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Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Kentucky's "Most Endangered" Historic Sites Highlighted

The block of downtown Louisville labeled the "Arena Block" was one of nine sites placed on Preservation Kentucky's third edition of the Kentucky's Most Endangered list. The 2000 Downtown Louisville development plan identifies the block including the former Louisville Water Co. building, Falls City Theater Equipment, the Odd Fellows Hall, and the Morrissey Parking Garage as the site for a new downtown multipurpose arena. With the development of 4th Street Live and the new Marriott hotel in adjacent blocks, the need for a plan their preservation is seriously needed. The Kentucky's Most Endangered list spotlights irreplaceable historic architectural, cultural and archeological resources in Kentucky that are in imminent danger of being lost or demolished. "Endangered" sites are often threatened by neglect, demolition or insensitive pubic policy and are in need of special attention and creative solutions for a return to viability in their communities.

            The 2004 Kentucky's Most Endangered list highlights many different types of sites across the state. Resources such as the West Point Independent Colored School and WPA era school buildings have contributed much to their communities, but once outgrown are often left to ruins. Tobacco barns are a symbol of Kentucky's agricultural history, but are not often considered as historic structures. The Red River Gorge is known to many for its beauty, but the irreplaceable archaeological sites can reveal many secrets of the past. Each of the sites listed have the potential to continue having a significant economic impact on communities across the Commonwealth. By casting public attention upon these historic places, Preservation Kentucky hopes to propel existing efforts and encourage grass roots advocacy on behalf of these and other historic treasures.

Properties named to the 2004 Kentucky's Most Endangered list are:

"The purpose of Kentucky's Most Endangered is to highlight specific properties in need of great attention, but also to cause individuals to look around in their communities for other historic sites that have contributed to the area's history. Unfortunately, the actual list can only spotlight a few of the many endangered historic sites in the state," said Robert Yoder, chair of the Preservation Kentucky board of directors.     

"Kentucky has been in the national spotlight with preservationist this year since the National Preservation Conference was held in Louisville in September. There are many preservation success stories to tell for across the state, but also many important sites that need additional help," said Joanna Hinton, executive director of Preservation Kentucky.

"Preservation Kentucky has attempted to highlight properties that are historically significant, endangered and part of the greater picture of maintaining Kentucky's unique character," said Yoder. Nominations are solicited each year from Preservation Kentucky members, preservation professionals, local preservation organizations and individuals throughout the state. A selection committee reviewed the nominations and made recommendations to the Preservation Kentucky Board of Directors who approved this year's list of sites.

A brochure with more information about each site is available from Preservation Kentucky, (270) 358-9069, or the complete list can be found on the Preservation Kentucky website at www.preservationkentucky.org.

Preservation Kentucky, Inc. is a statewide, non-profit preservation organization working in partnership with local, state, and national organizations to promote preservation of Kentucky's historic resources through advocacy and education. Preservation Kentucky is the statewide partner for the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

2003 Kentucky's Most Endangered List

  
     
 
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