Each May — National Historic Preservation Month — Preservation Virginia and the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation both announce their listings of historic places across the Commonwealth and locally in the Roanoke Valley facing imminent or sustained threats.
Preservation Virginia
The Preservation VA Most Endangered Sites listing, which has raised awareness for over 200 sites in Virginia, encourages individuals, organizations and local governments to advocate for their preservation and find solutions that will save these unique locations. The program has a proven track record of success, only 10% of the sites listed since the program began have been lost to demolition or neglect.
Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation
The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation has announced their Endangered Sites list since 1996 and includes significant historic, natural, and cultural sites in the Roanoke Valley that are in eminent danger of being lost due to deferred maintenance, demolition, or incompatible development. The intent is not to shame or punish the current owners but to bring attention to these sites and encourage their preservation and stewardship. The goal is to work closely with property owners and local governments in exploring options to promote their preservation. The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation’s intent is not to shame or punish the current owners but to bring attention to these sites and encourage their preservation and stewardship. The goal is to work closely with property owners and local governments in exploring options to promote their preservation.
This year’s list of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places and the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation reflects the increasing pressure of new development on historic communities and the ongoing impacts of the data center industry.
During the 250th anniversary of the founding of our United States, it’s critical to find ways to grow thoughtfully while preserving the places that share the American story. For once a community’s historic character, green spaces and/or cultural connections are lost, they cannot be recreated.