Have you ever felt the weight of history beneath your feet? Here at the Lee Arts Center you are standing on ground that once belonged to the 19th-century Febrey family estate. This magnificent building wasn’t always a vibrant hub for art and community. It began its life in 1925 as Robert E. Lee Elementary School. The Lee Arts Center a neo-classical revival style building stands as a testament to a bygone era. Designed by renowned Washington D.C. architect Percy Crowley Adams the same architect behind the Longworth House Office Building the building served the children and families of Tara-Leeway and Overlee neighborhoods.
The school’s namesake Confederate General Robert E. Lee reflects a different time a time when public opinion regarding Confederate leaders was vastly different. Arlington was known for its connection to the Confederacy. Lee Highway the main thoroughfare where the school was built is another testament to that past. In 1957 the Lee School expanded gaining a new cafeteria a kitchen and additional classrooms. Large windows a hallmark of both the original structure and the 1957 renovation flood the interior with natural light.
But time moves on. The school closed in 1971. A year later it reopened not as a school but as a community center by popular demand. It housed daycares artist studios meeting spaces and exhibition areas. Extensive renovations in 2000 added an elevator a commercial kitchen and made the center accessible to all. During the renovation the 10-inch brass letters “Robert E. Lee Elementary School” were removed from the entrance. Their faint shadows remain a silent reminder of the building’s past.
Today the Lee Arts Center continues to evolve. The building itself is at the center of a debate. Should it be preserved or replaced? The County considered demolishing the Lee Arts Center and building a new $12 million community center. Strong local opposition including former students who cherish memories of their school days led to a budget allocation for another study to decide the fate of this beloved landmark. The Lee Arts Center continues to thrive as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the power of art. It stands as a powerful symbol of Arlington’s rich history and its bright future. The Lee Arts Center is more than just a building. It’s a living breathing space where history art and community converge.