Lake Arbor

What whispers of ambition and resilience echo around Lake Arbor? This seemingly tranquil village holds a story of dramatic transformation. Lake Arbor wasn’t always the thriving community you see today. It began as Newbridge, a project of Levitt & Sons, the same developers behind the iconic Levittowns. But by the mid-1970s, Newbridge had faltered, declaring bankruptcy after selling a mere 41 houses. The land sat stagnant, a ghost of unfulfilled promises, until a group of investors, led by David A. Gitlitz, saw its potential. They rechristened it Lake Arbor, breathing new life into the dormant project. Lake Arbor became a symbol of change in Prince George’s County in the 1980s. Developers like Porten Sullivan, Pulte, Winchester, George T. Farrell of Morgan Investments, and Jon Laria of Laria Builders challenged the prevailing notion that the area was solely a price-sensitive market. They constructed luxury homes with amenities like two-car garages, brick facades, and meticulous landscaping. And to everyone’s surprise, these homes were quickly snapped up by affluent African American families seeking a suburban lifestyle. Lake Arbor became a testament to the buying power and discerning tastes of this demographic, reshaping the image of Prince George’s County. Today, Lake Arbor stands as a vibrant community, home to over 14,000 residents. It boasts schools like Lake Arbor Elementary and Ernest Everett Just Middle School. The Largo Post Office serves the area. Even the Washington Metro’s Downtown Largo station is located within Lake Arbor. So, as you stand here, at the heart of Lake Arbor, remember its journey. It’s a story of resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of vision. It’s a story that reminds us that even from the ashes of failure, something remarkable can bloom.