In October 2017, a total of twenty-four (24) demolition permits were applied for in Arlington County. In comparison, October 2016 was 15; October 2015 was 11; October 2014 was 21; and October 2013 was 27.

Single Family: All but two of the permits are for single-family homes, two of which are located in south Arlington and twenty in north Arlington. At least sixteen of the projects are speculative developments. Four of the homes are located in National Register Historic Districts:

• 1723 North Barton Street, Lyon Village National Register Historic District
• 710 18the Street South, Aurora Highlands National Register Historic District
• 1834 Kirkwood Place, Lyon Village National Register Historic District
• 2146 North Pollard Street, Cherrydale National Register Historic District

Totals for 2017
Homes: 142
– 37 are located in National Register Historic Districts
– 85 are speculative developments (owned by developers)
Garden Apartments: 4
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.