Historic Preservation: a Vital Economic Engine for Western New

Fall 2017 Newsletter www.preservationbuffaloniagara.org

supported rehabilitation project, $1.25 returns to the US Treasury. Twenty-four states have customized historic rehabilitation with their own state-level programs. New York has both a commercial program that mirrors the federal program, as well as a homeowner program to help people invest in their historic houses. The following are just a few examples of works in progress where abandoned or under-utilized structures in and around Western New York are set to be revived.

Northland Corridor This 50-acre factory complex is bounded by Fillmore Avenue, East Delavan Avenue, Grider Street, and East Ferry Street. Many of Industrial campus at 683 Northland Avenue the factories within this area have been dormant since the 1980s. The neighborhood where this complex Historic Preservation: is located was largely shaped by the Buffalo Belt Line, which covers a 15- A Vital Economic Engine for mile radius around the city. This rail line was where factories (such as Western New York the Trico Plant #2 and Pierce-Arrow rotecting and utilizing our historic credits have created a whopping 6,000 Factory Complex) took advantage of Pbuilding stock is key to Western new jobs, which generated $17 million their product trading and shipping New York’s quality of life, has strong in State and local tax receipts, and through the city’s railroad service. environmental benefits, and is critical over $500 million in total investments Although some of the Northland to helping us build community t h roug h 2017. factories are still active, they are through an accurate and shared sense Historic Tax Credits have become largely underutilized, having of history. However, in recent years, one of Western New York’s most changed ownership multiple times investments in our historic buildings important assets in recent times. In just since the 1970’s. The 1.5 square mile have emerged as something more: the past decade alone, it has become neighborhood surrounding the a cultural economic driver for the an effective way to improve the local complex was one of many across the region. economy while encouraging private city that was once reliant on the jobs Investments in our historic building investment and promoting small provided by nearby factories. stock have become a much-needed job business growth, all while keeping tax The Northland Corridor project creator and economic development rates stable. Far from being a drain on will be centered on 683 Northland, engine, not just in the city of Buffalo, public resources, Historic Tax Credits which is still used for minor storage but throughout Western New York. bring a high return on investment. For space. Following a 2014 brownfield Just the projects involving historic tax every dollar invested in a tax credit- continued on page 3

Historic Preservation for WNY cover story Preservation Award Winners 6 Tax Credit Spotlight 10 Letter from the Executive Director 2 Anatomy of Successful Preservation 7 Advocacy Snapshot 11 The Fight to Save Willert Park 5 Meet the Crew! 9 Tours & Events 12 Preservation Buffalo Niagara Fall 2017

Preservation Buffalo Niagara

617 Main Street, Suite 201 Letter from the Executive Director Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 852-3300 www.preservationbuffaloniagara.org Dear Friends, Mission

Preservation Buffalo Niagara In their seminal 1978 work “Seeing Buffalo”, Maggie Headrick and provides leadership in identifying, Celia Ehrlich wrote: “In recent years the efforts of many individuals protecting, and promoting the unique architecture and historic legacy of and organizations have brought a new awareness that preserving and Western New York communities. renovating older buildings of high quality makes sense both economically and artistically. Neighborhoods as well as individual buildings are being Board of Trustees refurbished in keeping with their original style and being used effectively for new purposes. Care is being taken to see that Buffalo continues as an E. Frits Abell Patrick Brown architectural museum and a lively and diverse city.” Jason Lloyd Clement Peter Flynn These words were written nearly 40 years ago, but we know that the hard Marjorie Gillies David Kinyon work to see this idea through continues. Thanks to our members, PBN has Thomas Knab been highly engaged this year in a number of initiatives to advance this noble Margie Pawloski cause. One of which is bringing back this quarterly newsletter, which hasn’t Terrence Robinson Eric Stenclik been published in many years! Inside this issue you will learn more about Ramona Whitaker how historic preservation is one of the leading causes of Buffalo’s renaissance and how we are working to increase the reach of preservation across our Life Trustees & Technical Advisors region; the importance of the Willert Park housing complex on Spring Street Richard Baer in Buffalo; and some brief notes on issues we are engaged in on behalf of our R. Maura Cohen members. You will also find information on upcoming events and tours, an Gary Costello introduction to our staff, and a new feature: Meet a Docent. Each quarter we Peter Filim Frank Kowsky plan to introduce you to another one of our amazing volunteer docents who Martin Wachaldo make all of our tour work possible.

