In September 2018, a total of fourteen (14) demolition permits were applied for in Arlington County. The beginning months of Fall usually have a higher number of demo permits: August 2017 was 19; August 2016 was 17; August 2015 was 19; and, August 2014 was 11.

Single Family: Thirteen (13) of the permits were for single-family homes. All were in North Arlington and in either the 22205 or 22207 zipcodes. At least seven of the permits were for speculative developments. None of the homes are located in a National Register Historic Districts:

Other: One of the demolition permits was for a detached garage on a single family home.

County efforts: Two of the demolition permits were for homes that were acquired by the County for the construction of a much needed new Fire Station #8.

Totals for 2018
Homes: 118
– 33 are located in National Register Historic Districts
– 72 are speculative developments (owned by developers)
Garden Apartments: 2
Commercial Buildings: 5
Other Structures: 8
Civic Buildings: 1

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.