Preservation Howard County last week released its annual list of historic sites it considers the most endangered in the county. Listed below are the buildings on the list and the reasons why the group believes them to be threatened.

* Doughoregan Manor, Ellicott City. The 18th-century manor house and estate that was once home to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, faces an uncertain future. A historic easement on the property expired in May 2007 and the site could potentially be developed.

* Belmont, Elkridge. The 18th-century manor house was purchased by Howard Community College in 2004. Development plans include the extension of public water and sewer services and the addition of new buildings, roads and parking areas that preservationists say would violate the spirit of an easement intended to protect the property.

* Woodlawn, Columbia. A 19th century mansion the society says is in disrepair and has been overshadowed by surrounding commercial development.

* Lakefront promenade/Gehry buildings, Columbia. Buildings designed by architect Frank Gehry that are situated along Lake Kittamaqundi face an uncertain future and potential demolition as a developer plans a large-scale redevelopment of downtown Columbia.

* U.S. Post Office on Main Street, Ellicott City. Howard County government officials are in ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Postal Service to purchase the stone structure, which is home to two murals by artist Peter Paul DeAnna. Government officials are considering housing the county's tourism office there.

* Highland. The community at the intersection of routes 108 and 216 was established in 1759 and is the site of "infill" development that some residents say is out of sync with the character of the community and presents septic system problems.

* Clover Hill, Elkridge. This 18th century brick house is located in Rockburn Park and is deteriorating without a dedicated curator.

* Mt. Hebron stone barn, Ellicott City. The early 1800s stone barn faces potential demolition to make way for a new residential development if a buyer to restore and preserve the barn is not located.

* Ellicott City jail. Preservationists say the granite structure that served as the county's first jail house is neglected and could be put to better use if it were open to the public.

* Sykesville's South Branch recreational area. The industrial buildings that remain from the original site of the town of Sykesville, along the south banks of the Patapsco River, are deteriorating.

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