Sites of Diversity Dominate 2015 List of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has unveiled its 2015 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places®, an annual list that spotlights important examples of the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. More than 250 sites have been on the list over its 28-year history, and in that time, only a handful of listed sites have been lost.

The National Trust’s annual list spotlights historic places that tell the story of our nation. Our most diverse list ever, the places on the 2015 list focus on chapters in our history that have sometimes been overlooked, reinforcing the message that preserving the full American experience means that all voices are heard.

Sites on the list include: The Grand Canyon, one of America’s most iconic and beloved National Parks and a sacred site for many Native American tribes, it now faces several development proposals that would disrupt its pristine majesty; the A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham that once hosted Martin Luther King Jr. and other Civil Rights leaders at an important time in the movement, but now sits vacant and deteriorating; and The Factory disco in West Hollywood, an important place for gay men to proudly and openly celebrate their identity, now threatened with demolition for a new development.

“For more than a quarter century, our list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places has called attention to threatened one-of-a-kind treasures throughout the nation and galvanised local communities to help save them,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“This year’s list is our most diverse ever, and reflects our commitment to recognising and preserving all facets of American history. From the LGBTQ history of the Factory in California to the civil rights legacy of the A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham, these sites tell American stories that have been overlooked for too long. We hope this list inspires more Americans to join us in the ongoing effort to save the places that tell the full story of our nation.”

The 2015 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

A.G. Gaston Motel – Birmingham, Ala. As host to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “war room,” the now vacant and deteriorating motel should be restored and included in the Historic Civil Rights District.

Carrollton Courthouse – New Orleans, La. One of the most significant landmarks outside of the French Quarter, the courthouse is now vacant and for sale with no preservation protections in place.

Chautauqua Amphitheater – Chautauqua, N.Y. A beloved National Historic Landmark that has occupied a special place in American culture for well over 100 years, the “Amp” is threatened by the Chautauqua Institution’s plans to demolish it.

East Point Historic Civic Block– East Point, Ga. The contiguous block that has been the heart of downtown East Point since the 1930s is currently threatened with demolition by neglect.

Fort Worth Stockyards – Fort Worth, Texas. This historic district attracts millions of visitors each year to experience Fort Worth’s emergence as a center of the American livestock industry. A large-scale redevelopment project would forever alter the character of the stockyards historic district.

The Grand Canyon – Ariz. A beloved international icon and a sacred place for several Native American tribes, the Grand Canyon is threatened by development proposals ranging from tourist resorts to mining.

Little Havana – Miami, Fla. A symbol of the immigrant experience and the American melting pot, Little Havana’s scale and character is threatened by zoning changes and lack of protection for its many historic buildings.

Oak Flat – Superior, Arizona. A sacred site to the San Carlos Apache and several other Native American tribes, Oak Flat is threatened due to a land exchange provision included in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 that would open the site up to mining.

Old U.S. Mint – San Francisco, Calif. A National Historic Landmark built in 1874 and one of the very few downtown buildings to survive the 1906 earthquake and fire, the Old U.S. Mint is increasingly at risk as decades of neglect and inattention take their toll

South Street Seaport – New York, N.Y. The focal point of the early maritime industry in New York, the South Street Seaport features some of the oldest architecture in the city, and today stands threatened by over-development.

The Factory – West Hollywood, Calif. Known as Studio One, The Factory was an influential disco for gay men that became a hotbed for celebrity performances and AIDS activism. It is currently threatened by a development proposal.