within Arlington that , according to TAD records were established between 1945 and 1960 . This subdivision analysis is based on the premise that a subdivision is discrete unit and is not necessarily the same thing as a neighborhood . For the purposes of this study , a subdivision is a legally defined unit of land that is typically partitioned from another larger tract or parcel . It features clearly delineated limits and boundaries and smaller blocks and / or lots that are sold and developed for residential or other purposes . A neighborhood , in contrast , is a more subjectively and loosely defined unit and may include one or more subdivisions . The current study therefore determined that the subdivision was the most useful unit of study for the city ’ s postwar resources . According to TAD records , the city has 199 subdivisions that were platted between 1945 and 1960 . Each subdivision was evaluated within a local context that considered the extent to which each reflected local patterns of development within the postwar era .
To assess the relative significance and historic integrity of each subdivision , the survey utilized a three-tier ( HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW ) rating system similar to one employed for the pre-1945 historic resources that were evaluated in earlier phases of the project . Due to the serial nature of postwar resources , the buildings within the targeted subdivisions may lack architectural distinction on an individual basis . Collectively , however , they may constitute noteworthy and cohesive groupings that are separate and distinct from their surroundings . In order to determine each targeted subdivision ’ s relative significance and identify distinctive design qualities and / or physical attributes , the current study undertook field investigations within each of the targeted subdivisions and noted such elements as the following :
• Relationship to transportation routes and other factors influencing location of each targeted subdivision ;
• Characteristics of the subdivisions design or layout ;
• Character and condition of housing ;
• Distinctive aspects of landscape design ;
• Presence of community facilities such as schools and stores ; and
• Patterns of social history as defined in the associated historic overview .
After concluding field investigations , the survey team analyzed the field data and evaluated each subdivision for its potential for historic district designation . The following steps adhere to established National Park Service ( NPS ) standards and guidelines but have been adapted to meet the specific conditions that characterize the current study ’ s purposes .
Step 1 : Determine physical boundaries Determining the boundaries of a subdivision being evaluated for historic district designation is a fundamental component in the evaluation process . The boundaries should be based primarily on historical patterns of development reflecting the fundamental concept that the district represents historical precedents and falls within the broad historic context of community planning and development . This approach provides the broadest and most flexible means of considering not only the many historical and architectural factors that contributed to the city ’ s growth in the postwar era but also of assessing how groupings of historic resources possess significance . As stated above , for the purposes of this survey , the most logical unit of evaluation for delineating the boundaries of the city ’ s postwar groupings was determined to be the legal plat / subdivision boundaries . Therefore , the survey team obtained TAD maps that outlined the boundaries of all subdivisions within the city that were platted during the targeted time period .
FINAL REPORT
ARLINGTON HISTORIC RESOURCES SURVEY UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 2007
34