Step 2 : Determine period of significance The period of significance indicates when each of the targeted subdivisions attained the qualities that distinguish it as a discrete entity and is dependent upon the reason ( s ) that may make it noteworthy . A subdivision containing buildings that exhibit one or two styles , for example , will have a period of significance that is relatively short . This brevity reflects the intense development that would have characterized such a pattern of development and helps to define its historic architectural character . On the other hand , a subdivision that includes a wide variety of styles and forms reflects changing preferences in architectural styles and expressions over time . The period of significance in such a situation typically extends over a longer period of time to account for the different kinds of buildings within the subdivision . For the most part , the period of significance for the targeted subdivisions typically begins the year in which 1 ) the plat was filed at the county courthouse and became available for development , 2 ) the oldest resource in the plat was built 3 ) an important historical event took place within the subdivision , or 4 ) an historical or architectural trend or pattern began within the subdivision . In general , the period of significance ends with the year in which the last group of buildings that contributes to the subdivision ’ s overall historic character was constructed or when an identified historical association ( trend , pattern , or event ) concluded .
Step 3 : Identify significance A variety of factors were considered when assessing the significance of the targeted subdivisions . The following questions enabled the surveyors to begin to identify and assess noteworthy design and / or historical significance of each of the documented subdivisions .
• Is the subdivision important because it reflects a critical period , trend , or event that took place in the postwar period and is significant within the context of local history ?
• Is the subdivision associated with a public or private institution or an individual that made pivotal contributions to the history and development of Arlington in the postwar period ?
• Does the subdivision contain an eclectic grouping of historic resources that reveal the identifiable / characteristic physical evolution of a neighborhood over time such as in an area of significance of planning , ethnic historic , and / or architecture ?
• Is the subdivision associated with a well-known architect , designer , craftsman , builder , or contractor and is noteworthy within the context of the career of that individual or firm ?
• Does the subdivision embody / contain distinctive aspects of planning and / or design associated with postwar suburban development ? These distinctive aspects of planning or design included the types of resources ( property type and plan type ), the layout and street network , landscape elements / features , and non-residential amenities and / or focal points in the original design of each subdivision
• Does the subdivision include a cohesive collection of historic resources built within a short period of time that possess similar physical characteristics ?
Step 4 : Assess level of integrity Typically , in order for a subdivision to be eligible for designation as a historic district , it must not only possess historic and / or architectural significance , but it must also retain sufficient integrity to illustrate that significance . The subdivision must convey a sense of the past , but the degree to
FINAL REPORT
ARLINGTON HISTORIC RESOURCES SURVEY UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 2007
35