About Us

About

Welcome to Park Glen Condominium

The garden-style enclave of traditional brick buildings featuring one- and two-bedroom condominium homes, located along the Columbia Pike corridor in Arlington County, Virginia, is just minutes from the Pentagon and the District of Columbia. It boasts a secluded, park-like landscape with sweeping grounds and mature shade trees, while being only walking distance from retail and restaurant destinations.

Whether you live in a one-bedroom unit with a private tree-top terrace or a two-bedroom unit with its dramatic bay window, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Park Glen. A large regional park with jogging and bike trails, a beautiful stream, Long Branch Nature Center, picnic pavilions, and more sits adjacent to the property. The neighborhood also features an endless variety of fine restaurants, food markets, and retail establishments minutes away.

Park Glen is convenient to the major thoroughfares of Columbia Pike (VA-244) and routes VA-7, US-50, and I-395. A quick Metrobus ride connects you to the Pentagon Metrorail station and downtown DC while Arlington Transit #41 services the Ballston Metrorail station along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

Whether you live in a one-bedroom unit with a private tree-top terrace or a two-bedroom unit with its dramatic bay window, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Park Glen. A large regional park with jogging and bike trails, a beautiful stream, Long Branch Nature Center, picnic pavilions, and more sits adjacent to the property. The neighborhood also features an endless variety of fine restaurants, food markets, and retail establishments minutes away.

Park Glen is convenient to the major thoroughfares of Columbia Pike (VA-244) and routes VA-7, US-50, and I-395. A quick Metrobus ride connects you to the Pentagon Metrorail station and downtown DC while Arlington Transit #41 services the Ballston Metrorail station along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

History

Our Story

Park Glen is a hidden gem that sits along the banks of the Four Mile Run and borders the 100- acre Glencarlyn Park. Buffered by environmentally-protected areas, the 216-unit condominium is home to majestic sycamores, scarlet oak, and evergreen trees that provide shade, color, and
character year-round. The Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Carolina Wren are among the birds that take up residence in the woody perennials, although migrating flocks are always welcome (or at least tolerated). Meander down the Four Mile Run trail a bit and you’ll often find a birder wielding a high-end camera lens or a congregation of bird enthusiasts. The Long Branch Nature Center—just a hop, splash, and a stones-throw
away—offer small-group programs led by naturalists.

1940

Park Glen Founded

Park Glen has a long history, dating back to the 1940s when soldiers returning from the second World War needed an affordable place to live. Unfortunately, the original apartments—built by Jesse Johnson, a developer and Arlington native—were too expensive for the typical veteran at $80 to $92.50 per month. Still, there was such a long wait-list that applicants had to be turned away. (The Washington Post, Jan 11, 1948).

1970

The Start

Fast forward a few decades, to the early 70s-80s, when the Park Glen apartments were then converted to condominiums, with a sales price starting in the $50,000’s. One advertisement promoting the grand opening illustrated raccoons, squirrels, a black bear, and even an otter (where’d my stream go?) and describes Park Glen as being “on the park.” Today, the owners’ association continues to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural landscape, and the property is now listed as “historically important” by Arlington County.

2005

Rise to Fame

In 2005, a former resident who spent her early childhood at Park Glen in the late 50s/early 60s, posted this comment on a PG listserv: “A couple of years ago, my mother and I did a nostalgic driving tour of all the places we had lived in northern VA. We were very pleasantly shocked to see how beautiful Park Glen is. The buildings look lovely, and the landscaping is just great. Is there still a playground in the woods across the road? I spent many hours there, and especially loved the creek, where we would catch tadpoles.”

Present

Modernization

Many of the original and early-on Park Glen owners still live here, 40+ years after purchasing their unit. The one-bedroom owners (just 4 in each building, on the top tier) love the 120- square-foot private terraces, while those on the 1 st and 2 nd floors (8 units per building) enjoy an extra bedroom plus a bay window for extra light and nature-gazing. Another perk: The advent of online ordering and urban delivery have made it possible, if not often preferable, to avoid crowds and traffic congestion.

Although Park Glen sits just off of Columbia Pike, the clamor and commotion of the cross-county corridor dissipates quickly. The trees create a sound buffer, and if you listen carefully, you can hear the swhoosh of the Four Mile stream making its merry way down to meet the Potomac. In addition to enjoying the path that parallels the stream, Park Glen residents also appreciate their close proximity to the W&OD trail (literally in their backyard), which provides car-free access (whether on foot, bike, or scooter) to places like Shirlington, Glencarlyn, and Falls Church. Side trails lead to picnic areas, playgrounds, and a friendly dog park (also accessible by car). The area is also home to some unexpected history, including the Carlin Springs resort (popular in the late 1800s) and the Civil War skirmish that took place at the old Arlington Mill (an historical marker in front of the community center provides more detail).

Community participation and engagement has waxed and waned over the years, due in large part to the transient nature of the area. Government administrations change; young families outgrow their square-footage; retirees pack up and move to warmer climates. Over the years, Park Glen has hosted pool-side Tiki parties, published a newsletter, organized family-friendly picnics, and scheduled Fall planting events. Whether one plants a bulb, serves on a committee, or shows up at a winter holiday party, all residents are invited to participate in the community and enjoy all four seasons at Park Glen.

Written by – Beth DeFrancis-Sun

our Team

Meet the Board of Directors

Park Glen is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the community. From time to time, the Board may establish committees to assist in the governance of the property. To serve on the Board or a committee, please submit your request to the On-site Management Office at office@parkglencondo.com, or speak with any Board member or Committee Chair.