In September 2017, a total of nineteen (19) demolition permits were applied for in Arlington County. In comparison, September 2016 was 16; September 2015 was 19; and September 2014 was 21.

Single Family: All of the permits are for single-family homes two of which are located in south Arlington and seventeen in north Arlington. At least eight of the projects are speculative developments. Six of the homes are located in National Register Historic Districts:

• 2001 North Nottingham Street, Highland Park/Overlee KnollsNational Register Historic District
• 2825 1st Road North, Lyon Park National Register Historic District
• 2516 North Custis Road, Lyon Village National Register Historic District
• 2512 North Custis Road, Lyon Village National Register Historic District
• 1801 North Hancock Street, Lyon Village National Register Historic District
• 309 North Fillmore Street, Lyon Park National Register Historic District

Totals for 2017
Homes: 120
– 33 are located in National Register Historic Districts
– 69 are speculative developments (owned by developers)
Garden Apartments: 2
Commercial Buildings: 4
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.