In a short break from Ohio-specific preservation news and views, we share with you the recent announcement by the World Monuments Fund of their 2008 “100 Most Endangered Historic Sites” – otherwise known as the World Monuments Watch. As with Preservation Ohio’s List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites and the National Trust’s list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places – the latter of which was recently announced – the purpose of the World Monuments Fund list is to draw public attention to the fate of significant historic resources in jeopardy.

The online home of the new world list is breathtaking in its coverage and presentation. Clicking on each location opens a menu with photos of the site and general information.

While not the home of an identified threatened resource, Ohio is affected by – but perhaps not included in -- one listing. The icon roughly over Colorado corresponds with a listing for “Main Street Modern,” which refers to post World War II public buildings across the country that were designed in the “Modern idiom.” Among Ohio examples of public buildings that might be included in that category are collegiate buildings constructed in the 1950s through 1970s – and perhaps the Ohio Historical Center, a Brutalist landmark of Columbus. It would certainly include the main branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, which was the “…first post-war main library building in the U.S.” when it was built in 1955 to the design of Woodie Garber. In Ohio, at least, these two structures, and many others, are facing a new generation in good condition and without threats to their future.  Non-public buildings, however, such as the Marcel Breuer Cleveland Trust Tower, are not faring as well.

Take a few moments to take a trip around a world of endangered history by clicking here.

Photo: Main Branch, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County -- Rob Ireton/Creative Commons License