National Park Seminary

The National Park Seminary is a historic district in the Forest Glen area of Silver Spring, MD, which includes a wooded glen and two dozen Victorian era buildings, including a magnificent 3-story ballroom, a windmill, castle and a Japanese pagoda.

The first building, "Ye Forest Inne," was constructed in 1887. Early suburban developers acquired the land above Rock Creek, laid out lots, and built the hotel to attract prospective homeowners. By 1894, the hotel failed and the inn was converted to a women’s post-secondary school. For nearly 50 years, the National Park Seminary and College was one of the most prestigious women’s schools in the country. As enrollment grew, so did the campus, and the new buildings, built in various international styles, reflected the educational philosophy of founders and the values of a nation just emerging on the international scene. The school weathered the Great Depression and, just as it was beginning to thrive again, it was taken over by the U.S. Army in 1942, when it served as a rehabilitation center for wounded veterans returning from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

Many suburban resort hotels were built in the late 1800’s. Many of them were converted to schools. And many of them were, in turn, taken over by the armed forces during the war. But very few of these original resort hotels are left, and none that have witnessed all three incarnations! Clearly this site has profound architectural and historical importance. It is also a place of pure magic – a commodity very hard to come by today.

Over the years, the property was grossly neglected with some buildings close to ruin. Vandalsim became a problem and organizations began to fight for the historic preservation of the property.

National Park Seminary is now being redeveloped as a neighborhood of historic condominium and single-family homes (http://nationalparkseminary.com/) . Additionally, a seamless blend of newly constructed townhomes and courtyard homes are being added to this magnificent place also known as Forest Glen. A breathtaking mix of historic and new construction, the homes at NPS are arguably the best kept secret in the Washington D.C. area.

• Convenient Location – Inside 495 Beltway, One Mile from Forest Glen Metro,

Three Miles from Downtown Silver Spring

• Access to Rock Creek Park

• High Quality Designer Finishes

• Historic Walking Trails through Surrounding 12-acre Wooded Glen

• Historic Provenance – Homes Feature Existing Historic Elements, Grounds Feature Historic Statuary

• Every Floor Plan is Unique

• Close Proximity to Bethesda and Silver Spring for Dining and Shopping

• Fitness Room and Resident Lounge

• Historic Ballroom for Community Use

Now, it finally appears like this property is being brought back to life while maintaining and revitalizing it's rich history.

This post referenced information from the following web sites: http://nationalparkseminary.com/, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Park_Seminary, http://www.operant.com/Seminary/main_page.html,