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Virginia: Tidewater and Piedmont » Northern Virginia » Arlington County » Al's Motors

Al's Motors

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c. 1948, J. Raymond Mims. 3910 Wilson Blvd.
  • Al's Motors (Richard Guy Wilson)
  • Al's Motors (Richard Guy Wilson)

A rare survivor, this auto dealership—which has changed names and owners several times—illustrates post–World War II strip commercial development with its large plate glass windows right on the street. The concrete cornice has two speed lines, and the entrance incorporates glass block. In contrast to the formal front, the service wing to the rear is built of less expensive multicolored brick. The front showroom still has splayed neon tubes in the ceiling.

Writing Credits

Author: 
Richard Guy Wilson et al.
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Data

What's Nearby

Buckingham Village
Silver Diner
U.S. Post Office
Dan Kain Trophies, Inc. (Sheff Store Building)
3100 Clarendon Boulevard (Office Tower)

Citation

Richard Guy Wilson et al., "Al's Motors", [Arlington, Virginia], SAH Archipedia, eds. Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, Charlottesville: UVaP, 2012—, http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/VA-01-NV14.5.

Print Source

Buildings of Virginia: Tidewater and Piedmont, Richard Guy Wilson and contributors. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002, 52-52.

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