Two Middle Georgia historic properties are part of the 2013 Places in Peril list released Wednesday by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Hancock County Courthouse in Sparta and the Monticello Commercial Building in Jasper County joined eight other sites from across Georgia in the eighth annual list. The Georgia Trust releases the list to raise awareness about the state’s significant historic properties that are being threatened by neglect, demolition or inappropriate development, according to a news release.

The Monticello Commercial Building was built in 1887, originally operating as N.B. White & Co., a merchandise company. It also served as a general store and a hair and beauty supply store.

The Hancock County Courthouse was the third courthouse to be built on that site since Sparta was founded in 1795. The third courthouse was built in 1883 in Second Empire style of architecture. The courthouse is in the central square of Sparta and has been the site of numerous historic trials and events. It remains in use, but suffers from lack of funding for preservation.

Other sites on the list include the Tift Warehouse in Albany; Candler Park Golf Course and Sweet Auburn Commercial District in Atlanta; Dobbins Mining Landscape and Stilesboro Academy in Bartow County; Cave Spring Log Cabin in Floyd County; Lexington Presbyterian Church in Oglethorpe County; and Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site in Toccoa.

To learn more about the Places in Peril list, visit www.georgiatrust.org/news/2013pip.php.

To contact writer Phillip Ramati, call 744-4334.