Washington Trust seeks nominees for 2016 Most Endangered Historic Properties List

Historic properties selected for the Most Endangered List receive advocacy support and assistance from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. While the focus is to remove the immediate threat facing historic properties, raising awareness of preservation issues in general remains a programmatic goal. Through proactive partnering with local organizations and concerned citizens, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation’s Most Endangered List program has resulted in many high profile success stories across Washington since its establishment in 1992.

According to information on the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation’s Web site, the list has included historic properties in Tacoma and Pierce County, such as Pacific National Bank Building / Luzon Building (Tacoma) — listed in 1992, demolished in 2009; Japanese Language School (Tacoma) — listed in 1993, demolished in 2004; Elks Building (Tacoma) — listed in 2003; First United Methodist Church (Tacoma) — listed in 2006, demolished in 2007; Murray Morgan Bridge (Tacoma) — listed in 2008; Kelley Farm (Bonney Lake) — listed in 2006; Historic Commercial Fishing Net Sheds (Gig Harbor) — listed in 2008; Fort Steilacoom (Lakewood) — listed in 2006; Sunrise Lodge (Mount Rainier National Park) — listed in 1992, saved in 1996; Balch House (Steilacoom) — listed in 1993, saved in 1994; Nathaniel Orr House (Steilacoom) — listed in 1996, saved in 1999; Fleischmann’s Yeast Plant (Sumner) — listed in 2007, demolished in 2010; Curran House (University Place) — listed in 2009; Old City Hall (Tacoma) — listed in 2011; McMillin Bridge (Orting / Pierce County) — listed in 2011; McNeil Island Prison (Pierce County) — listed in 2011; and St. Nicholas Church (Gig Harbor) — listed in 2013.

Nominations to the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2015 Most Endangered Historic Properties List are due on Mon., Jan. 18, 2016. The 2016 list will be announced at the annual RevitalizeWA Preservation and Main Street Conference to be held in April.

Those interested in nominating a resource are strongly encouraged to contact Jennifer Mortensen, Preservation Services Coordinator for the Washington Trust, prior to submitting a nomination. More information about the Most Endangered Historic Properties List, including a nomination form, is available online at preservewa.org.