But what they contributed was much more than a handful of potential future landmarks.

How many other potential landmarks are so fragile?

Place Matters has repeatedly recommended that the commission make an inventory of potential cultural landmarks.

It was the first loss of a potential landmark since the new law was passed, and is still a bitterly remembered battle.

Every potential landmark has its fervent fans, and every literary figure devotees.

"We are aware of the wall, and have not ruled it out as a potential landmark," said Lisi de Bourbon, a spokesperson for the commission.

He was at one time director of the Urban Cultural Resources Survey, which identifies buildings throughout the city that are potential landmarks.

The survey was designed for use not only by the commission, but by community and preservation groups seeking information on the potential landmarks in their neighborhoods.

The path from potential landmark to veritable footnote is a painful one for a Court that guards its power of review so jealously.

Two years ago, 64 houses in the town were designated potential historic landmarks by town officials, a designation awaiting state approval.