We are excited to celebrate the people behind this year’s most inspiring preservation projects at the 2025 Preservation Awards. Join us on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at The Caz (2221 Seneca Street) to celebrate the region’s most impactful preservation projects at Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s largest fundraiser of the year.
Please note: The Caz will stay open until 8:30 PM for the Afterparty! Enjoy great company and live music for an extra hour — Thank you, Jake!!
For more information on the Preservation Awards, please click here.
To purchase tickets for the Preservation Awards, please click here.
The Restoration of Mayfair Lane
In the heart of Buffalo’s historic Allentown District, Mayfair Lane is a striking example of early 20th-century design, charm, and architectural ambition. Conceived by the legendary E.B. Green, this private enclave of 20 townhouses and a castle is more than just a collection of homes. Fun fact: Green himself once called this enchanting lane home – talk about living in your masterpiece!
But as any historic property owner knows, preserving the past is no small feat. Over the decades, the unique deck structure that defines Mayfair Lane – with parking below and lush gardens above – had fallen into deep disrepair, suffering from water damage, drainage failures, and the wear of Buffalo’s winters.
By 2022, the situation reached a critical point. Facing potential condemnation by the City Housing Court, the residents of Mayfair Lane came together in a remarkable act of collective determination (and, we imagine, a few epic block meetings). Working hand in hand with the Buffalo Preservation Board, the lane’s residents took on an ambitious and comprehensive project, including:
- Full Replacement of the Concrete Decking – Restoring the structural backbone of the lane.
- New Copper Downspouts and Flashing – Bringing back period-authentic detail and durability.
- Brick Repairs and Iron Railing Restoration – Honoring the craftsmanship that defines the lane’s historic character.
- Complete Fieldstone Replacement – Preserving the distinctive upper lane walkway for generations to come.
For their extraordinary commitment to saving one of Buffalo’s most cherished historic treasures, we are thrilled to honor the residents of Mayfair Lane with the 2025 Preservation Award for Unique Preservation Effort.
“Mayfair Lane is an extensive restoration project! E.B Green would be proud to see his legacy live on. I think what makes this extra special is that to accomplish this, the lane needed buy-in from every person on the lane to make this preservation restoration happen – which took a lot of hard work to do. I commend the Mayfair Lane board and its residents for tackling a very difficult preservation project!” – Bernice Radle, Executive Director, Preservation Buffalo Niagara