Al's Motors, United States historic place
Al's Motors is a commercial building in Ballston constructed in 1948, located at the corner of Wilson Boulevard and North Pollard Street. The structure displays Streamline Moderne style with curved glass walls, shiny metal trim, horizontal lines, and rounded corners that give it a sleek, dynamic appearance.
The building was designed in 1948 by architect J. Raymond Mims for Al and Bertha Wasserman, whose auto business dated back to the 1920s. It operated as a Chrysler-Plymouth dealership and service station for over 50 years until closing in 2001, after which it was converted into a fitness club.
The name Al's Motors honors Al Wasserman, who started in the car business during the 1920s. The building was a familiar landmark where locals bought and serviced their vehicles, making it a part of the community's everyday life for over 50 years.
The building sits at a busy intersection in Ballston and is easily spotted from the street. You can view and photograph the facade and its distinctive design features without needing a ticket or reservation for exterior observation.
The building was the oldest still-operating Chrysler-Plymouth dealership in Northern Virginia before closing in 2001. Its conversion to a fitness club is noteworthy because the original Streamline Moderne design was preserved beneath the new use.
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