Foundation seeking endangered historical properties nominations
The Foundation for Historical Louisiana is calling for nominations of historic properties that have potential for restoration and redevelopment or are “endangered.”
The nomination deadline is Friday, July 2.
A“Treasures in Trouble” nomination form is on the fhl website at HYPERLINK "http://www.fhl.org" www.fhl.org under the heading “Stewardship.”
The multi-parish capital region is the focus of this effort to protect and preserve these unique "treasures," said FHL Executive Director Carolyn Bennett. The nine parish region includes Ascension, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, Iberville, St. Helena, Pointe Coupee, and Livingston.
FHL Chairman Mark Upton and the Board of Directors will announce the list later in the year after a committee reviews the submitted nominations. FHL board member Mark Drennen is chairman of the FHL Treasures in Trouble committee.
"FHL created the endangered program in 2007 and the spotlight of being named a treasure can bring a variety of benefits to the property—news stories, donations, public awareness, and intercession” said Bennett. Past treasures include the Historic Lincoln Theater, a restoration now underway; the Geodesic Dome, destroyed by Illinois Central Railroad; the LSU Huey P. Long Pool and Field House, now undergoing planning and a feasibility study; the French House, now a priority one in the State’s capital outlay budget; and historic wooden windows; now a national preservation campaign.
Drennen notes that with local leadership more properties can be identified and preserved for future generations, especially using historic preservation tax credits and other incentives.
The FHL has assisted with preserving numerous endangered properties, including Magnolia Mound, Historic City Park Golf Course, the Old Governor's Mansion, the Hotel Heidelberg, Historic Magnolia Cemetery, historic districts, and others over its 47 year history.
To nominate a property, individuals must print out and complete the nomination form available via the internet at HYPERLINK "http://www.fhl.orgh/" www.fhl.org. The information needed is the name of property, address or location, nominator's name and contact information, approximate age and description of the property, brief history, why the property is considered a treasure and/or endangered, what actions might be necessary to alleviate the threat,who are the local groups in support of the nomination, and any additional materials that make the case for inclusion as a Treasure in Trouble. Nominations may be completed and faxed to 225-343-3989.
For more information or assistance in making a nomination, call 225-387-2464.