NATCHEZ — One historic house in Natchez may be on the brink of extinction.

Melmont, a two-story Greek revival house located at 715 N. Rankin St., was named this week to the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in Mississippi list, curated by the Mississippi Heritage Trust (MHT) — a non-profit organization that supports historic preservation efforts throughout the state.

Lolly Barnes, MHT executive director, said the trust takes nominations for the list annually.

After receiving nominations, state preservationists review nominations and determine the list.

This year, the Historic Natchez Foundation (HNF) nominated Melmont.

“Melmont has been a concern over the years,” said Mimi Miller, director of the Historic Natchez Foundation. “It has severe structure problems.”

HNF’s nomination suggested Melmont’s major structural issues stem from the house’s modern modifications, which includes the use of Portland cement to repair the house’s stucco exterior.

Cracks running up and down the house, exposing a brick foundation, are in plain sight from the sidewalk — as well as an abandoned vehicle resting in the front yard.

HNF’s nomination also cited vandalism on the house’s second floor.

“The community, as a whole, has been concerned about the condition (of Melmont),” Miller said.

Architect James McClure built Melmont in 1855 for Col. Henry Basil Shaw and his family, Miller said.

The house’s name is derived from Shaw’s wife’s initials, M.E.L. — Mary Elizabeth Lattimore. Mont, Miller said, comes from French word for mountain, and acts as a nod to the house’s prominent location on top of a hill.

No longer in the Shaw family name, the privately owned historic house has sat vacant for several years, Miller said.

Frances Oberlin Stephens and Sam Oberlin are listed as the property’s owners.

“With Melmont, its an issue of an absentee owner who has not been maintaining the property,” Barnes said.

Along with the house, a two-story slave quarters building and kitchen still stand, one of only a handful of surviving examples in the region.

“We want people to know these properties are worthy of preservation,” Barnes said.

Miller said because Melmont is privately owned, the HNF can only raise community awareness of the house’s dismal condition.

“Melmont had a great past, and I hope it has a great future,” she said.

The Wilkinson County Jail, built in 1929 and located in Woodville, also made the list of endangered historic places.