Clarendon’s Trophy
The Dan Kain Building in Clarendon, originally known as Sheff Store, was constructed in 1945-1946 for property owner and real estate developer, Frank Lyon.
The Dan Kain Building in Clarendon, originally known as Sheff Store, was constructed in 1945-1946 for property owner and real estate developer, Frank Lyon. It assumed the name of Dan Kain due to its long-time occupant, Dan Kain Trophies, which operated from 1961 to 2004.
Located at 3100 Washington Boulevard in Clarendon the building is a visually arresting structure and example of Streamline Moderne-style. The storefront was the home of Dan Kain Trophies, which was the store in Arlington for trophies, ribbons and plaques for many years. Although Dan Kain Trophies is now located in Merrifield in Fairfax County, it still has a major impact on the community; so much so that although the building is currently a restaurant called Lyon Hall, many Arlingtonians still call it the Dan Kain Building.
It is an excellent example of the Streamline Moderne architectural style applied to a functional commercial building. It is also significant because it was the design prototype for the Olmsted Building, which was designed to be architecturally compatible with the historic structures in Clarendon. The major features of the Streamline Moderne style found in the Dan Kain Building are also incorporated in the Olmsted’s Post-Modern style. Its most notable feature is the cylindrical corner above the recessed entry protruding beyond the flat roof. The entrance is flanked by limestone pilasters, which anchor the building visually to the intersection of North Highland Street and North Washington Boulevard. Plate-glass display windows separated by flush columns of limestone are each bordered in aluminum and capped by a molded aluminum band. The entire façade is framed by a concrete string course; a molded concrete cornice outlines the roof. A three-paneled, glass-block bay highlights the two-story wing that abuts the east elevations. The flat roof is underscored by a molded concrete cornice.
The Dan Kain Building was constructed in the mid-1940s for Frank Lyon, who rented it out to a series of businesses selling appliances, electronics and finally furniture. In 1963, Dan Kain moved his trophy business, which he had established in his home, into the building, and Dan Kan Trophies stayed there for 40 years, providing not just Arlington but northern Virginia with signs, trophies and other materials for government and private groups. In 1973, ads appeared in the Washington Post for “Special Prices for Bowling Leagues.” With its specialized products, friendly service and unique home, Dan Kain Trophies became an institution.
In 1988, the County Board unanimously approved the Dan Kain Building as a Local Historic District. It is an excellent example of the Streamline Moderne style of architecture, with its lack of ornamentation, streamlining, and distinctive wrap around to North Highland Street. The interior was renovated in 2004, and Dan Kan Trophies, now owned by longtime employee Jim Preziotti, left Washington Boulevard to relocate to 2207 N. Pershing Drive.
A GSA federal contract in 2009 to make trophies and signs was an indication of the business’s continuing vitality. However, the economy’s downturn hurt Dan Kain Trophies; budgets set aside for trophies, medals and plaques were diminished as belts were tightened. When the Pershing Drive location was scheduled to be torn down in 2010, the business ended up moving to Merrifield, where rent is cheaper. However, Dan Kain Trophies is still in business, marking people’s milestones and helping preserve memories. And the building to which it is linked still stands proudly, still a vital part of Clarendon’s business district.
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