Virginia Heights Historic District
Nestled in southwestern Arlington, Virginia, the Virginia Heights Historic District serves as a preserved window into the residential expansion of the mid-20th century. Spanning nearly 30 acres, this district is a curated collection of architectural styles that reflect the transition from traditional aesthetics to the bold lines of the Modern Movement.
Key Facts
- Location: Arlington, Virginia, bounded by 10th Pl. S., S. Frederick St., and S. George Mason Dr.
- Total Area: 29.6 acres (12.0 ha).
- Contributing Buildings: 117 residential structures.
- Development Period: 1946 to 1952.
- Architectural Styles: Colonial Revival and Modern Movement.
- Historic Status: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR).
The Development of a Residential Hub
The Virginia Heights Historic District was developed between 1946 and 1952, a period of significant growth in the United States. The district is composed of four distinct small subdivisions: Virginia Heights, High Point, Frederick Hill, and Section Four of Columbia Forest. These neighborhoods were constructed primarily by the Lindsey Construction Co. and other partners to meet the housing demands of the post-war era.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Architectural Diversity and Innovation
The district is particularly noted for its blend of traditional and avant-garde design. The residential landscape is dominated by two primary styles: the Colonial Revival, which emphasizes classical American symmetry, and the Modern Movement, characterized by functionalism and minimalist forms.
The Influence of Charles M. Goodman
A significant portion of the district's Modernist character is attributed to the noted local architect Charles M. Goodman. Goodman designed several Modernist twin dwellings that stand as examples of mid-century residential innovation, blending indoor and outdoor living spaces with clean geometric lines.
Prefabricated Housing and Lustron Homes
Beyond custom architecture, Virginia Heights is a rare site for the study of early prefabricated housing—homes manufactured in factories and assembled on-site. The district contains five known prefabricated dwellings, three of which are Lustron houses, which were distinctive steel-framed homes popular in the late 1940s.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Historic Recognition and Preservation
Due to its architectural integrity and historical significance, the district has received formal recognition from both state and federal authorities. It was designated as a Virginia Landmarks Register site on December 5, 2007, and subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 21, 2008.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| NRHP Reference No. | 08000065 |
| VLR Number | 000-9701 |
| Primary Architect | Charles M. Goodman |
| Construction Period | 1946–1952 |
| Total Contributing Buildings | 117 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Virginia Heights Historic District located?
It is located in Arlington County, Virginia, specifically bounded by 10th Pl. S., S. Frederick St., and S. George Mason Dr., situated directly west of the Columbia Forest Historic District.
Who was the primary architect for the Modernist homes in the area?
The Modernist twin dwellings in the district were designed by the prominent local architect Charles M. Goodman.
What are Lustron houses?
Lustron houses are a type of prefabricated steel home. There are three such houses located within the Virginia Heights Historic District.
When was the district officially recognized as a historic site?
The district was designated as a Virginia Landmarks Register site in December 2007 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in February 2008.
Which subdivisions make up the district?
The district consists of four subdivisions: Virginia Heights, High Point, Frederick Hill, and Section Four of Columbia Forest.