Each year during Preservation Month (May), Preservation Utah releases its Most Endangered Places List—a statewide snapshot of historic sites, buildings, and cultural resources that face serious and often imminent threats.

 

The list is not a ranking. Instead, it is a call to action. It highlights places of architectural, historical, and cultural significance that are at risk due to demolition, neglect, redevelopment pressure, environmental threats, or a combination of factors. By elevating these sites, Preservation Utah aims to spark public awareness, encourage community-led advocacy, and support conversations about viable preservation solutions.

 

While it is not possible to save every historic place, Preservation Utah’s mission is to save as many as possible—and to empower communities with the tools, visibility, and support needed to advocate for their local history. The Most Endangered Places List is one of our most visible advocacy tools, helping residents, decision-makers, and partners understand what is at stake and why preservation matters.

 

Sites included on the list are evaluated based on several considerations, including:

• Historic significance

• Urgency of the threat

• Evidence of local or community support

• Potential for preservation or adaptive reuse

• Representation of historically underrepresented communities

• Integrity of location, setting, design, materials, and workmanship
   

The final list reflects a range of places across Utah and is organized alphabetically by county. Inclusion does not imply inevitability—many sites listed in past years have gone on to be stabilized, rehabilitated, or saved entirely through community action and collaboration.