In February 2018, a total of sixteen (16) demolition permits were applied for in Arlington County. In comparison, February 2017 was 12; February 2016 was 23; February 2015 was 15; and, February 2014 was 11;

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

• 520 North Jackson Street is in the Ashton Heights National Register Historic District
• 2354 North Quebec Street is in the Cherrydale National Register Historic District
• 1732 North Quebec Street is in the Cherrydale National Register Historic District
• 3154 17th Street North is in the Lyon Village National Register Historic District

Commercial: All three commercial buildings are being demolished as part of site improvements under by-right development.

Other: The remaining demolition permit is for a garage at a single family home..

Totals for 2018
Homes: 30
– 9 are located in National Register Historic Districts
– 20 are speculative developments (owned by developers)
Garden Apartments: 0
Commercial Buildings: 3
Other Structures: 1
Civic Buildings: 0

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.