The Louisiana Landmarks Society announces its first annual "Most Endangered" list for the city of New Orleans. Based on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "Eleven Most Endangered" list for the entire United States, Landmarks' local list will seek to draw attention to threatened historic buildings, properties, and sites.

Nominations will be solicited from the public, and all complete nominations will be considered. The nomination form asks for basic information such as the address, approximate age, and ownership of the property, as well as more detailed information such as the significance of the property and the nature of the threat. Photographs, either in hard copy or in digital form (preferred), are required. Nominations can be obtained from the Landmarks' website (www.louisianalandmarks.org), via email (lalndmrk@bellsouth.net) or by fax or mail by calling the Landmarks office (504-482-0312). The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 25.

The nominations will be reviewed by a committee that comprises a broad range of New Orleanians. In addition to Landamarks' Advocacy Chairperson Sara Orton, the committee will include Neil Alexander, Harold Bosworth, Jane Brooks, Susan Couvillon, Patricia H. Gay, Sandra Gunner, Lary Hesdorffer, Karen Kingsley, Reed Kroloff, Ed Melendez, Stephen Peychaud, Larry Schmidt, Mtumishi St. Julien, Jack Stewart, Elrhei Thibodeaux, and Will Tregre.

The chosen sites will be announced in May, during National Preservation Month, at an event that will feature displays about each selection. Small grants may be available to property owners who make repairs.

"New Orleans is the envy of other cities across America for our unparalleled inventory of historic buildings," says Orton. "Yet so many of them are at risk due to neglect, inappropriate developments, and natural disasters. We hope that our Most Endangered list will serve as a reminder of the importance of our historic resources, and refresh New Orleanians' pride in their city."

The National Trust's "Eleven Most Endangered" list, established in 1988, has been a tremendously successful tool in highlighting threatened historic places. Recent listings, such as last year's inclusion of the state of Vermont for the threat to its rural character from big-box retailers, have generated widespread interest and awareness of the fragility of historic places, and have often resulted in actions to protect the places in question. The Louisiana Landmarks Society hopes to achieve similar results for New Orleans with its Most Endangered list.

Three local sites have made it onto the National Trust's list: the Vieux Carré in 1988 and 1989; River Road in 1992; and Downtown New Orleans in 1993.

The Louisiana Landmarks Society was founded in 1950 in response to an escalation in demolition of historic structures. Some of its earliest efforts resulted in the protection of Gallier Hall and the Carrollton Courthouse (now Lusher School). In 1964, Landmarks facilitated the rescue and restoration of the 1799 Pitot House on Bayou St. John, which now operates as a museum and houses the organization's office.

The mission of the Louisiana Landmarks Society is to influence the community about the importance of preserving neighborhoods, historic sites, and landmarks.

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