Arlington Returns Control of 1401 Langston Blvd. for Demolition

Published on January 31, 2025

Arlington, Va. - The property at 1401 Langston Blvd., previously declared to be a public nuisance by Arlington County’s Building Official, is being returned to the custody of the property owner and their contractors for demolition, in compliance with the Notice of Violation issued in May 2024.

In the coming weeks, community members can expect to see an increased presence and activity, including mobilization of demolition equipment and demolition-related site activity.

A Notice of Violation was issued on May 17, 2024, ordering the property owner to immediately secure the building against entry and subsequently raze the building. Since that date, Arlington County assumed responsibility for securing the building and maintaining it in a safe and secure status while working with the property owner to ensure compliance with the Notice of Violation. During this time, Arlington installed additional security at the site – including fencing, lighting, and cameras – and added security guards to enforce trespassing.

All costs associated with abating the public nuisance and making emergency repairs will be passed on to the property owners.

The Notice of Violation dictates that demolition is completed within 450 days of the notice. If the remaining timelines specified in the Notice of Violations are not met, Arlington will re-assume responsibility to raze the property.

Background

The property at 1401 Langston Blvd., formerly the key Bridge Marriott, was purchased in 2018 by KBLH LLC (a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based Woodridge Capital Partners). In March 2020, the County Board approved a site plan project from KBLH to partially demolish and renovate the existing hotel and construct two new residential buildings. The property owner did not proceed with the project and the property fell into disrepair.

In March 2023, Arlington County’s Building Official deemed the property unsafe and unfit for habitation and condemned the building. At that time, the property owner assumed responsibility and agreed to an action plan with the County, which included securing the property against entry and removing all trash, debris, furniture, and accelerants. Between March 2023 and May 2024, it became clear the property owner did not comply with its obligation. As such, a Notice of Violation was issued on May 17, 2024, ordering the property owner to immediately secure the building against entry and subsequently raze the building. Arlington County employed a “whole of government” approach to return the property to a safe and secure status.