For Immediate Release June 7, 2006 Arlington Heritage Alliance Releases 6th Annual Most Endangered Historic Places List

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Buckingham Village , Historic Neighborhoods among Highlighted Local Resources

Arlington, VA - Showcasing historic resources ranging from a renowned apartment community to rare all-metal houses, the Arlington Heritage Alliance has released its annual list of the most endangered historic places in Arlington County. Modeled after the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "11 Most Endangered Historic Places" list, this sixth-annual local list includes Buckingham Village, Historic Neighborhoods, Lustron Houses, and Apartment Bungalows.

Buckingham Village, a nationally significant garden apartment community, is threatened by the proposed redevelopment of three sections, which undermine its historically cohesive plan and Colonial Revival character. Historic Neighborhoods are also at risk as houses and businesses continue to be demolished to make way for out-of-scale new buildings. Arlington's Lustron Houses remain a very rare building type within the County, with only five of the post-World War II metal homes still standing and a sixth house awaiting restoration. Finally, rampant redevelopment is also threatening Arlington's Apartment Bungalows-characterized by their square footprint, pyramidal roofs, central chimney, and wrap-around windows. For more information on these threatened historic sites, please CLICK HERE.

"For the sixth year, the Arlington Heritage Alliance wants to draw attention to the diversity of historic places that exist here in the County," says AHA Chair Kathryn Smith. "Although we have made great strides to protect these and other historic sites, we remain concerned about these resources in the face of rapid growth. We encourage all Arlingtonians to learn more about these places-and to join us in our effort to preserve them for future generations."

In addition, AHA placed two areas on its annual "Watch List": Fort Ethan Allen, which has been damaged by a dog exercise area, and Arlington's Historic Commercial Districts, which are threatened by out-of-scale development. Finally, AHA details a missed opportunity in the impending loss of the Bob Peck Chevrolet Dealership, a longtime Arlington institution.

For more information on the places include in this year's Most Endangered List, please CLICK HERE. You can also find information on the places included in 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002.