In August 2018, a total of ten (10) demolition permits were applied for in Arlington County. This is a bit slower, especially with only seven of the permits being for single family homes as previous years total demolition permits were: August 2017 was 15; August 2016 was 19; August 2015 was 14; and, August 2014 was 8.

Single Family: Seven (7) of the permits were for single-family homes. One of which was in South Arlington. At least four of the permits were for speculative developments. Two of the homes are located in a National Register Historic Districts:

• 4115 21st Street North is in the Cherrydale National Register Historic District
• 3127 18th Street North is in the Lyon Village National Register Historic District

Commercial: Two of the demolition permits were for a massive new project, approved by the County Board, which involves the redevelopment of 1555 Wilson Blvd., 1559 Wilson Blvd. (Fire Station #10), and Wilson School, which was demolished earlier this year.

Other: One of the demolition permits was for the foundation of a semi-finished home.

Totals for 2018
Homes: 105
– 33 are located in National Register Historic Districts
– 65 are speculative developments (owned by developers)
Garden Apartments: 2
Commercial Buildings: 5
Other Structures: 7
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.