Columbia Pike Library
The public library is at 816 South Walter Reed Drive. Its branch page links current hours, transportation information, parking updates and the local events calendar.
Penrose
Arlington, Virginia · Columbia Pike area
Penrose is an Arlington neighborhood near Columbia Pike with residential architecture spanning several periods and a history tied to African American homeownership. Its early Butler-Holmes Subdivision was established in 1882 by two former residents of Freedman’s Village. Today neighborhood streets sit near Penrose Park and Penrose Square, whose public art and water feature create distinct public gathering spaces.
The neighborhood and Columbia Pike
Penrose is an Arlington neighborhood near Columbia Pike. Planned development began in 1882 with the Butler-Holmes Subdivision, established by William Butler and Henry Louis Holmes, former residents of Freedman's Village.
The neighborhood's public spaces include Penrose Park on Sixth Street South and Penrose Square on Columbia Pike. The square combines seating, public art and an interactive water feature.
Penrose in Arlington
Penrose is in Arlington, near Columbia Pike and Washington Boulevard.
The line shows the civic-association area mapped by Arlington County.
Library, street projects and neighborhood plans
These local resources are useful for a first visit or for following changes along the Pike.
A walking guide to street improvements
Arlington’s Columbia Pike Forward page provides a self-guided walking-tour map and explanations of street improvements. It also links individual project segments and transit-station updates along the corridor.
The neighborhood conservation plan
The Penrose Neighborhood Association links the neighborhood’s 2004 conservation plan and explains how residents propose improvements through Arlington’s Neighborhoods Program. The page connects to county funding and project resources.
Penrose Neighborhood Association: neighborhood conservation plan
Parks and neighborhood references
Penrose Park
Two-acre public park with picnic facilities, basketball and separate playgrounds for younger and older children.
Penrose Square
Public space on Columbia Pike with the Echo sculpture, a tree terrace and a water feature.
Penrose historic district record
State history and nomination materials for the district.
Residential architecture
The Penrose Historic District contains vernacular residential forms and examples of Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Craftsman architecture. Its state historic record connects the neighborhood's development with African American families and streetcar access to Washington.
Penrose history and public spaces
A link to Freedman's Village
Penrose's early development is associated with African American families who moved from Freedman's Village into nearby communities. Its founders William Butler and Henry Louis Holmes were former residents of that government-established settlement.
Penrose Historic District — Virginia Department of Historic Resources
A sculpture that carries a conversation
Richard Deutsch's Echo sculpture at Penrose Square consists of two granite pieces shaped to reflect sound. Words spoken into one can be heard at the other. The work references the former Three Sisters Radio Towers.
Stormwater treatment below the terrace
Penrose Square has a biofiltration system beneath its tree terrace to filter stormwater runoff and support tree roots. Its interactive water feature also uses recirculating water, making water management part of the plaza's design.
Current listings in Penrose
Browse listings on Mike Andrew’s real estate website. You can change the map area, price, bedrooms and other search filters there.
Search current listings in PenroseOpens the live search on mikeandrew.homes.
Penrose questions
What is the Butler-Holmes connection?
William Butler and Henry Louis Holmes established the Butler-Holmes Subdivision in 1882, an early part of the area that became Penrose.
Is Penrose Square the same place as Penrose Park?
No. Penrose Square is at 2597 Columbia Pike; Penrose Park is at 2200 Sixth Street South.
Where can I read about neighborhood history?
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources maintains the Penrose Historic District record and links to its nomination.
Sources
- Penrose Historic District — Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- Penrose Park — Arlington County
- Penrose Square — Arlington County
- Arlington Public Library: Columbia Pike branch
- Arlington County: Columbia Pike Forward
- Penrose Neighborhood Association: neighborhood conservation plan
For current community rules and services, use the relevant association or government source.
Contact Mike
Thinking about buying or selling in Penrose, or just have a question? Send Mike a message and he’ll get back to you personally.
Mike is a Northern Virginia real estate agent with REAL Broker, based in Reston.