As Durham's population has grown, many of its significant historic buildings are threatened by neglect or impending development. These landmarks compose our community's collective heritage. Over 200 at-risk historic properties in Durham and Durham County have been identified. Many are no longer owner-occupied and are located in Durham's most economically challenged residential and commercial areas. Without intervention, Durham's built heritage will continue to erode.

These threats challenged HPSD to create the Endangered Properties Program to rescue properties for restoration and adaptive reuse. As the deed for a property transfers through HPSD, preservation covenants are added to protect the property's historic integrity.

During 1999, HPSD obtained options from the City and County for three downtown properties. In February of that year, the Society completed its first property transfer, conveying the Old City Garage and Fire Tower from the City to developer Zapolski+Rudd.

That summer, the Society found buyers committed to preserving two historic homes in the Old North Durham Historic District. Since then, many other properties have passed through the Endangered Properties Program. A committee of volunteers is constantly working to convince the owners of historic properties to save them or to sell them to those who will.