Historic Tacoma, a non-profit organization that aims to preserve Tacoma’s architectural legacy through education and advocacy, announced yesterday it has identified nine architecturally, culturally and historically significant sites that comprise its first annual “Watch List” of endangered historic properties.

According to Historic Tacoma board president Sharon Winters, the listed sites are in transition. Some are in danger because they are proposed for demolition, are suffering deterioration due to neglect, or are subject to potential redevelopment which would destroy their significant features. Others are in the process of rehabilitation expected to be adaptively re-used.

“Our goal in publishing this evolving list is to increase awareness of historic properties in transition to facilitate conservation and re-use,” said Winters.

The Watch List includes the following:

— Brewery District including the Heidelberg Brewery

— Elks Lodge

— First Congregational Church

— Luzon Building

— John R. Rogers Elementary

— Murray Morgan Bridge

— Trinity United Methodist Church

— Union Club

— Wedge Neighborhood

In a statement released yesterday announcing the list, Historic Tacoma noted the list does not confer or imply historic landmark or other legal status upon a listed property.

“Historic Tacoma does not currently have the means to purchase, restore, or otherwise save any of the listed sites,” said Winters in the statement. “We will work to bring parties with the necessary resources and expertise together; advocate providing time for owners to make fully considered decisions; and offer information about the significance and potential of the listed properties. But most of these sites will not be preserved without a constituency of local and involved grass root advocates.”

For complete details on the Watch List, including photographs, architectural and historic significance, and status of each site, visit http://www.historictacoma.net .