Welcome to the website for the Virginia Tech "Celebrating Arlington's Legacy Businesses" project. In Spring 2017, Masters students in Urban and Regional Planning explored the history of longstanding, or "legacy," businesses in Arlington County, VA. Our study focused on two areas: the neighborhoods along the Lee Highway corridor and the historically African-American Nauck/Green Valley neighborhood.
This website includes a comprehensive interactive map of longstanding businesses along Lee Highway and a collection of oral histories of business owners in both areas. Businesses featured in the oral history collection are a sample of those operating for 25 years or longer. We will build on this initial collection in the months and years to come. In the meantime, enjoy the stories of these important contributors to Arlington's history and community character!
Virginia Tech Spring 2017 UAP Design Studio
“I was tired of punching people’s clocks, so I wanted to work for myself. I saw this place as an opportunity.”
Annie Parker, owner, A&J Salon
“ I like to accomplish things. There’s something in me. I’m not the type of person that will just [say], ‘ok I’m going to make my donuts.’ I had a lot of initiative.”
Wolfgang Buchler, owner, Heidelberg Bakery