2011 WASHINGTON TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION MOST ENDANGERED SEEKS NOMINATIONS

Washington Trust Announces a Call for Nominations to the 2011 Most Endangered Historic Properties List Seattle, Washington:  The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is seeking nominations to its 2011 Most Endangered Historic Properties List.  Nomination forms may be obtained through the Trust’s website. With on-going threats to historic properties statewide such as demolition, neglect, incompatible development and insensitive alteration as well as many others situations that impact historic resources across Washington, the need to raise public awareness of the potential loss of these properties is critical.  Historic resources of all types contribute to the heritage and vitality of our state, enhancing the quality of life in small towns, large cities and across rural areas.  Inclusion in the Most Endangered List can be an important initial step in advocacy campaigns designed to bring attention to significant historic resources. Properties selected for inclusion in the list will receive advocacy and technical assistance from the Trust in supporting efforts to remove any threats facing the historic resource while also working to raise awareness of preservation in general.  Through proactive partnering with local organizations and concerned citizens, the Trust’s Most Endangered List program has resulted in many high profile success stories across Washington since its establishment in 1992. Several case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of inclusion in our Most Endangered List.  In 2010 headlining the list was the Reard Freed Farmhouse in Sammamish.  Once part of a now-lost 80 acre farmstead, the 1890s farmhouse is the last remaining building of the former agriculture complex.  Today the city of Sammamish, in partnership with the local heritage society, is working toward moving the structure and preserving it for the community.  In 2009, a fire at the Alki Homestead Restaurant in West Seattle prompted the inclusion of the landmark log structure to the Most Endangered List.  Advocacy efforts have included press conferences and photo opportunities highlighting the importance of the building.  Recently, the owner stated a firm commitment to restoring the Alki Homestead and reopening the restaurant. These are but two of the many preservation successes in which the Washington Trust has played a role.  We encourage communities to take action when the historic fabric of their neighborhoods, main streets and rural landscapes are threatened, and we offer our support with preservation efforts aimed at removing these threats. Nominations to the Trust’s 2011 Most Endangered Historic Properties List are due on Monday, March 21, 2011.  The 2011 List will be announced at a press conference in May as part of the Washington Trust’s Preservation Month programming.  For more information on the Most Endangered Historic Properties List, including a 2011 Nomination Form, please visit the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation website at www.preservewa.org.