The Arlington Common Preserves History & Welcomes Community

Hi, Friends! While living in Arlington, VT these past several years, I have watched the community evolve in its own distinct way. One of the most exciting areas of growth has been the thriving Arlington Common, a unique institution that brings neighbors and visitors together to share creative and wellness experiences. 

The Arlington Common has hosted the popular Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival for 5 years now, and is also the home of the Arlington Community Theater, which began producing plays in its Performance Hall in 2025. The Common’s historic Watkins House can host meetings, special events, and art exhibits. The Fitness Studio is a great space for exercise classes, yoga, personal training, and dance. And let’s not forget the two pickleball courts on site, with pickleball memberships at all levels of play. The variety of available spaces at Arlington Common lend themselves to all kinds of community activities, from Open Mic nights and knitting circles to community coffee hours and film screenings.

The Arlington Common and Arlington-based Albert Construction were recently honored with a 2026 Preservation Trust of Vermont Award in recognition of their outstanding historic preservation efforts. Our heartfelt congratulations go out to both, and we thank you for your dedication to preserving the vitality and spirit of Arlington, VT!

The Arlington Common and Albert Construction Honored with 2026 Preservation Trust of Vermont Award

The Arlington Common project was recognized for its outstanding historic preservation efforts, highlighting critical contributions from Arlington-based Albert Construction.

The Preservation Trust of Vermont has officially presented The Arlington Common and Nick Albert of Albert Construction with a prestigious 2026 Preservation Award at the annual Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference.

The Preservation Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the preservation and revitalization of Vermont’s historic buildings and community spaces. The Arlington Common was selected for its exceptional impact on community gathering and historic stewardship.

Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival 2026

The success of The Arlington Common relies heavily on the dedication of local partners who brought the vision to life. Among the key honorees was Albert Construction, led by Nick Albert, whose exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to historic integrity were vital to the project’s completion.

"Preserving historic structures requires more than just standard construction; it demands a deep respect for original materials, architecture, and community legacy," said Don Trachte, Head of the Buildings and Grounds Committee and Arlington Common Board Member. "Nick Albert and the team at Albert Construction went above and beyond to ensure that every detail honored the past while engineering a space that will serve Arlington for generations to come."

The Preservation Trust of Vermont is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to helping communities save, restore, and find new lives for historic properties. For more information about the annual awards and to view videos featuring this year's winners, visit The Preservation Trust of Vermont Awards.

The Arlington Common is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing our community through creative exploration of the arts and wellness. The Common offers daily community programming. The two-acre property features community exhibit space, a performance hall, and a fitness center for the greater Arlington area. Learn more about the Common here.