Staff Since it is fall, you will also see a gentle reminder about Annual Giving. As you may know, we receive less than 10% of our budget from public sources, Jessie Fisher, relying almost entirely on our membership and philanthropic donations to do Executive Director the work that we do. If you want to support our work and see it expand, we Bradley J. Bethel Jr., Communications Manager hope that you will consider giving a gift this year. Olivia Cammisa-Frost, Membership & Education Director We at PBN are so honored to do this work on behalf of our members, and we Christiana Limniatis, hope that by bringing this newsletter back, you will feel more connected with Director of Preservation Services the day to day activities of the organization. We genuinely enjoy hearing from you and interacting with you at our events, and we hope that you will Docents continue to keep us informed of what’s happening in your community and Marla Bujnicki how we can help. Ron Eaton Cathy Gervase Geoff Gorsuch Sincerely, Peter Grace Gretchan Grobe Alex Herlovitch Drew Kinder Greg Lodinsky Toni Loudon Harry Meyer Jessie Fisher Katie Moriarty Margie Pawloski Executive Director Cindy Pearson Denise Prince Laurie Seier Rich Smyth Shannon Sutton Phyllis Weyer

2 Preservation Buffalo Niagara Fall 2017 Historic Preservation for WNY Gallery or just stay in a fine historic decommissioned. Since then, PUSH continued from page 1 hotel, all to the benefit our entire (People United for Sustainable region. Housing) Buffalo has sought to revive study, the building will be “And the best has yet to come as the building as a community-oriented rehabilitated as a new business and we move forward on the reuse of the facility. Plans include senior housing training incubator, catering to job and rest of the buildings. However, we are and a community performance career development for surrounding finding during our discussions with theatre. residents. potential developer partners who we According to Jennifer Kaminsky The plan is to generate long-term need to finish our work that Phase 2 of PUSH Buffalo, “PUSH and reinvestment in the surrounding will probably be infeasible without its development entity Buffalo neighborhood, addressing long- the federal Historic Preservation Neighborhood Stabilization held concerns about unemployment Tax Credit program continuing. Company, Inc. led a multi-year on Buffalo’s East Side. According to The continuation of the Historic planning process into the reuse of David A. Stebbins, Vice President Preservation Tax Credit program is School 77. The community wanted of the Buffalo Urban Development crucial to the reuse of the remaining affordable housing for seniors and Corporation: 300,000 square feet of this property space for youth programs, arts, and “This project will bring much and the strong economic development culture.” needed investment and good paying and community development impact jobs to an economically distressed that will result from this success.” Improving Access to the Benefits of area of our community.” Historic Preservation Buffalo Public School #77 It is clear that historic preservation Buffalo Public School #77 was built is an important component of building in 1927. Located in the North Prospect healthy and vibrant communities Hill neighborhood, it was designed in Western New York. What is also by Ernest Crimi using bricked clear, unfortunately, is that these Neoclassical architecture. benefits are not reaching across all The building was designed neighborhoods and all communities. according to early 20th Century PBN is committed to working to ensure requirements for public schools in that historic preservation makes a New York State. With a maximum positive impact on all Western New enrollment of 1,100 students, Yorkers. Our 2017/2018 Advocacy and School #77 was used as an English- Technical Services agenda includes: speaking facility for Buffalo’s Italian 1. Advocacy around the Historic immigrants and Italian Americans Tax Credit Improvement Act (H.R. that were predominant in the North 1158/S. 425): This bill will improve Prospect Hill neighborhood at the access to historic tax credits, H.H. Richardson Complex Towers time. It was also used temporarily as an important financing tool, to a science lecture facility, to coincide neighborhood commercial centers Richardson Complex with the opening of the Buffalo and our rural towns and village According to Monica Pellegrino Museum of Science at then-Humboldt centers; Faix, former Executive Director of the Park in 1929. 