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Demolish Rocky Springs Mission 66 Contact Station and Two Comfort Stations
Natchez Trace Parkway » Demolish Rocky Springs Mission 66 Contact Station and Two Comfort Stations » Document List
The Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) proposes to remove three historic Mission 66 era buildings at the Rocky Springs site in Claiborne County, Mississippi. Two are comfort stations that were built in 1965 and one is a visitor contact station built in 1968. They are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1955, National Park Service (NPS) Director, Conrad Wirth, developed the Mission 66 program to upgrade facilities and visitor services in preparation for its 50th anniversary in 1966. NPS architects were influenced by post-World War II modern architectural styles and subsequently developed a style described today as Park Service Modern.
The decision to demolish the comfort stations was based on increased maintenance costs, lack of compliance with accessibility regulations, the inability to feasibly retrofit the building to achieve compliance, low visitor use, and the availability of other facilities within close proximity. The buildings currently now present a public safety hazard due to interior rot/mold. The park is unable to sufficiently clean the buildings to eliminate risk to staff or visitors. Further, instances of illicit activity and vandalism within the buildings have occurred.
In accordance with §106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and the Advisory Council's regulations, 36 CFR Part 800, we invite the public to consult with the Parkway regarding the above-referenced undertaking. As mitigation, the Parkway plans to conduct a Historical American Building Survey (HABS) to document the structures before removal.
How to Provide Feedback:
A public comment period will open between July 12 and August 12, 2019. The public is encouraged to comment about the proposal electronically via the National Park Service's Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website. Comments will also be accepted in writing. To submit written comments, mail to:
Superintendent
Natchez Trace Parkway
2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804
Before you include your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information (PII) in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment - including your PII information - may be made public at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your PII from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
662-840-7560
In 1955, National Park Service (NPS) Director, Conrad Wirth, developed the Mission 66 program to upgrade facilities and visitor services in preparation for its 50th anniversary in 1966. NPS architects were influenced by post-World War II modern architectural styles and subsequently developed a style described today as Park Service Modern.
The decision to demolish the comfort stations was based on increased maintenance costs, lack of compliance with accessibility regulations, the inability to feasibly retrofit the building to achieve compliance, low visitor use, and the availability of other facilities within close proximity. The buildings currently now present a public safety hazard due to interior rot/mold. The park is unable to sufficiently clean the buildings to eliminate risk to staff or visitors. Further, instances of illicit activity and vandalism within the buildings have occurred.
In accordance with §106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and the Advisory Council's regulations, 36 CFR Part 800, we invite the public to consult with the Parkway regarding the above-referenced undertaking. As mitigation, the Parkway plans to conduct a Historical American Building Survey (HABS) to document the structures before removal.
How to Provide Feedback:
A public comment period will open between July 12 and August 12, 2019. The public is encouraged to comment about the proposal electronically via the National Park Service's Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website. Comments will also be accepted in writing. To submit written comments, mail to:
Superintendent
Natchez Trace Parkway
2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804
Before you include your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information (PII) in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment - including your PII information - may be made public at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your PII from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Contact Information
Christina Smith, Cultural Resource Specialist662-840-7560