NATCHEZ — Antebellum homes in Natchez have caught the eye of the American Institute of Architects.

Longwood and Dunleith are featured in an AIA online poll, which allows people to vote for their five favorite examples of architecture throughout the state. The poll is a contest that features 32 architecturally interesting places in Mississippi, in which 12 will win. The winners will be featured in the AIA’s 2008 calendar.

Mississippi AIA

“This contest is in concert with the 150 anniversary of the American Institute of Architects,” Executive Director Joe Blake said.

Originally there were over 100 buildings.

“We had a committee of architects and citizens that came up with a list of over 100 places, and they whittled them down to 32,” Blake said.

Longwood and Dunleith were the only two properties from the Natchez area featured on the poll. Other properties featured include, the Governor’s mansion, Winsdor Ruins, the Biloxi Lighthouse and Eudora Welty’s home.

The houses were chosen for several different reasons.

“Some of the houses are of historic value, some because of longevity; it runs gamut, it really does,” Blake said. “Some are contemporary as well as churches. We even have a sight that is not a building.”

The poll opened on July 4 and will close on September 3. So far, 2,600 votes have been placed, and raised traffic on the web site by 95 percent.

Longwood and Dunleith’s employees and administration are proud of the recognition.

“Anytime we can be recognized by a worthy organization, we are eager to take the opportunity and thankful for it,” Dunleith Manager John Holyoak said.

The striking architecture and well- known history of both houses adds to the allure of the properties.

“The fact that Longwood is unfinished, and the story behind it makes us stand out,” chairman of the governing board of Longwood, Jan Scarborough said. “You can go all over the country and find exceptional properties, but not many people can see something as unique as Longwood; it’s a real testament to Pilgrimage Garden Club and how well we have preserved it.”

Both properties are representative of Natchez and its alluring southern charm.

“When you think of Natchez, you can’t help but to think of Longwood, it is a trademark of Natchez,” Scarborough said.

Holyoak believes Dunleith has lived up to its representation as well.

“Most of the buildings on the poll are more modern, Dunleith is one of the best examples of the antebellum architecture Natchez is so famous for,” Holyoak said.

Holyoak and Scarborough agree the two properties have a very good chance of winning.

“I think we will fare well,” Holyoak said.

“I certainly expect Longwood to be at the top of the list, there is no place in the world like it,” Scarborough said.