2. New York State Tax Credit Richardson Center Corporation: In 2007, School #77 was Advocacy: The New York State “Simply put, reuse of the continued on page 4 Richardson Olmsted Campus was made possible by the Historic Preservation Tax Credits. Federal Historic Tax Credits have been crucial to the success of our work to date to eliminate blight, rehabilitate these historic buildings, and to create construction jobs and long-terms jobs at this National Historic Landmark site in Buffalo. “500 construction jobs, and 75 new long-term jobs are being created at the Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center which has just opened. Hotel Henry will attract visitors from across the globe who will be attracted to visit the College, the Albright Knox Art Buffalo Public School 77 on Plymouth Avenue 3 Preservation Buffalo Niagara Fall 2017 Historic Tax Credit has been a key component of commercial projects, and has added incentives for homeowners in low income census tracts. This important program is set to sunset in 2019, so the 2018 Legislative Season will be an important time to not only make sure that this programPBN continues, but to make needed changes that will ensure that this program is benefittingHistoric our entire area, Plaque not just a select few communities; 3. PBN will continue its commitment to doingProgram proactive survey work to identify and protect our regionalWestern historic New assets. York The has a rich history and a distinctive Broadwayarchitectural Fillmore survey character should - one that appeals to residents and vistors alike. be completed this year and then we will begin to implement results, and the FruitPBN Belt issurvey proud should to celebrate wrap this heritage with our Historic Plaque Program. These buildings in Downtown Jamestown up in thecustom-made spring. We have plaques provided will have the date that building was built as well as technical assistance to the University older surveys done in Cold Spring 5. We are exploring ways to bring District toinformation begin survey pertaining work, and to theand Blackoriginal Rock owner to begin and, to implement if applicable, more thedirect historic funding district and assistance we will itbe isconducting located within.a survey Not on onlyrecommendations; do these plaques share the historyto ourof a lowesthome orincome historic Buffalo’sbuilding, West Side they from also Richmond acknowledge 4. We the will stewardship continue to ofprovide an owner homeowners. in preserving Watch and for more news to Niagara Street, from West Ferry to technical preservation services to and ways you can support this effort Forest. Finally,maintaining we will be its partnering historic character.communities and individual building in 2018. with community members to revisit owners across the region; For more information on the Plaque Program, call Christiana. Applications for the winter order will be accepted until December 31st - order yours today! Historic Tax Credit Assistance Drop-In Workshops Preparation Service

PBN offers monthly Drop-In Historic Tax Historic Tax Credits have become one of Credit Workshops the second Wednesday of Western New York’s most important tools in every month from 6:00-8:00PM. improving our local economy, while encouraging private investment, promoting The Drop-In Workshops are a chance to get the small business growth, all while keeping tax information about the Commercial and rates stable. Homeowner Historic Tax Credits that are available for repair and restoration projects on PBN is now offering Homeowner Tax Credit your historic property. You can also bring in application preparation services. Our trained your Homeowner Historic Tax Credit application staff can work with you through the entire with any questions you may have about your process, from determining eligibility, reviewing project or the form. While PBN is not the work to assess compliance with The Secretary administrator of the tax credit program, we can of the Interior’s Standards, and preparing Parts walk you through the process and address any 1, 2, and 3 of the State application. PBN charges specific concerns. a sliding scale fee schedule.

