Fenton in Silver Spring: Mid-Rise Rental with Direct Metro Access
Fenton is a 16-story residential tower in downtown Silver Spring that combines rental apartments with ground-floor retail, located one block from the Silver Spring Metro station on the Red Line. The building targets renters seeking walkable urban living in Montgomery County without the higher cost of inner Baltimore neighborhoods, with unit sizes ranging from studios to three-bedrooms and amenities typical of mid-range urban rentals.
What Fenton actually is
Fenton opened in 2017 as part of Silver Spring's downtown redevelopment. The building occupies the corner of Fenton Street and Ellsworth Drive, the heart of Silver Spring's commercial district. It is a Class A rental property managed by a professional property management company, not a condominium conversion or cooperative. The tower contains 304 residential units spread across 16 floors, with 16,000 square feet of retail space on the ground level that includes a grocery component. The building's location places residents within walking distance of Silver Spring's downtown shops, restaurants, and transit infrastructure, making it a choice for renters who rely on public transportation or prefer not to own a car.
Unit types and pricing
Fenton offers studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom floor plans. Studio units range from approximately 450 to 500 square feet. One-bedrooms run between 650 and 750 square feet. Two-bedrooms span roughly 950 to 1,050 square feet, and three-bedroom units reach approximately 1,200 to 1,300 square feet. Rents vary by floor level and unit position; higher floors and units facing the main street command higher rates. As of early 2024, one-bedroom rents typically started around $1,800 to $2,000 per month, with two-bedrooms in the $2,400 to $2,800 range. These figures fluctuate seasonally and with lease turnover. Confirm current pricing and availability directly with the management office or through the Fenton leasing portal.
All units include wall-to-wall carpeting or hard flooring, climate control, and large windows. The building does not offer furnished units. Renters pay utilities separately, though water and sewer are included in the lease; electricity and gas are individual charges.
Amenities and services
Fenton provides standard mid-rise amenities: a fitness center on the second floor, a business center with private offices available by reservation, a roof deck with seating and views of downtown Silver Spring, and a lobby with 24-hour front desk staff. Bike storage is available. The building offers reserved parking in an attached garage, with rates typically ranging from $100 to $150 per month per space, depending on location and size. Street parking is available nearby but limited. Package receiving and mail services are handled at the front desk.
The property allows pets with a non-refundable fee, usually $500 per pet, and a monthly pet rent of $25 to $50. Weight and breed restrictions apply; confirm specifics with management.
How Fenton compares to other Silver Spring rentals
Silver Spring's rental market includes several competing mid-rise buildings. The Fillmore, also downtown, opened around the same time as Fenton and offers similar unit sizes and pricing, though with slightly higher rents and more design-forward finishes. The Blox, a newer mixed-use development, provides walkable urban living but with smaller unit footprints and a younger demographic focus. Fenton's advantage lies in its established position and direct proximity to the Metro station, requiring a one-block walk versus three blocks from The Blox. Compared to older walk-up or garden apartments in surrounding neighborhoods, Fenton charges a premium but includes building services, on-site management, and the security of a large professional operator. For renters comparing Fenton to properties in Baltimore itself, Silver Spring offers better transit reliability (Red Line runs 24/7 on weekends) and lower entry rents by $200 to $400 monthly for comparable square footage, offset by the loss of Baltimore's walkability and cultural density.
Who Fenton suits and who it does not
Fenton works well for transit-dependent renters, remote workers who need reliable internet and meeting space, and anyone prioritizing proximity to Metrorail over neighborhood character. The building attracts young professionals, small families, and established renters willing to trade neighborhood identity for convenience and building services.
Fenton is less suitable for renters seeking true urban neighborhood atmosphere, those with multiple cars who would strain the paid parking system, or anyone looking for short-term leases. The building typically requires 12-month minimum leases. It does not appeal to renters seeking pre-war charm, historic blocks, or the grit of older neighborhoods.
The leasing process and move-in
Prospective renters apply online or in person at the leasing office on the ground floor. The application requires income verification (typically 2.5 to 3 times monthly rent), a credit report authorization, and references. Move-in timelines are typically 7 to 14 days after lease execution. A refundable security deposit equal to one month's rent is required, along with proof of renters insurance. The leasing office can recommend carriers. First month's rent and the security deposit are due before occupancy.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The leasing office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The property offers visitor parking in the garage with validation at the front desk. Bike storage is in the basement. The building is served by the Silver Spring Red Line station, located one block south on Georgia Avenue. Local bus routes including the 29, 31, and 62 serve nearby stops.
Fenton's appeal derives from its position at Silver Spring's transit hub and its role as the neighborhood's most established full-service rental tower, making it a benchmark option for anyone seeking dense, transit-first urban living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region without Baltimore's commute calculus.
