SOUTHERN USA

Mississippi's favorite architectural landmarks named by AIA

From the Associated Press
05:38 PM PDT, September 10, 2007

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The Longwood Plantation in Natchez has been selected Mississippi's top architectural site by voters participating in a survey organized by the state chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

David Hardy, the chapter president, says the list of 12 favorite landmarks shows Mississippians lean toward history, spirituality, good stories and sentimental spots. Photos of the sites will appear on a 2008 calendar.

The No. 2 site on the list was the Windsor Ruins in Port Gibson, which are the ruins of antebellum Greek Revival mansion, followed by the Biloxi Lighthouse, and the Dunleith plantation home, now a bed and breakfast in Natchez. Fourth on the list was Beauvoir, the Biloxi home of Jefferson Davis, who was president of the Confederacy.

The list of top architectural sites also included the Old Capitol Museum in Jackson, the Woodworth Chapel at Tougaloo College, St. Richard Catholic Church in Jackson, the Mississippi Governor's Mansion in Jackson, the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church in Madison, and Bailey Magnet High School in Jackson.

Hardy said almost 24,000 people visited the chapter's Web site to vote for five favorites from a list of 32.

"I think it heightened awareness of architecture and its importance in building communities, especially along the coast, where we've lost so much history and heritage," Hardy, a partner with Guild Hardy Architects of Biloxi-Jackson, said.

"This list is important for architects practicing on the coast and upstate, too, because it tells us what the public sees as good architecture. We can act accordingly to create good places with buildings that resonate with the community."

Both the 1848 Biloxi Lighthouse and Beauvoir, the 1850s raised Creole cottage on Davis' retirement estate, were damaged in Hurricane Katrina. The lighthouse recently was selected as the new statewide symbol on license plates, and Beauvoir is undergoing a $3.9 million restoration.