FREE for PBN Members For more information contact: $10 for General Public Christiana Limniatis Director of Preservation Services

4 Preservation Buffalo Niagara Fall 2017 The Fight to Save Willert Park

Willert Park courts, date unknown proposed restoration of Willert Park projects

reservation Buffalo Niagara has In addition to the architectural – a story that we are still in the Pbeen working hard with our and social significance of the midst of understanding. As community partners, including complex, these buildings are also Buffalo begins to stabilize, as the Michigan Street Preservation notable for the ornamental series population is added, especially to Corporation, for nearly a decade of cast relief sculptures based on our downtown and adjacent East to preserve this important part of the themes of labor and family life. Side neighborhoods, how will we Buffalo’s past. Located on Spring Designed and crafted by Robert understand and honor those who Street, just off William Street in Crombach and Herbert Ambellan, have lived and created community the Ellicott District of Buffalo, these sculptures garnered national here? the Buffalo Municipal Housing attention, when the Museum of To delve deeper into these Authority would like to tear down Modern Art singled out Willert issues as well as to bring attention this complex and allow a private, Park as one of eight significant to these imperiled buildings, PBN Canadian-based developer to Modern architecture buildings in hosted a panel discussion on May replace it with a new subsidized Buffalo, putting this development 25th with Professor Henry Taylor, housing project. in the company of the Darwin Professor Francis Kowsky, and These buildings, completed in Martin House, the Guaranty George K. Arthur, Buffalo political 1939 and designed by Frederick Building, and Kleinhan’s Musical legend and former President of Backus, have been determined Hall. the Common Council, who grew to be Eligible for the National Despite their architectural and up in the complex. The meeting Register of Historic Places by artistic pedigree, these buildings was well attended by Buffalo the State Historic Preservation are not without their controversy. preservationists, community Office for their significance in They contribute to the narrative activists, and former residents of the categories of architecture, of housing and social segregation Willert Park, who shared their art, community planning and in the City of Buffalo. In so doing, love of living in this location, and development, ethnic heritage, they also contribute significantly to their thoughts on why it should be and landscape architecture. This our understanding of how our City preserved. project was one of the first built has developed, and how we are PBN will continue to work under the United State Housing continuing to think about housing, with our community partners to Agency, created by Franklin D. neighborhood, and community. ensure that this important place is Roosevelt as part of the New Deal. To lose these buildings would not preserved for future generations. It was specifically planned for only continue the destruction of African American residents, and Modern Architecture in Buffalo, was heavily advocated for by the it would also hamper our ability Buffalo Urban League at the time. to tell our story as a community

5 Preservation Buffalo Niagara Fall 2017

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2017 Preservation Awards on September 7th!

We congratulate all of our winners!

Preservation Craft Outstanding Community Service People’s Choice Buffalo Architectural Casting International Chimney, Inc. “Greetings from Buffalo” Mural

Outstanding Commercial Project Neighborhood Conservation Outstanding Residential Project Turner Brothers Lofts Richardson Olmsted Campus Core Project 656 Lafayette Avenue

Education, Outreach, and Planning Outstanding Public Buildings Project Outstanding Personal Contribution Interpretive Center at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, Houses 2 & 3 Monica Pellegrino Faix Guaranty Building U.S. Customhouse Steve Karnath

6 Preservation Buffalo Niagara Fall 2017 redevelopment, in case we could be of assistance. Unfortunately, the owner never responded, so in this case, we were unable to help her.

