10 Most Endangered Historic Places

Jackson Street Water Tower, Elk River

Far too many of Minnesota's historic water towers have vanished from the landscape. The Elk River HPC is doing their best to make sure that this one is not added to THAT list.

Dredge William A. Thompson, Mississippi River near Winona

Dredge William A. Thompson (Winona Vicinity)

Howe School, Minneapolis

This neighborhood school is at risk of being demolished by the very entity that built it, Minneapolis Public Schools. A creative reuse would allow this landmark building to enrich and enliven the surrounding community.

Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center, Fergus Falls

The Fergus Falls RTC is a notable example of a Kirkbride building, the nationally prominent design model for state-sponsored mental health facilities. Today, Kirkbrides are rapidly vanishing symbols of American architecture. The city of Fergus Falls may use state bonding funds to demolish the building if a reuse is not found soon.

Johnston Hall, Faribault

This grand Romanesque Revival-style building was saved in the 1980s, but is now surrounded by a modern hospital complex and all but vacant. Without new tenants and major repairs, the hospital might choose to pull the plug.

Mayowood Historic District, Rochester

Some have referred to the Mayowood estate in Rochester as "Minnesota's Biltmore." This National Register district covers 120 acres and holds a wide variety of historic resources. But with diversity comes complexity, and several of the district's buildings and structures are at risk.

Mitchell Yards, Hibbing

Over the past several years, one man has invested his time, money and sweat into stabilizing this former railroad machine shop. Given the massive size of the building---and its historical significance---it is time for the community to share in this vision.

Pillsbury “A” Mill Complex, Minneapolis

The Pillsbury "A" Mill complex is a proud---and intact---symbol of Minneapolis' milling history. We're hopeful that, with thoughtful consideration and planning, the "A" Mill will become a symbol of the city's sustainable development and stand as a landmark for many generations to come.

Porky’s Drive-In, St. Paul

No surprise here...

It's not often a pig walks into the office, but that's how we felt with the announcement that Porky's was closing. While it is too late to preserve Porky's in place, other historic sites along the Central Corridor LRT route need support, or their fates may lie with the pig's.

St. Peter’s Church, Duluth

The closing of this church in October 2010 severed ties with Duluth's Italian-American community that went back to the very building of the church in 1925. Will the Diocese allow a reuse that preserves this rich ethnic heritage?

Since 1995, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota has compiled an annual list of the state’s threatened historic buildings, sites, and structures. While the endangering circumstances vary, PAM’s response remains the same—to shine a spotlight on these important places, to equip local advocates to rally for preservation, and to focus public attention on favorable outcomes that can be achieved through a preservation approach.