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Hotel added to list of "Places in Peril"

Contributed

The historic Hotel Talisi, in Tallassee has been listed in Alabama’s Places in Peril list for 2019. It, along with six other properties, represents some of Alabama’s most endangered historic places. Places in Peril has worked for 26 years to bring awareness to significant historic places that suffer from neglect, lack of financial support, or are threatened with demolition. This program seeks to rally local and statewide support to elevate these places, plan for their rescue, and assure they remain in their communities for years to come.

In 2009, an arsonist's fire devastated the Hotel Talisi. Since then, the building has languished between owners and several attempted renovations, but now faces demolition by the City of Tallassee. The building at 14 Sistrunk Street has served the communities of Central and East Alabama as an iconic destination and hotel since 1928. Memories of Sunday lunch at the hotel, or a comfortable stay in one of its modest rooms, have saturated the local identity and left an important mark on the city. For many, this building embodies the essence of the community.

On May 14, the City of Tallassee will hear the appeal of the building’s current owner regarding the proposed demolition of the building. Despite efforts to stabilize the building, there are concerns for public safety. However, a concerted effort could still be made to restore this building.

Work being done to the structure in 2010

Each year, the Places in Peril program calls public attention to a select number of Alabama's threatened historic and archaeological sites. By highlighting their plight through statewide publicity, Places in Peril seeks to generate support for their preservation. If there is an irreplaceable historic building or site in your area that is threatened by demolition or neglect, then Places in Peril is an opportunity to help save it. Each submission will be evaluated for its significance and level of threat.

Other sites on 2019 Places in Peril list include The Pink House/The Bridges House in Homewood (Jefferson County); Oaklawn Cemetery in Mobile (Mobile County); Rural Training and Research Center in Epes (Sumter County); Prehistoric Native American Trade Canal in Gulf Shores (Baldwin County); White’s Funeral Home/Cowan Ramser House in Eufaula (Barbour County); and Oak Grove School in Gallion (Hale County). The Places in Peril list is published on the Alabama Historical Commission website. Additional releases for each Places in Peril properties are forthcoming.

Since 1994, the Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation have joined forces to sponsor Places in Peril, a program that highlights significant endangered properties. As awareness yields commitment, and commitment yields action, these endangered properties can be saved and returned to their places as treasured landmarks. Places in Peril has helped save many important landmarks that may otherwise have been lost. Over the course of 25 years, the program has highlighted more than 250 resources.

Nominations for Places in Peril are accepted on an annual basis; any type of building, ruin, site, or place can be eligible for nomination. Places in Peril has listed theaters, schools, caves, jails, churches, and houses. The application requires brief, but clear answers to a handful of questions regarding a property’s significance, threat, and the designation of a local contact and local advocacy group with the capacity to leverage the support and coverage provided by the listing. Property owner permission and current, good quality photographs of the property are also required. 

For more information about the Alabama Historical Commission, or Places in Peril, please visit www.ahc.alabama.gov.