The planned sale of a historic property in the Penrose community may be a way for the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington to find a permanent home.
An online fundraising effort is seeking to help purchase the circa-1900 home at 2312 2nd Street S. In the early 20th century, this served as the Hunter Station trolley stop, where the Fort Myer branch of the D.C., Alexandria and Falls Church commuter-rail line connected to trolley service.
“This neighborhood was once a thriving African-American community known as Hattsfield, with remnants still visible at the front of Fort Myer,” said Scott Taylor, who heads the Black Heritage Museum.
Acquiring the property would meet several important goals, organizers say.
“This is more than just saving a building. It is about honoring history, creating a gathering place and ensuring future generations understand the stories that shaped our neighborhood,” the fundraising post says.
For Taylor, the property — also known as the Trolley House — holds personal as well as historical significance. His father and grandfather worked in the grocery store that once shared space with trolley facilities there.
The 2,577-square-foot home with three bedrooms and 1.5 baths last changed hands in 1977 for $84,000. It is slated to come back on the market on Oct. 1 with a listing price of $899,000.
The listing is held by Megan McMorrow of Long & Foster. She told ARLnow that neither she nor the owners have been contacted directly by those attempting to raise funds. But the idea has appeal, she said.
“Both the family and I are encouraged by the community’s interest, and we’ve enjoyed learning more about the property’s history,” McMorrow said. “The Save the Trolley campaign underscores just how meaningful this home is to Arlington’s heritage.”
Long & Foster’s property listing touches on the home’s historical provenance.
“If you’ve been searching for a home that’s more than just a place to live — a home that’s a conversation piece, a passion project and a true original — this is your stop. Don’t miss the chance to own and transform a unique piece of local history,” it says.
A history of the region’s trolley stations gives a sense of the importance of the Hunter Station to the community, then known as Butler-Holmes:
“With connections to Rosslyn, Georgetown and downtown Washington, these lines helped to expand Butler-Holmes throughout the early twentieth century. The community was also served by the Columbia Station near present-day Columbia Pike and Walter Reed Drive, but [that] station’s exact location is not known.”
The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington has operated both as an online museum and in several leased spaces along the Columbia Pike corridor. Having a permanent home has long been a goal of supporters, Taylor said.
“We are optimistic about garnering interest from philanthropists and the county, as this old house could accommodate not only our museum but also the neighborhood civic association, among other organizations,” he said. “It’s a very charming property with lots of potential.”
The 6,100-square-foot parcel is currently zoned for residential use, but it’s located across the street from a 7-Eleven and is a block south of the Sequoia office complex, which houses the headquarters of Arlington Public Schools and the county’s Department of Human Services.
Taylor told ARLnow that as the museum approaches its 30th anniversary, it will hold a fundraiser that could support acquiring the home.
“Fingers crossed,” he said of the effort.
