Sumner Village - A History and Overview

Sumner Village is an architecturally unique condominium community, developed on a 28-acre tract of wooded land.  It is located just off Sangamore Road in Bethesda, between MacArthur Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue.

Sumner Village's development was begun in 1972 and completed in 1977.  Without disturbing the naturally rolling terrain, the architects carefully sited Sumner Village in a manner that minimizes the sense of building mass and preserves the atmosphere of privacy and individuality associated with the quiet calm of mature woods.  The wooded areas and surrounding parkland insulate Sumner Village from traffic noise and surrounding neighborhoods.

Adjacent to Sumner Village on one side is a small shopping area, the Shops at Sumner Place, that houses a Safeway food store, a CVS store, a French restaurant and bakery, service businesses, and many smaller shops and places to dine or have coffee.

The community of apartments has been recognized as exceptional in the Washington area. In 1988 the Smithsonian Institution Press cited Sumner Village in their Best Addresses: A Century of Washington's Distinguished Apartment Houses.  The Potomac Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects honored the architects with its Award of Excellence for their outstanding design.

Each building houses 24 to 28 apartments on four or five floors. There are 12 apartment styles ranging from 1360 to 2185 square feet.  The potential resident can select from several 2 or 3-bedroom designs, with 2 or 2 ½ baths. Features in many apartments include large foyers, 27-foot living rooms, wood burning fireplaces, walk-in closets, laundry rooms, and spacious balconies.

To provide for recreation and social activities, Sumner Village has two tennis courts, a large outdoor pool and a handsome, contemporary Community Center.  The Center includes a kitchen and bar, a library, an intimate atrium lounge with fireplace, and a common room overlooking the pool.  It also has saunas and a well-equipped exercise room.  For a fee, residents may use the Center for private parties.  On the grounds, there are two tennis courts and gently lighted winding walkways.

Sumner Village's Community Association sponsors frequent activities in the Community Center, including morning coffees, book groups, dinners, evening functions with speakers, concerts and holiday events. 

The residents of Sumner Village have always made up a diverse community.  It includes residents from government, non-profit, and business organizations. Among its residents, for example have been members of Congress, other government personnel and public servants, architects, lawyers, doctors, scientists, journalists, teachers, and embassy personnel.  Many residents have moved from homes in nearby communities.

Through the years, capable volunteers have served on Sumner Village's three governing boards and advisory committees.  Legum & Norman, a leading property management firm, is the managing agent.  On-site personnel include a general manager and over two dozen employees who provide 24-hour security, cleaning and maintenance of buildings and grounds, and administration.

In a pressured and stressful world, it's a welcome relief to come home to a quiet and serene wooded haven.  We think you will agree with the families and individuals in Sumner Village's 395 apartments that it's a wonderful place to live.

A more complete description of the Sumner Village history can be viewed in this document:  History of Sumner Village