The city of St. Joseph’s Landmark Commission is calling for nominations for the 2014 Preservation Awards and the 2014 Top Ten Most Endangered Properties list.

The Landmark Commission, a public body charged with monitoring and protecting the city’s valuable historic resources, seeks public participation to honor citizens for their accomplishments toward restoring and maintaining St. Joseph’s historic structures, as well as people who have made contributions toward historic preservation. Projects completed within the last two years are eligible for an award nomination. The city also desires public input on historic properties that are deteriorated to the point they are endangered by neglect or demolition.

The preservation award categories include: Renovation of a Residence, Renovation of a Commercial Building, Rehabilitation of a Residence, Rehabilitation of a Commercial Building, Lifetime Achievement, Contribution to Historical Preservation Awareness, Contribution to Archeological Awareness, Contribution to Preservation Education, Adaptive Re-Use of Residential Property, Adaptive Re-Use of Commercial Property, Routine Property Maintenance, and Community Involvement/Tax Use Projects.

The Top Ten Endangered Property list was created to increase public awareness of the plight of dilapidated historic properties. Many of these dilapidated properties are an integral part of St. Joseph’s architectural heritage. Most endangered properties are vacant structures, however, if an occupied property is in poor condition yet retains significant historic integrity the nomination will be considered. If a property is placed on the Top Ten List it is eligible for Save Our Heritage Grant (SOHG) funds.

For more information, contact Scott Des Planques, historic preservation manager, at (816) 271-4797 or at [email protected]. Applications are also available on the city’s web site.