closely.

“I’ll miss Rick and the gang at The Grilled Oyster Co., Tommy at the dry cleaner in the building and the folks at SunTrust. They all run great businesses. I’ll also miss seeing the National Cathedral every day. Truly a beautiful building,” Oxley said.

He added, “But, without a doubt, the memory that I will remember above all else is the incredible work that our people did covering 9/11. I am beyond proud to be part of an organization that served our community so well that day, and every day.”

WTOP and Federal News Radio are owned by Hubbard Broadcasting.