In November 2018, a total of thirteen (13) demolition permits were applied for in Arlington County. November slows down quite a bit. In 2017, there were only 8 permits; 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: Ten (10) of the permits were for single-family homes. All of which were in North Arlington. At least three of the permits were for speculative developments. Two of the homes are located in a National Register Historic Districts:

• 1607 North Bryant Street is in the Lyon Village National Register Historic District
• 2612 3rd Street North is in the Lyon Park National Register Historic District

Commercial: One of the demolition permits was for the last portion of the warehouse building complex in Pentagon City. 501 15th Street South is being cleared for redevelopment as part of an approved 4.1 siteplan.

Civic: Two of the demolition permits were for Arlington County projects. 4735 Old Dominion Drive is the VDOT Salt Dome which is being demolished in order for a new one to be built. The current Salt Dome dates back to the early 1900s when it served as a water tank. The second is 300 Park Drive, the Lubber Run Rec Center, which is being demolished to make way for an exciting new Rec Center on the site.

Totals for 2018
Homes: 146
– 39 are located in National Register Historic Districts
– 86 are speculative developments (owned by developers)
Garden Apartments: 2
Commercial Buildings: 7
Other Structures: 8
Civic Buildings: 3

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.