National Trust For Historic Preservation Names Saugatuck Dunes in Saugatuck, Michigan to Its 2010 List of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places Washington, D.C. (May 19, 2010) – Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Saugatuck Dunes in Saugatuck, Mich. to its 2010 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. This annual list highlights important examples of the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage. It is an area of striking beauty. Along the shores of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, the 2,500 acres that comprise the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Area boast a sparsely-developed landscape of spectacular beach, rare freshwater dunes, water, woods and wetlands; habitat to several endangered species and home to a large number of significant historic and archeological sites. Nestled into the rolling dunes are the 100-year old Ox-Bow School of Art (part of the Chicago Art Institute), several 19th century summer camps and cottage communities, America’s oldest operational hand-cranked chain ferry, and one of only a handful of remaining dune rides. In addition to Native American grounds and trails, an old lighthouse cottage and century-old pilings from an early fishing village, the area contains “Michigan’s Pompeii,” the buried remains of Singapore, an early 19th century mill town and port. This cultural landscape and pristine viewshed is now threatened by a proposed 400-acre residential development, including marina, hotel, restaurant and retail complex -- all prohibited by local zoning laws. The development would have a devastating impact on Saugatuck’s thriving downtown as well as forever mar the last relatively undeveloped harbor mouth on Lake Michigan and the many historic sites that punctuate its rare beauty. The land in question, acquired by the Singapore Dunes LLC development company in 2006 from a private owner, is the subject of a contentious legal battle involving the township of Saugatuck. For nearly five years, Singapore Dunes LLC has taken aim at current zoning laws, which prohibit commercial development on the site. Through a series of lawsuits, threatened lawsuits, tax appeals and depositions, Singapore Dunes LLC has tried to pressure the township to change its zoning laws. The financially strapped township is facing an increasingly expensive fight, one that citizens recently voted to support by passing a millage. “Saugatuck Dunes is a remarkable, untouched, sustainable cultural landscape, one that has survived despite the aggressive development that has scarred other areas along Michigan’s coastline,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “If this development project proceeds, Saugatuck’s story will be sadly illustrative of many other resort communities that lost their heritage, their character and their distinctiveness in the face of deep-pocketed developers.” Saugatuck Township has worked hard to preserve its heritage and in 2006 established the Lakeshore Open Space Zoned District. The zoning allows for limited residential development but prohibits commercial development, marinas and retail and specifically calls for site protection of the community’s numerous historic and natural areas. Despite this, Singapore Dunes LLC has been relentless in pushing for a massive development that few in the community support. In 2009, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Saugatuck and the nearby town of Douglas to its annual list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations. For 60 years State and Federal agencies have tried to link the area’s parks into more expansive publicly-protected open space. The area is commonly referred to as the "Art Coast of Michigan" and the community’s artistic heritage endures through the Ox-Bow School of the Arts, where students have been inspired by the surrounding historic and natural landscape for more than a century. Even with its many attractions, Saugatuck has managed to maintain an authentic small town feeling, rare among resort communities today. The public is invited to learn more about what they can do to support these and hundreds of other endangered sites, experience first-hand accounts of these places, and share stories and photos of their own at www.PreservationNation.org/11Most. The 2010 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places was made possible, in part, by a grant from HistoryTM. Local preservation groups across the nation submitted nominations for this year's list; the nomination for Saugatuck Dunes was submitted by the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance. To download high resolution images of this year’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in advance of May 19th, please contact pr@nthp.org. On or after May 19th, visit http://www.preservationnation.org/about-us/press-center/ to register and download high resolution images and video. The 2010 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places (in alphabetical order): TO READ MORE CLICK HERE A |