Unique Spaces: The Gym, The Stables and The Firehouse

• September 22, 2011
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by Mark Wellborn

Looking out from the practice hall.

These days, it is not that uncommon for a former school or a church in the DC area to be put up for sale and converted into residences. However, when a former gym, a set of stables and a firehouse hit the market all at the same time, it is unique.

The aforementioned properties were all recently put up for sale at National Park Seminary in Silver Spring. Presently a revamped collection of single-family homes, townhouses and condos, National Park Seminary has a rather colorful history. It was originally built in the late 19th century as a hotel/retreat for Washingtonians, but the business failed and it was turned it into a women’s finishing college known as National Park Seminary.

The campus was taken over by the government during World War II and turned into a hospital for wounded soldiers for several decades. From the early 1970s until 2001, the buildings now up for sale were essentially abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 2001, The Alexander Company and EYA began developing the land into a mixed-use project with townhomes and condos, and the condo portion was not entirely finished.

2747 Linden Lane (back in its heyday)

The remaining buildings on the campus are individually for sale and primarily targeted at developers. The gym at 2747 Linden Lane (map), which once held a basketball court, running track, small bowling lanes and a pool on the lower level, is approximately 20,000 square feet and has been approved for 12 condos. The stables, the carpenter’s shops and power plant (which consists of the power house, practice hall, and firehouse) are also for sale and have been approved for seven, six and 14 condos, respectively.

While plans and zoning are in place for condominiums, the buildings (the gym, in particular) could make for an interesting single-family home if someone were willing to put in a good deal of work.

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/unique_spaces_the_gym_the_power_plant_and_the_firehouse/4201

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