For Immediate Release June 24, 2007 ARLINGTON HERITAGE ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 7th ANNUAL LIST OF "ARLINGTON'S MOST ENDANGERED PLACES"

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20th-century historic buildings at risk, “Arlington on Alert” report says

Arlington, VA – Several remarkable examples of Arlington County's 20th-century architectural heritage are at risk, according to the Arlington Heritage Alliance's 2007 list of the most endangered historic places in Arlington. Modeled after the National Trust for Historic Preservation's “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list, this seventh-annual local list includes specific properties and property types—such as the Parkland Gardens Apartments, Apartment Bungalows, and Mid-Century Libraries—as well as the more general categories of Historic Residential Neighborhoods and Commercial Districts.

Parkland Gardens Apartments, a pastoral World War II-era development, may be demolished and replaced with townhouses and condos. Arlington's Apartment Bungalows —characterized by their square footprint, pyramidal roofs, and wrap-around windows—are rapidly disappearing as new, larger homes are constructed. Mid-Century Libraries are becoming physically obsolete in the face of changing patron needs. Finally, Historic Neighborhoods and Commercial Districts are also at risk as the distinctive houses and businesses for which Arlington is known are demolished to make way for out-of-scale new buildings.

“In the greater metropolitan area, Arlington County is distinguished by its incredible collection of 20th-century historic resources,” says AHA Chair Kathryn Smith. “The places highlighted on this list are all significant reminders of the role this county played as an important suburb of the nation's capital over the past century. 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 has placed four previously endangered places on its annual “Watch List”: Buckingham Village, Lustron houses, Fort Ethan Allen, and the Bob Peck Chevrolet Dealership.

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 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002.