Welcome to Preservation Horror Stories, if your heart is up for these frightening tales, enter at your own risk! Some of these stories end in terrifying tragedy, but not all stories have to have a sad ending.
Click each door to explore what preservation issues can make your skin crawl!


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
Please email your letters of support to help@pbnsaves.org, it’s not too late to save Calvert Vaux’s influence in Buffalo!
We have submitted the local landmark application, and are currently waiting for the City to put it on the agenda.
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.
Preservation Buffalo Niagara is currently participating in the Dept. of Transportations 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 letter to the DOT
We will continue to attend the community meetings as they come. If would like to stay in the know – please reach out and we can make sure you are aware of the meeting times and locations.