Can A Strip Mall Be Worthy of Historic Preservation?

The Arlington, VA County Board is voting in July on naming 23 properties as 'essential' to preserve. Among those chosen are two strip malls.

1 minute read

June 14, 2011, 12:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur

The Sun Gazette explains the designation:

"Following 'essential' in the rankings are those deemed 'important,' 'notable' and 'minor,' along with properties that have been altered significantly enough to eradicate their historical provenance, and those that have been demolished."

The Colonial Village Shopping Center in Arlington is among the chosen. Blogger Miles Grant thinks that is absurd:

"Really? Sure, its current tenants are cool, what with Ray's Hell Burger and one of Arlington's few remaining non-Starbucks coffee shops. But is it really "essential" to have an old strip mall with a large surface parking lot on a prime spot on Wilson Blvd. between Rosslyn & Courthouse?"

FULL STORY: Arlington To Deem Old Strip Malls "Essential"?

Monday, June 13, 2011 in The Green Miles

History / Preservation Virginia Strip Malls Arlington

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