In November 2017, a total of eight (8) demolition permits were applied for in Arlington County. In comparison, November 2016 was 28 (although only 15 were for single family homes); November 2015 was 17; November 2014 was 19; and November 2013 was 23.

Single Family: All but one of the permits are for single-family homes and all are located in in north Arlington. At least six of the projects are speculative developments. Two of the homes are located in National Register Historic Districts:

• 4449 20th Road North, Waverly Hills National Register Historic District
• 6026 22nd Street North, Highland Park/Overlee Knolls National Register Historic District

Totals for 2017
Homes: 149
– 39 are located in National Register Historic Districts
– 91 are speculative developments (owned by developers)
Garden Apartments: 4
Commercial Buildings: 5
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.