The Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) of Arlington County is a dedicated team of professionals committed to historic preservation. For many years, Walker Chapel has partnered with the HALRB to protect, preserve, and enhance the Walker Chapel Historic District, which includes the Chapel and its historic cemetery.

Established under the Zoning Ordinance in 1976, the HALRB consists of 15 members appointed by the Arlington County Board. These volunteers serve four-year terms without financial compensation, offering their time and expertise to safeguard the County’s rich heritage.

The HALRB also serves as the permit authorization body, issuing Certificates of Appropriateness for projects that maintain, preserve, or modify the exterior of the Chapel and cemetery grounds. By collaborating with a shared vision, Walker Chapel and the HALRB have achieved remarkable milestones in preserving the Chapel’s legacy.

One significant accomplishment was the completion of Phase I of the Historic Cemetery Project. On November 3, 2024, Walker Chapel celebrated the re-consecration of the cemetery. Throughout this process, Mical Tawney worked closely with us, providing thorough reports to the HALRB and guiding the project to success. We first engaged with members of the Design Review Committee—Omari Davis, Robert Dudka, Andrew Wenchel, and Alexandra Foster—whose recommendations were essential. Following their input, the HALRB, in a full meeting, approved the Certificate of Appropriateness and issued the necessary permits.

This partnership underscores the value of collective effort in preserving and honoring the history of Walker Chapel.