COLUMBIA — Columbia’s Historic Preservation Commission is accepting nominations for the 10 most notable properties in Columbia until Oct. 1.
The most notable properties search began in 1998 shortly after the Historic Preservation Commission was founded. Rachel Bacon, staff liaison for the Historic Preservation Commission, said the group hopes the yearly search helps Columbia residents recognize the history surrounding them.
Nominated properties must be within the city, be at least 50 years old and have architectural or historical characteristics that add to Columbia’s social or aesthetic resources.
Applications are available at the city of Columbia’s home page at gocolumbiamo.com or may be requested by calling the Planning and Development Department at 874-7239.
Completed applications should be turned in by mail or in person to City of Columbia Planning and Development Department, Attention: Historic Preservation Commission, 701 E. Broadway, P.O. Box 6015, Columbia, MO 65205-6015.
The application requests background information on properties including persons of interest who have lived there, renovations undergone and histories of owners or builders of the property. Photographs and other information about properties can be submitted along with the application.
A gala is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 2, 2010, at The Tiger Hotel, at which the most notable properties will be publicly announced. The owners of the properties will be presented with a certificate and bronze plaque.
Bacon said the commission is looking for properties with different styles, time periods and architectural designs. They can be in any condition, Bacon said, but she added that “we hope the nominations will serve as a catalyst for rehabilitation” of properties that may be deteriorating.