3. Research the buildings In order to determine what protections these buildings needed and what incentives they might be eligible for, we needed to understand more about their history. So we headed to the Buffalo History Museum, City Hall Permits Office, and the County Tax Assessor to learn everything we could. 68 Sycamore was built in 1843 by 68 and 72 Sycamore Street Joseph Staub, a German immigrant who worked as a shoemaker. 72 Anatomy of a Preservation Sycamore was built by homeowner Eliza Quirk in 1845. Both buildings Success Story serve as two of the few remaining buildings in the city pre-dating the istoric preservation is a tricky Historic Preservation Office had Civil War. The boarding homes were Hbusiness, and one that is almost previously identified them as historic initially listed as 48 and 52 Sycamore never “finished.” An iterative and worthy of the National Register. until the 1860s. As listed in the city’s process that involves complex social, The two residential buildings at parcel maps, 68 and 72 Sycamore are regulatory, and financial processes, 68 and 72 Sycamore are distinctive combinations of 68 and 70 Sycamore each preservation project is unique for two primary reasons. The first and 72 and 74 Sycamore respectively. to its place, but also can inform other is that they are among the few The primary demographics of projects. We at Preservation Buffalo buildings pre-dating the Civil War the area were German, Italian, Niagara are giving continued thanks still standing in Buffalo, both dating and/or Jewish. However, a small to Mr. Rocco Termini for his role in back to the 1840’s. Second, these are Black neighborhood settled in the saving the pair of boarding homes the few Federal-styled buildings, the Sycamore-Broadway area dating back at 68 and 72 Sycamore Street. Not architecture of their time period, that to the 1820’s. This was the genesis only is this a successful addition for are still well intact in the city. Many of what would be spurred by the his own endeavors, this is a victory other Federal style buildings lost their Abolition Movement during the 1840’s for the community at large. The new original integrity through a series of and 1850’s. In addition to abolitionists discoveries made within these homes alterations before falling into neglect such as Frederick Douglass visiting provide us with an opportunity to and demolition. the city, the nearby Michigan Street learn about this style of architecture, Both buildings serve as a Baptist Church (511 Michigan the lives of the people who lived here, living timeline for how Buffalo’s Avenue) was long said to have been and Buffalo’s development and ethnic neighborhoods have changed over one of the Buffalo “stations” for the population changes over the city’s time. Since the buildings were clearly Underground Railroad. history. historic and already identified, they Their preservation also gives us a were prime candidates for a proactive 4. Propose local landmark status window into the preservation process preservation approach, even though Listing properties on State and and how we might be successful in at the time, there were no plans for National Registers of Historic saving other important buildings and demolition. Places is an important step towards sites throughout Buffalo and Western commemorating a property’s New York. We hope that sharing 2. Contact the building owners history and establishing eligibility this journey will lead to future Determining that the buildings for tax credits and other funding preservation successes. were historic, but also being neglected, opportunities. But unfortunately, we reached out to the existing owner it isn’t enough to save endangered 1. Identify buildings in need of to let them know that the buildings structures. Legal power to protect our protection were considered valuable and that historic buildings rests chiefly with The deteriorated state of these there were potential incentives for the local preservation ordinance. obviously older buildings are what their redevelopment. We wanted Buffalo adopted the Preservation first drew our attention. Some quick to start with the current owner Ordinance in 1974. The stated goals research showed that the City of to find out what their intentions include, but are not limited to: Buffalo and the New York State were and what the barriers were to continued on next page 7 Preservation Buffalo Niagara Fall 2017 Board and if approved, is forwarded sure they didn’t pose a safety hazard. to the Common Council’s Legislative Committee for review before moving 6. Identify a new owner on to a vote before the full Common When it became clear that the Council. current owner was unwilling to save Because 68 and 72 Sycamore easily the buildings, we began to reach out to exceeded the minimal requirements, potential new owners. Rocco Termini and because we worked hard with our had the vision to take on the project members to gain support from the if PBN committed to assisting. “Do I Common Council for our application, want to do it? No. But someone had to the landmarking process took about step forward,” Termini said. “These three months. The application are the oldest buildings in Buffalo … was immediately approved by the They’re part of the [Michigan Street Preservation Board after its March African-American Heritage Corridor], 2017 submission, then unanimously and they’re important to Buffalo. To approved by both the Legislative have them torn down would be a Committee and the full Common travesty to the city.” Council in May. 7. Identify funding sources 5. Intervene in housing court Every project is different in terms safe guard the city’s history and Aside from a 2016 fire that struck of what funding sources may be heritage, and to preserve, protect, 68 Sycamore, both boarding homes available to assist with redevelopment. and utilize our historic built were still fairly intact and structurally Although this project is still in the environment. More specifically, the sound. While we were working planning stages, it is eligible for Preservation Ordinance establishes through the local landmarking several different funding sources, the Preservation Board and provides process, the owner made a demolition including Historic Tax Credits, Low the framework and process for the request through Housing Court, Income Housing Tax Credits, and Preservation Board to designate local seeking to show that demolition several New York State grant and low landmarks and historic districts and should be permitted as the structural interest loan programs. PBN can work to review permits for alterations to issues constituted an “emergency.” with developers across Western New those properties. PBN brought engineers to Court York to help identify sources of funds. Properties under consideration and worked with attorneys to make We will continue to update the for local landmark status must meet sure that the Judge had a complete community as this particular project one or more of the nine Criteria for picture not only of the historic moves forward. We hope that you Designation, which speak to the nature of the buildings, but also of have found this article informative, property’s or district’s historical, the legal landmark process that was and that it inspires you to identify, architectural, and/or cultural concurrently underway, as well as protect, and promote the historic significance. Submitted applications the true structural condition of the resources in your community! are then reviewed by the Preservation buildings and options for making PBN Historic Plaque Program Western New York has a rich history and a distinctive architectural character - one that appeals to residents and vistors alike.

