In September 2019, a total of eleven (11) demolition permits were applied for in Arlington County. In comparison, September 2018 was 14; September 2017 was 19; September 2016 was 16; September 2015 was 19; and September 2014 was 21. And, of the eleven permits, only nine are for single family homes. The other permits are for a commercial building and a garage. As usual, the majority (8) are in North Arlington. Four are speculative developments. Three are located in the National Register Historic District:

• 5424 3rd Street South is in the Glencarlyn National Register Historic District
• 919 North Cleveland Sstreet is in the Lyon Park National Register Historic District
• 2012 North Madison Street is in the Highland Park/Overlee Knolls National Register Historic District

Commercial Buildings
One demolition permit was for the two buildings which comprise 1800 North Edison Street. This is the second of several buildings to be demolished to make room for the major expansion of Arlington Hospital, as approved by the County Board.

Totals for 2019
Homes: 118
– 28 are located in National Register Historic Districts
– 66 are speculative developments (owned by developers)
Garden Apartments: 3
Commercial Buildings: 8
Other Structures: 3
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.