An iconic hotel the state is planning to tear down for parking has been named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of America’s 11 most endangered historic places for 2020. The list was released on September 24. The Sun-N-Sand hotel, located in downtown Jackson, tops the list. Being granted that distinction could be a boost in efforts to save the facility from demolition. The Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration is planning to tear most of it down to make way for parking. DFA has given contractors a notice to proceed and expect demolition to begin this month. It was unclear how the state would respond to the announcement. Officials with DFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.However, the list has been known for helping to preserve historic sites. According to the National Trust’s website, more than 300 places have been listed in its 33-year history, and in that time, fewer than five percent have been lost.The Mississippi Heritage Trust has been working to save the facility for months. Late last year, the trust petitioned the state to save the building, and garnered thousands of signatures in support.In response to that petition, in January, the Department of Archives and History board of trustees granted the Sun-N-Sand landmark status. In its resolution, the board encouraged DFA to redevelop the site, but ultimately gave them permission to demolish the hotel after June 1, 2020.During that time, the state was encouraged to meet with potential developers to develop the site, but no meetings occurred. Lolly Rash, executive director of the Mississippi Heritage Trust, said she knows of developers who want to redevelop the Sun-N-Sand as a hotel. However, DFA has refused to meet with them.DFA plans to remove the hotel to install new parking for state employees and visitors. The state purchased the hotel in 2019 for that purpose. Initially, DFA had planned to tear down the entire structure. However, after hearing concerns from historians and the public, the agency agreed to save the hotel's historic sign, as well as the ballroom, which it plans to re-purpose for meeting rooms. For more information, log onto mississippiheritage.com.