PBN is proud to celebrate this heritage with our Historic Plaque Program. These custom-made plaques will have the date that building was built as well as information pertaining to the original owner and, if applicable, the historic district it is located within. Not only do these plaques share the history of a home or building, they also acknowledge the stewardship of an owner in preserving and maintaining its historic character.

For more information on the Plaque Program, call Christiana. Applications for the winter order will be accepted until December 31st - order yours today!

8 Historic Tax Credit Assistance Drop-In Workshops Preparation Service

FREE for PBN Members For more information contact: $10 for General Public Christiana Limniatis Director of Preservation Services Preservation Buffalo Niagara Fall 2017 Meet the Crew! Jessie Fisher, Executive Director Christiana Limniatis, Director [email protected] of Preservation Services Jessie Fisher brings a wide [email protected] background to her role as Christiana Limniatis has over the Executive Director of 12 years’ experience in historic Preservation Buffalo Niagara. An preservation. Christiana began Urban Planner with a Master’s her preservation career as the degree from the University of Communications Coordinator for Washington in Seattle, Jessie has Historic Albany Foundation in worked as an historic preservation Albany, NY. Since completing her and neighborhood planning consultant, owned and master’s coursework in Historic Preservation Planning in developed at-risk and abandoned buildings, and served as 2011, Christiana has worked as a preservation consultant the Director of Planning at Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. in Louisiana, Tennessee, and New York, providing services These experiences have combined to give her a unique that include National Register nominations, design sense of how promoting our region’s heritage can unlock a guidelines, architectural surveys, non-profit fundraising brighter, more equitable, more sustainable future. and marketing campaigns, and grant writing. Christiana holds a BA in History/Political Science from The College of Saint Rose and completed her coursework towards a MA Bradley Bethel, Jr., in Historic Preservation Planning at Cornell University. Communications Manager [email protected] Before joining Preservation Buffalo Niagara, Bradley Bethel Jr. served as a Financial Education Meet a Docent: Rich Smyth Specialist for United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. He also How long have you been a served as a Research Associate docent with PBN? for the Restore Our Community I started Downtown with Dennis Galucki and the Landmarks Coalition, where his research and case studies for Society, then Buffalo Tours, and the Hamlin Park neighborhood garnered over 2,000 now PBN, over ten years. supporters citywide. Bradley has a B.A. in Environmental Design and a M.F.A. in Visual Communications from What tours do you do? the University at Buffalo and the Rochester Institute of Queen City Downtown and City Technology respectively. Deeply involved with community Hall. development, his independent consultation for small business owners has won awards and recognition for his What’s your favorite part of giving a tour? clients. Introducing people from all over the world to the history and architecture of my city. Olivia Cammisa-Frost, What’s the best question you’ve ever received Membership & Education during a tour? Director “You are so proud of your city, why don’t you run for [email protected] mayor?” Olivia Cammisa-Frost serves as Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s Where else do you docent/do volunteer work? Membership and Education T.R. Inaugural Site, Allentown Pocket Park tour, many of Director. She has a Master’s degree the theaters in the area. in Art History with an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Museum What is your favorite fact about Buffalo/WNY? Studies from the University of Buffalo. Prior to joining In 1901 Buffalo was the 8th most populated city in the PBN, Olivia worked in the Advancement Department at country, and all of the wealth and industry that went along with that. the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, where she assisted with planning and executing the museum’s major fundraisers, What is your favorite building in Buffalo/WNY? ran the facility rental program, and served on a number City Hall! of interdepartmental committees. At PBN, Olivia manages the organization’s membership program, the Hard Hat Why is historic preservation and learning about Tour series, the docent program, and other PBN events. architecture important to you? It is such an important part of my city.

