In the Second Quarter of 2024, a total of 43 demolition permits were applied for in Arlington County. All were for single family homes.
– 70% of the homes are in North Arlington;
– 72% are speculative developments;
– 42% are on land that sold for over $1,000,000
– 34% are in National Register Historic Districts; and,
– 18% are to make way for Expanded Housing Options (EHO) developments (aka Missing Middle).
– One of the EHO projects are demolitions are being done in National Register Historic Districts, a designation meant to preserve a neighborhood.

In comparison, Second Quarter of 2024 there were 36 demolition permits, 32 of which were for single family homes, 72% of which were in North Arlington, 53% were speculative, 15% sold for over $1 million only to be demolished, and 38% were in National Register Historic districts.

Two properties have been purchased by the County and are being demolished as part of efforts to combat stormwater run-off flooding. 4434 19th Street North, located in the Waverly Hills National Register Historic District, was purchased by the County for $1.6 million and 5840 18th Street North was purchased by the County for $1.5 million.

One house in Lyon Park, 3014 7th Street North, poses an interesting question. While located in the National Register Historic District, it is a home of modern design and it only about ten years old. The house is not new but rather a major addition was done in which the only the first floor of the house was kept and then dramatically altered and added on to for the current design. This project is slated to become four units under EHO.

These National Register districts provide some tax benefits to owners but do not offer any protection of the houses from demolition. Loses in National Register Historic Districts Include:

In the Cherrydale National Register Historic District
– 3810 Lorcom Lane
– 2004 North Nelson Street
– 1908 North Quebec Street
– 1621 North Randolph Street
In the Dominion Hills National Register Historic District
– 962 North Longfellow Street
In the Fostoria National Register Historic District
– 5935 Washington Boulevard
In the Lyon Park National Register Historic District
– 112 North Highland Street
– 805 North Highland Street
– 3014 7th Street North
In the Lyon Village National Register Historic District
– 1416 North Hancock Street
– 1712 North Hartford Street
– 1404 North Hudson Street
In the Waverly Hills National Register Historic District
– 1615 North Wakefield Street
– 4434 19th Street North
In the Westover National Register Historic District
– 5840 18th Street North