[MassHistPres] UMass Amherst Campus on 10 Most Endangered Resources List

[Joseph S. Larson]

UMass Amherst Campus on 10 Most Endangered Resources List
 

AMHERST - The Amherst campus of the University of Massachusetts has been

named one of the Bay State's "10 Most Endangered Historic Resources." The

list is compiled each year by Preservation Massachusetts, the state's

historic preservation organization. 

The 244-year-old campus was named because of the university's failure to

fund a professional assessment of the campus's history and architecture. The

lack of appreciation for its historic significance has led to a failure to

maintain historic structures and the potential demolition of several key

buildings. 

"As stewards of these historic buildings, the administration has an

obligation to the Commonwealth to preserve and protect them as they relate

to the history of the university, the campus and the town of Amherst," said

Jim Igoe, president of Preservation Massachusetts. "The campus's

architectural diversity is magnificent and should be embraced by the

University. Older buildings must be integrated into the growing campus." 

In May 2007, the UMass Amherst administration announced its intentions to

demolish a number of historic buildings, including South College - built in

1885 - and West Experiment Station, built a year later. An organization

called Preserve UMass, comprising current and retired faculty, alumni and

others, formed to pressure the college to protect its historic buildings.

Twenty-three buildings are listed on the Commonwealth's Inventory of

Historical and Archeological Assets and still others may qualify, but no

attempts have been made to pursue additional historic register listings. 

Also on the 10 Most Endangered List is Springfield's First Church of Christ

Congregational. Reduced membership and financial support have made the

building's future uncertain. 

The other properties on the top 10 list are the Strathmore Mill in Turners

Falls; the Edward Hopper home and landscape in Truro; the Isaac Crocker

House in Marstons Mills; the Tremont Nail Factory in Wareham; the Dainty Dot

Hosiery building in Boston; the Jensen Homestead in Granville; the Castle

Hill Farm in Northbridge and the Bentley-Gallo Property in Princeton. 

Now in its 14th year, the list of 10 most endangered resources has become an

effective tool for preservationists to focus statewide attention on the

condition of individual historic properties and their importance to

communities. Of the more than 100 historic sites designated as endangered

since the list's inception in 1993, fewer than a dozen have been lost. 

This year's list was culled from nominations submitted by

preservation-minded groups and individuals throughout the state. Submissions

are judged by several criteria, including their historic significance, the

extent of the threat and the community's commitment to preserving the

resource. 

Founded in 1985, Preservation Massachusetts (formerly known as Historic

Massachusetts, Inc.) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated

to preserving the Commonwealth's historic and cultural heritage. 

 

Vicki Ritterband 

Preservation Massachusetts 

617-795-0180 

Vicki Ritterband [vritterband at rcn.com]