9 Preservation Buffalo Niagara Fall 2017 Tax Credit Spotlight Two longtime Allentown residents have of the house allowed the owners and their been dedicated stewards to their home interior designer/project manager Mark for nearly 20 years. That love was tested Taylor, to put the historic character of on December 27, 2015 when fire struck the house on display. “You never saw the destroying the first-floor bathroom incredible artwork in the moldings and and causing smoke and fire damage woodwork. The radiator in the kitchen- throughout the house. Attributed to an it’s a piece of art! And in redesigning the electrical short, the fire began and the kitchen, the plans were done around this fire department immediately responded. incredible radiator.” “They were there within minutes and saved the house putting the fire out with After receiving their building permits and extinguishers eliminating water damage.” Certificate of Appropriateness from City of Buffalo’s Preservation Board and tax As the smoke and water remediation was credit project approval from the New York completed, the couple started the rehab State Historic Preservation Office, rehab plans. Because the property is listed on the work began in January 2016 and finished National Register of Historic Places and in April 2017. In addition to completely located in an eligible census tract, the project was eligible remodeling the fire damaged bathroom, they also removed for the NYS Historic Homeowner Tax Credit. They had and updated wallpaper throughout the house, underwent considered using tax credits in the past but it wasn’t until a major kitchen remodel, and refinished and/or replaced they realized the magnitude the post-fire rehab plans that damaged flooring. they decided to pursue them. “The tax credit is so liberating. You know that everything you are doing is appropriate to While the project evolved into more than just repairing the home and you get the benefit of the tax credit which fire damage, it was all worth it for the owners. “There’s a ensures you will go the extra mile.” sense of stewardship when owning an historic house. It’s so meaningful to have contributed to the wellbeing of this After years of living with inherited dark finishes, heavy house and the neighborhood and now we have contributed antique wallpaper, and nonoriginal built-in units, the rehab to its longevity.”

2017 Annual Appeal Thank You to our Sponsors! Preservation Buffalo Niagara is our region’s only professionally staffed preservation organization. We couldn’t do what we do without our supporters and we ask that you please consider making a donation to our 2017 Annual Appeal! Your donation directly supports PBN’s mission and will help us continue to Corporate Members provide programming and technical assistance throughout 2018!

Please call (716) 852-3300 to make your donation today, or visit our website to donate online!

10 Preservation Buffalo Niagara Fall 2017 Advocacy Snapshot Wright Metal Processing Division. While original plans called for demolishing the entirety of the building, subsequent meetings have found the City more willing to save additional fabric. We will continue to work to save this important part of our manufacturing heritage for future use.

