National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is an American member-supported organization which was founded in 1949 to support preservation of historic buildings and neighborhoods through a range of programs and activities.

Controversy

During 2004, the National Trust for Historic Preservation fought against other preservation groups over the fate of the Century Building in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. In contrast to its stated mission, the trust supported the demolition of the 1896 building so that the land could be used for a parking structure. After the heated debate and the ultimate destruction of the Century Building, many wonder if the trust is truly dedicated to preservation or if it is merely a rubber-stamp agency intended to approve historic related projects for powerful developers.

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