Help us save Worceter's architectual treasures by sending us your nomination(s) to our 2012 Most Endangered Structure List.

We need your help to identify architectural treasures in Worcester that are in danger of being lost from our streetscape. If you know of structures that are in danger, please complete and send us a 2012 Most Endangered Structures Nomination Form, which you can access below.

The deadline for nominations is January 14, 2012

2011 Most Endangered Structures Nomination Form - Complete and Email

2011 Most Endangered Structures Nomination Form - Print and Complete

2011 Most Endangered Structures

For the past seventeen years, Preservation Worcester has published an annual list of Most Endangered Structures. The List alerts the public to threats to some of our city’s most historic treasures. It garners city-wide attention to the condition of the structures and their importance to the landscape of our city, and often serves as a catalyst for restoration and preservation.

This year, our Most Endangered Structures Committee received and considered 40 nominations. After careful review, 9 were selected for our 2011 Endangered Structures List and 21 were selected for our confidential Watch List.

As part of the selection process the committee met with the Tim McGourthy, Acting Assistant City Manager for Economic & Neighborhood Development, discussed buildings previously nominated and plans for the buildings under city watch. We feel the city is committed to historic preservation, and understands the positive impact it has on the City and future economic development. Unfortunately, the current financial climate hampers many efforts both public and private, and many of our 2010 Most Endangered appear on our 2011 list or still remain in limbo. However, the economic downturn will not last, and with economic recovery, we are optimistic much will change. It is critical to protect our important buildings for future development because once these buildings are lost, they are gone forever. In the interim and until the economy turns around, our efforts to safe-guard these endangered buildings are critical.

We thank all the people who took time to nominate a structure and also our hardworking committee of Rob Para, (chair), Janet Birbara, Matt Brassard, Jeff Burk, Joan Crowley, Pat Maloney, Cookie Nelson, Mickie Nelson, Nancy Johnson, Tom Johnson, Steve O’Shea, Eileen Rodgers, Kim Toney and Karen Valois

Updates Previously Listed Properties

For many years, Preservation Worcester worked with the State Department of Capital Management and the Department of Mental Health on finding ways to rehabilitate the Clock Tower and Hooper Turret at Worcester State Hospital. The historic complex was demolished and the new psychiatric facility under construction is scheduled for completion next year. Unfortunately, efforts to obtain historic preservation tax credits failed. Despite all the work involved, we believe that the Clock Tower is slated for demolition. Refer to our website, our Facebook page, our “Save the Clock Tower” Facebook fan page and blog for more information and actions requested.

Three other buildings are also closer to demolition – The Odd Fellows Home, The Junction Shops and Our Lady of Fatima. The one-year Demolition Delay Ordinance expires on each of these properties this spring. That means that the owners can legally demolish those important structures.

The Frank Waite House (251 Salisbury Street) was on our Endangered List 5 times. It recently sold, and work has been done to the building. The Fayette Amidon House (8 Germain Street) also sold and is no longer threatened. Hanover Insurance Company purchased Notre Dame des Canadiens. Although a new use has not been publicly identified for the structure, it no longer is in imminent danger. The former Sunoco Station, (Yellow Cab Co) that was on the endangered list for years, recently sold. The current owner is working to rehabilitate the building and site, is completing the environmental mediation and is in discussion with a potential tenant.

2011 Most Endangered Structures List

This year’s List includes new and repeating structures. We encourage you to assist us in safeguarding them for future generations and encourage you to nominate buildings that you feel are in peril.

Remaining on the list from last year are: