Can you imagine a time when Arlington, Virginia, was bursting at the seams? This was right after World War II. The government and military personnel flooded the city. Affordable housing became scarce. That’s when Calvert Manor emerged.
Calvert Manor stands before us. It is more than just an apartment building. It is a testament to architectural ingenuity and a response to a pressing need. It represents a significant chapter in Arlington’s history.
Mihran Mesrobian designed Calvert Manor. He was a renowned Washington D.C. architect. He was known for his high-rise apartment buildings and elegant hotels. Mesrobian saw the housing shortage as an opportunity. He used his skills to create comfortable housing.
Mesrobian used low-cost materials. But he designed them cleverly. The goal was to ensure comfort for the residents. Calvert Manor is an example of cost-effective design. It does not compromise on quality.
Calvert Manor was completed in 1948. Mesrobian himself owned it until his death in 1975. His sons, Ralfe and Ara Mesrobian, took over. The family owned the property until 1997.
The architectural style is Moderne. Look at the details. Notice the occuli. Observe the raised brick courses. Admire the glass block windows. Appreciate the steel-hooded entries. Take in the ornamental concrete panels. They enhance the building’s design. Inside Calvert Manor, observe the metal stairs. They are finely designed in the main entrance areas.
Calvert Manor earned recognition. It was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register on September 17, 1997. Then, on December 15, 1997, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This cemented its place in history.
Today, Calvert Manor is still an active apartment building. It continues to provide housing in Arlington. It is no longer owned by the Mesrobian family. It remains a significant landmark. Calvert Manor stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of Arlington’s past. It is also a symbol of architectural innovation. It is a legacy of Mihran Mesrobian’s vision.