In August 2017, a total of fifteen (15) demolition permits were applied for in Arlington County. In comparison, August 2016 was 19; August 2015 was 14; and August 2014 was 17.

Single Family: All of the permits are for single-family homes with 14 of them in north Arlington and one in south Arlington. At least seven of the projects are speculative developments. One of the homes is located in Arlington’s only single family neighborhood which has a historic designation, but was not considered a contributing structure. A total of two homes are located in National Register Historic Districts:

• 2128 North Pollard Street, Cherrydale National Register Historic District
• 2322 North Fillmore Street, Maywood National Register Historic District

Totals for 2017
Homes: 101
– 27 are located in National Register Historic Districts
– 61 are speculative developments (owned by developers)
Garden Apartments: 2
Commercial Buildings: 4
Other Structures: 2
Civic Buildings: 2

The pending demolition of these homes and buildings represents a loss of history, architecture, time, energy, and materials. Many had the potential for renovation and additions or, at a bare minimum, reclamation/reuse of building materials. These buildings are often replaced with new construction that is out of scale and proportion to the community. Preservation Arlington urges citizens to adopt Local Historic District designations for their communities, with standards for design, height, and placement that could be customized to reflect community needs while still allowing reinvestment to occur.

Similarly, if you are a property owner and are contemplating a change to your property, Preservation Arlington encourages you to work with your architect or builder to consider how some or all of your house or building could be incorporated into a renovation, or the materials reused.