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Preservation New Jersey

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2017 Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in NJ

The 10 Most Endangered Historic Places program spotlights irreplaceable historic, architectural, cultural, and archeological resources in New Jersey that are in imminent danger of being lost. The act of listing these resources acknowledges their importance to the heritage of New Jersey, and draws attention to the predicaments that endanger their survival and the survival of historic resources statewide. The list, generated from nominations by the public, aims to attract new perspectives and ideas to sites in desperate need of creative solutions.

Several challenges face properties on this year’s endangered sites list, including the difficulties of raising adequate historic preservation funding, neglect and deferred maintenance, threats incurred by redevelopment and new construction, the need for creative adaptive reuse proposals, and the lack of state entities recognizing and preserving historic resources. As the economy continues to improve, the impacts to historic properties and places are more imminent. The list demonstrates increased development pressures resulting in threats of demolition of the historic resource; the need to incorporate history and historic preservation in redevelopment plans for neighborhoods, towns, and cities throughout the state; and the value of using preservation as a positive tool for revitalization.

As we acknowledge each year, selections to the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places list are based on the likelihood that historic buildings and places can be brought back to useful and productive life. PNJ proudly points to many properties previously listed among the 10 Most Endangered that have now been saved and preserved or rehabilitated, and have once again become character-defining assets to New Jersey’s communities. As we announce this year’s list, we are encouraged by recent news regarding the Union Hotel in Flemington, which was included on our 2016 list. The Flemington Redevelopment Committee and the developer have reached a new redevelopment plan that no longer calls for demolition of the Union Hotel and another historic building on Main Street. While the details on the new plan are not clear yet, PNJ believes the Borough and developer’s change of attitude about this significant building is a step in the right direction, and are encouraged local advocates will continue to bring awareness to the value of preserving a historic resource in its entirety to the decision-makers. Although PNJ’s 10-Most Endangered Properties list is published once per year, the fight for the preservation of our historic and cultural resources is daily, and the news of the Union Hotel is evidence that bringing awareness of such threats can bring about creative solutions.

Colemantown Meeting House / Jacob’s Chapel

September 11, 2017 by

  UPDATE:  The Colemantown Foundation provides Underground Railroad Tours and Reenactments to schools and groups. Their programs are included in the Mount Laurel Schools System History curriculum. They continue to fundraise and seek volunteers to restore the buildings. In 2017, Jacob's ... » Learn More about Colemantown Meeting House / Jacob’s Chapel

NJ Department of Health and Agriculture Buildings

June 26, 2017 by

DESCRIPTION: Constructed 1962-1963, the New Jersey Department of Health and Agriculture Buildings are a complex of two pre-cast concrete buildings, one cylindrical and one cubed, connected by steel-and-glass pedestrian sky bridges. The complex was designed by Alfred Clauss and Jane West Clauss, ... » Learn More about NJ Department of Health and Agriculture Buildings

Founders Fountain

June 26, 2017 by

UPDATE: 01/2018: A January 2018 message from the Historical Society of Ocean Grove reports a fruitful fundraising effort to restore the town’s 1907 cast iron fountain.  Since being listed on the 2017 Ten Most Endangered Places in New Jersey by Preservation New Jersey (PNJ), the campaign has raised ... » Learn More about Founders Fountain

James Rose Center for Landscape Architectural Research and Design

June 26, 2017 by

UPDATE: Repairs have been made to the roof, and the Center is re-opened. In May of 2019, the site received some press for its efforts to seek a new tenant. Related Article: Ridgewood's Historic James Rose Center Available To Rent DESCRIPTION: James Rose was one of the leaders of the Modern ... » Learn More about James Rose Center for Landscape Architectural Research and Design

King George Inn

June 26, 2017 by

DESCRIPTION: The once lively King George Inn is still the anchor building in the remnant village of Mount Bethel in Warren Township, but now sits abandoned and deteriorated on a littered lot. It is the only building over 200-years old in its original location in the village. It served many ... » Learn More about King George Inn

Trumbauer/Abele Greenhouse Complex at Duke Farms

June 25, 2017 by

DESCRIPTION: The Trumbauer/Abele Greenhouse complex at Duke Farms, Hillsborough, NJ, (also known as 1909 and 1917 greenhouses) is significant in the history of architecture, horticulture, landscape design, and cultural legacy associated with Duke Farms. In 1909, tobacco and energy magnate James ... » Learn More about Trumbauer/Abele Greenhouse Complex at Duke Farms

Exempt Firehouse

June 25, 2017 by

DESCRIPTION: The West New York firehouse on Polk Street had a long history of use by the community but is now vacant and suffering from deterioration, particularly on the interior where years of patching a leaking roof have resulted in collapsed ceilings, warped floorboards, and an infestation of ... » Learn More about Exempt Firehouse

Camden High School

May 19, 2017 by

UPDATE: After persistent effort by the Camden High School PTO, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority went ahead with plans for a new school, demolishing this iconic structure in the process. The PTO was formally recognized for their efforts with Preservation Leadership Award in ... » Learn More about Camden High School

Caldwell Motor Bank – National State Bank

May 19, 2017 by

UPDATE: https://patch.com/new-jersey/caldwells/motor-bankOn May 14, 2018 the Motor Bank was demolished. Images of the demolition can be found at: DESCRIPTION: The Caldwell Motor Bank is a prime example of the expressionist architecture of the late 1950s and 1960s. Consisting of three ... » Learn More about Caldwell Motor Bank – National State Bank

Brick’s Mincemeat Factory

May 19, 2017 by

DESCRIPTION: The Brick’s Mincemeat Factory is a significant building in the history of Crosswicks Village, representing both the contributions of the prominent Brick family and one of the earliest and most successful commercial establishments in the Township. The threat to the historic Brick’s ... » Learn More about Brick’s Mincemeat Factory

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