Fruit Belt Cultural Resource Survey Supported by a Preserve NY grant from the Preservation League of New York State, the first-ever full scale survey of historic resources in Buffalo’s Fruit Belt is currently underway. Project consultant Preservation Studios is currently taking oral histories from long-time residents, and conducting a building inventory. Results of the survey Olmsted Park Conservancy’s proposal for restoring three acres of Delaware Park. along with recommendations for next steps should be available this winter. Scajaquada Downgrade/Route 198 After DOT’s Public Information Meeting on August 8th, Broadway-Fillmore Survey PBN submitted formal comments again asking DOT to Another survey supported by a Preserve New York grant reconsider the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s vision from the Preservation League of NYS, the Broadway- for the Scajaquada Boulevard and to reformulate plans Fillmore Survey is nearing completion. Project consultant to prioritize the park user’s experience. While there were Preservation Studios recently presented preliminary results some improvements in the presented “Final Plan”, we do from their Cultural Resource Survey of the area to PBN and not feel that enough has been done to provide safe access the other members of the Technical Advisory Committee of to park users, bolster connections to cultural institutions, the Historic East Side Neighborhood Initiative (HESNI). The and to preserve and restore one of the most significant next step will be a public presentation in early December cultural landscapes in NYS. All public comment received about the survey findings and recommendations of how will be used in preparing the Final Environmental Impact we can protect and steward the neighborhood’s remaining Statement (FEIS) which is expected to be sent to the Federal cultural heritage. Highway Administration in October. DeVeaux Brick Barn Wildroot PBN continues to partner with the Niagara Falls Historic On September 18th we joined Buffalo’s Young Preservation Society, Inc. to advocate for the preservation Preservationists and the Preservation League of NYS for a of the 1863 DeVeaux Brick Barn, as well as the other Wildroot Visioning Block Party. It was a great opportunity three remaining historic buildings on the grounds of the to hear from the community on what they envision for this DeVeaux Woods State Park. Currently the New York State historic structure. We will continue to keep our members Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation has and supporters updated on next steps. engaged a consultant to complete an Historic Structures Report of the barn to assess the condition and priorities Northland Corridor moving forward. The other remaining structures formerly The Northland Corridor project is an ambitious proposal part of the DeVeaux School Complex are subject to a current by the City of Buffalo to rehabilitate the fifty acre former Niagara River recreation and real estate development RFP. factory complex located near the Northland section of We look forward to hearing the results of the Report and Buffalo’s Beltline. Preservation efforts were recently dealt RFP process and working with NYSOPRHP to find a new, a blow with the City’s decision to demolish the majority permanent use for these historic buildings. of 537 East Delavan, the former Houdaille Manufactuing Plant. However, consultation with PBN, the project Terminal A sponsors, neighborhood stakeholders, and the State Constructed 1930-1931, the former Ford Motor Company Historic Preservation Office, have resulted in the decision Plant located on Fuhrmann Boulevard was designed by to maintain the elegant administrative office located along notable industrial-use architect, Albert Kahn. PBN is Delavan Avenue, along with the smoke stack and the continuing to work with our partners at the Our Outer Eastern Plant Area. PBN is also working with the City Harbor Coalition to ensure that this significant building to save more than currently proposed of 777 Northland is incorporated into the State’s ongoing plans for Outer Avenue, the former Otis Elevator Foundry and Curtiss- Harbor.

11 617 Main Street, Suite 201 Buffalo, NY 14203

www.preservationbuffaloniagara.org

Tours & Events

Out of the Shadows: John E. Brent, Architect: This special exhibit will highlight the extensive legacy of Buffalo’s first John E. Brent, African-American architect. The exhibit opens at the Buffalo & Erie County Central Library on Architect November 2nd and will continue throughout the month. Join us on November 12th for a Curator discussion!

Guaranty Building Originally built in 1896, this Adler & Sullivan designed structure is a highlight of Buffalo’s Tours downtown architecture. Come see the beautiful terra cotta tiles on the exterior, the incredible mosaic work on the interior, and learn the history of this building, including what makes it a great preservation story. Preservation Buffalo Niagara is the exclusive provider of tours of the Guaranty Building. Tours occur on Fridays at 2 pm and Saturdays at 11 am. Pre- registration is required. Call PBN or visit our website to register today!

Queen City Downtown This comprehensive outdoor walking tour highlights some of Downtown Buffalo’s architectural Tours wonders. Our Queen City Downtown tour covers approximately 2 miles on well-paved ground. Join us on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 am, between March and November.

City Hall Tours Recently named one of the “100 Things Every Western New Yorker Should Do At Least Once” by the Buffalo News, our FREE Buffalo City Hall tour covers the history of the building, the architectural elements, and takes you behind the scenes to view some of the best features of this art deco masterpiece. We’re proud to offer this tour every weekday at noon.

Tax Credit Drop-In For Homeowners and business owners, we provide help and guidance with the tax credit Workshop process. Workshops are held the second Wednesday of every month from 6 pm to 8 pm at the PBN offices. Bring your tax credit application and be prepared with your questions!

Legacy Cities The third annual Legacy Cities Convening is scheduled for July 12th and 13th, 2018. Convening More information is coming soon!