National Park Seminary, Swiss Chalet, 2802 Woodstock Avenue, Silver Spring, Montgomery County, MD

Significance: The Swiss chalet was the home of the Zeta Eta Theta sorority. The Swiss chalet was a common form of bungalow design. The form appeared in A.J. Downing's "Architecture of Country Houses," 1850, and it was reproduced in various guises at the Philadelphia and Chicago expositions. The NPS model is not a replica of any of these historic structures but rather simply a derivation of the popular style. Inspired by the rustic cottages of the Swiss Alps, the design was another form of romantic and exotic architecture that signified an idealized simple, country life. The style is characterized by intricate decorative detailing and cutout designs, and flower boxes.
Survey number: HABS MD-1109-O
Building/structure dates: 1902 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1919 Subsequent Work