If you live or work in the Winspear Extension area of Buffalo, you may have heard about the good news… Your neighborhood has been designated as a National Register Historic District! When we received notice from SHPO, Bernice Radle commented “It isn’t everyday we get a new historic district to celebrate – the standards are high and Winspear meets them.” Our Executive Director also displayed gratitude to the folks working behind the scenes on this project, saying “Thank you to everyone who worked very hard to make this a reality! This is a big day for Buffalo!”
The Winspear Extension is a neighborhood with a rich history and architectural heritage, featuring hundreds of homes in a variety of styles, including: Bungalow, American Foursquare, and Colonial Revival. The neighborhood was designed for the city’s emerging middle class by a sole-developer in the early Twentieth Century, and it reflects the social and economic changes that shaped Buffalo in the 1920’s and 30’s. The historic district encompasses the properties along Winspear Avenue and Highgate Avenue, along with portions of Suffolk Street, Orleans Street and Rounds Avenue. Now, the Winspear Extension district is joining the ranks of over 95,000 historic places across the country that represent the nation’s diverse and shared history.
If you live in the Winspear Extension District, you have a great opportunity to save money and preserve history at the same time. How? By taking advantage of the historic tax credits that you now qualify for on the state and federal level. These tax credits can cover up to 40% of the costs of repairing and restoring your historic home, while keeping its unique character and charm. If you’d like to learn how you can save 20% to 40% on your next home renovation project, sign up for Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s free Historic Homeowner Tax Credit Workshop.
Would you like to learn more about the Winspear Extension District? Click here.
February 7, 2024 Update: The Preservation Commission has approved the local landmark and now it moves to the Niagara Falls City Council for a decision. Thank you to over 1100 people who signed our letter of support (see map below) and to the hundreds of people who showed up to speak in person about the history, stories, memories, and events that happened here and how much potential it has for future generations. Once we have the meeting date, we will let you know. It should be early March 2024.
You can read an update here: https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/local_news/local-landmark-application-okd-for-turtle-building/article_f4810d8e-c150-11ee-99f8-cbd5fffbf3b1.html
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The Turtle currently sits vacant and is owned by an out-of-town owner. We are trying to secure a Local Landmark designation to add an additional layer of protection for its future. You can support our strong technical aid to the Niagara Falls Historic Preservation Commission in this local landmark effort by signing the letter in the link below!
Read the application here!
The Turtle was built in 1977 as a cultural and educational center for the Native American community in Niagara Falls. Designed by Northern Arapaho architect Dennis Sun Rhodes, the center opened in 1981 as the Native American Center for the Living Arts. The building’s design was inspired by the Haudenosaunee legend of the Great Turtle, who carried the earth on its back after a great flood. The 67,000-square-foot building features a circular shape, a domed roof, and a turtle-shaped entrance. The building’s interior features a circular auditorium that can seat up to 500 people, along with ample exhibit space that once showcased the diversity and heritage of the Native American nations.
The Turtle is one of the few remaining examples of Native American architecture in Niagara Falls and a rare example of zoomorphic architecture in Western New York. It reflects the cultural values and artistic vision of the Native American people who created it. It also represents a significant period in the history of Niagara Falls, when the city was undergoing urban renewal and trying to attract tourists and visitors with new attractions and amenities.
February 7th, 2024 Update: The local landmark was heard at the City of Buffalo legislative meeting last week. The new Councilwoman has requested a community meeting – which we are happy to do! We will update everyone on the date/time of the meeting once it is scheduled.
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Preservation Buffalo Niagara is dedicated to preserving our stories and creating a sustainable built environment for generations to come. One of Buffalo’s most influential stories, and one that has defined our city, is the creation of our parks system by Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Throughout the lifespan of the park, there have been many changes, not to mention the Kensington Expressway, but overall Olmsted’s vision is still clearly represented. But what about his partner, Vaux? Out of all the structures he designed for “the best-planned city in the world” only one remains today, the Vaux Barn at 1119 Genesee Street.
You can read the Local Landmark Application here to see the full historical context of this humble structure.
How can you help
Click here to sign a letter of support before December 19th!
More resources
Buffalo Rising Article
Calvert Vaux Preservation Alliance
Country, Park & City by Francis R. Kowsky
Preservation Buffalo Niagara is currently participating in the Dept. of Transportation’s Section 106 Consultation for the Kensington Expressway Project.
We have participated in several large and small community meetings to discuss the impacts on the historic buildings and the neighborhood surrounding the proposed work.
At the Sept. 1st meeting (click here to read the meeting notes), the NYSDOT presented a statement that this billion-dollar transportation project had no adverse impact on the community. After reviewing the plan, speaking with the DOT on their proposed processes, and combing through the documentation that the DOT has provided – we respectfully disagree with these findings.
Click here to read Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s public comment about this project.
