Ohio’s Most Endangered

Presenting Ohio’s official list of historic properties at risk of loss.

Each year, Ohio’s statewide preservation organization searches for houses, commercial buildings, governmental structures, bridges, historic roadways, landscapes, downtowns, neighborhoods and other important pieces of Ohio history that face a potentially risky future. The list serves to highlight those properties which are both historically significant and endangered — whether it be by threats of demolition, long-term disinvestment or neglect, insensitive governmental action, uncertainty or indifference.

Nominations for this important list have come from individuals, preservation organizations, downtown and neighborhood revitalization organizations, historical societies, historic road associations, local governments and other entities.  In each case, the property is reviewed for both its value to local, regional, state or federal history, and the nature of the threat involved. Special attention is paid to those sites facing a threat which typifies one facing many of Ohio’s historic resources.  Properties remain on the list each year until such time as the threat is lessened.

Designation is similar to that given for the country’s most endangered historic sites by the National Trust for Historic Preservation — the primary benefit of the list is public attention and focus. The list has received substantial media attention, including coverage in all of Ohio’s major newspapers, as well as in magazines, lifestyle publications and local media.

Preservation Ohio takes steps to make sure that local groups involved in preservation efforts for listed sites have the latest tools and techniques at their disposal. For the first time this year, we will also be highlighting newly-listed properties by making site visits to conduct photo and video documentation.

The List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites has been issued bi-annually or annually since 1993 by Ohio’s statewide preservation organization. Having celebrated its 27th anniversary this past April, Preservation Ohio values its role as Ohio’s leading statewide non-profit preservation organization by working to secure a future for Ohio’s historic resources through advocacy, education and partnership.

Presenting the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites – click here

Other links:

Editorial – “Why “Most Endangered?”"

National Trust 11 Most Endangered

Other States’ Most Endangered Lists:
Colorado - Florida – Illinois – Indiana – Maine – Massachusetts – Minnesota – New Jersey – Oklahoma – Pennsylvania – Texas – Virginia – Washington