In the mid-19th century, the property was owned by Nicholas Febrey, a civic leader in Arlington and one of the largest landholders in the area.

[5] A measure of the development in the area at the time, the Walter Reed Elementary School was constructed in 1938 on McKinley Road, originally a section of Febrey farmland.

[8][9] In October 1938, Arlington County approved the rezoning of 120 acres (0.49 km2), which allowed Mace Properties to construct large multi-family apartment buildings.

[10] In April 1939, Mace Properties announced that it had received FHA approval for low-cost multi-family rental housing.

In 1978, the Arlington County Board allocated $50,000 in business and neighborhood conservation funds to supplement $250,000 worth of exterior renovation work planned by the center's owners.

Like those in most older suburban neighborhoods, the dwellings in Westover have been adapted to fit modern-day needs and growing families.

[17] The central artery in Westover is Washington Boulevard which serves as a commercial focal point as well as a regional connector.

It contained large amounts of asbestos and lead paint, was extremely difficult to heat and cool, and was plagued by problems with mold and excessive humidity.

Due to the physical problems in the building, declining enrollment, and the view of then-school superintendent Charles M. Nunley, the school ceased functioning as a traditional educational facility in 1984.

[26] The newly renovated and expanded Reed Building is now host to the new Cardinal Elementary School, which started accepting students in fall of 2021.

[27] Swanson Middle School is located at the intersection of Patrick Henry Drive and Washington Boulevard in Westover.

Swanson Junior High School, built by contractor E. A. Pessagnolo for a cost of $200,941,[29] opened in 1939 on land formerly occupied by the A. Duke Torreyson family farm.

In 1963 and 1968, the central courtyard of the original design was filled in via two additions which accommodated a gymnasium, classrooms, a library, and mechanical rooms.

[31] Ultimately, integration did not actually take place until 1959, when several African American students were admitted to Stratford Junior High School.