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.
Reviving a Landmark: The Monroe
The Monroe stands as a striking example of how a historic building can find new life while honoring its past. Originally constructed in 1920 by the Monroe Motor Car Company, this distinctive structure once embodied the spirit of Buffalo’s bustling “Automobile Row” – a stretch of Main Street that symbolized the rise of America’s car culture in the early 20th century.
After its early days as a Monroe dealership, the building was purchased by Ford and transformed into one of just 11 prototype “all-in-one” service and sales dealerships, reflecting a bold, forward-looking approach to automotive retail. In 1934, it transitioned to independent ownership, serving as a dealership until 1968 before becoming the flagship retail location for the iconic Record Theatre.
However, the building’s unique architectural character was hidden for decades beneath bright yellow corrugated metal installed by former owner Lenny Silver. Fortunately, this modern covering protected much of the historic detailing beneath, preserving the structure’s integrity for a future restoration.
Following Mr. Silver’s passing, a dedicated group of preservation professionals, including real estate attorneys, planners, and preservation consultants, recognized the building’s potential and approached Silver’s estate. They purchased the building in December 2019, just before the world was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite significant challenges – including material and labor shortages – this determined group pressed on, starting construction in late 2022 and completing the restoration in December 2024.
Today, The Monroe proudly reflects its original 1920 appearance, thanks to a meticulous restoration effort that leveraged historic tax credits and adhered to the strict standards of both the Buffalo Preservation Board and the National Park Service’s Department of Interior Standards. The building now includes:
- 17 Affordable Apartments – Preserving housing affordability for median-income renters under a regulatory agreement with New York State.
- 10,000 Square Feet of Fully-Leased Commercial Space – A significant achievement at a time when many storefronts remain vacant across the city.
For their dedication to saving this piece of Buffalo’s automotive past, we are proud to honor The Monroe with the 2025 Preservation Award for Commercial Project.
Congratulations to the entire team for this outstanding achievement – a true testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and perseverance. From car sales to vinyl records to a fresh start in a new century, The Monroe’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, even the most iconic buildings just need a little tune-up to get back on the road.
Please visit The Monroe Building, Buffalo NY for more information on rentals!
Bravo! Well done 👏!