Congratulations to our 2024 Preservation Award Winners!
Join us on Thursday, May 30th as we end Preservation Month on a high note – celebrating the people behind some of our favorite preservation projects in WNY! You can buy your tickets here.
- Charles W. Goodyear Mansion & Residences, Commercial ProjectThe Goodyear Mansion project aimed to preserve the historic features while modernizing the building. The complex includes the original mansion, a modern educational wing, and a carriage house. Major discoveries were made about the building’s construction, and the property was left largely intact with in-kind repairs to the masonry and restoration of existing doors and windows. The portico was reopened with custom French doors, and updates were made to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Original woodwork, plaster, and marble were cleaned and restored, and existing doors were reused and refinished. Historic tax credits were used, and the New York State and the National Park Service approved the project. The residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a contributing resource to the Delaware Historic District.
- Podorosa House, Residential Project Chris and Maria Podosek are awarded in honoring their restoration of the 1922 home at 342 Norwalk Ave, Buffalo, NY. The Podoseks’ dedication to authenticity and historical accuracy, using traditional materials and methods, transformed a once-neglected property into a model of historic preservation. The project, completed in 2022, adhered to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, addressing challenges like incorrect shutters, a leaking roof, and period-inappropriate alterations. The Podorosa, a shining example of preserving humble homes, stands as a beacon of dedication and historic integrity, inspiring others to value architectural heritage.
- Scott Glasgow, Individual, Neighborhood Preservation
Scott Glasgow, a founding trustee and Preservation Committee member of BRHS has spent over 35 years preserving Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood. He helped petition for the Society’s charter and has advocated for preservation at both the individual property and neighborhood levels. Scott’s work includes restoring the Jacob Smith House and Tavern, evaluating and nominating the Market Square Historic District, and designating the Lower Black Rock Historic District. He is an active historian, speaker, and researcher known for his extensive knowledge of Black Rock’s history and his collection of artifacts. Scott’s dedication to preserving the neighborhood’s history and heritage makes him a deserving recipient of the PBN Neighborhood Preservation award. - Winspear Historic District, Neighborhood Preservation Organization
University Heights Collaborative has been instrumental in the designation of the Winspear Extension Historic District, officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places since February 2nd, 2024. Founded in 2006, UHC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in its namesake neighborhood, promoting a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community. The historic district, a testament to community-led preservation efforts, showcases the architectural legacy of Buffalo’s working and middle-class streetcar neighborhoods. This designation enables residents to access historic tax credits that can be used for home renovation and maintenance. UHC’s commitment to preserving the historical narratives and character of Buffalo is celebrated, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the city’s unique charm.
- Prophet Isaiah Robertson’s Second Coming House: Exterior Art Environment Preservation, Preservation Craft, Niagara County
Prophet Isaiah Robertson, a self-taught artist, created wooden carvings in Niagara Falls, which were preserved and replicated by the Kohler Foundation and Niagara Falls National Heritage Area after his passing. B.R. Howard and Associates led the replication effort, using precise measurements and re-installing the art in its original location. The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area handled the construction and renovation, including a new roof, windows, and ADA-compliant ramp.
- ReUse Action, Preservation Craft, Erie CountyReUse Action, founded by the original Buffalo ReUse crew in 2010, is a salvage non-profit on Buffalo’s East Side dedicated to reusing materials from buildings, such as lights, flooring, cabinets, and sinks. They are a community-minded and eco-friendly group, offering affordable materials for old home lovers and budget-conscious individuals while saving tons of materials from landfills. The upper floors of their location support small-scale manufacturing and start-ups, fostering growth and development in the community. ReUse Action is an invaluable preservation-related endeavor, demonstrating the value of reuse and sustainability.
- “Women of Niagara: An Art Installation of Polly King Artworks on the Historic Jenss Department Store Building.”, Preservation Advocacy, Niagara County
The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, in partnership with the Polly King Gallery and sponsored by the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative, designed, and implemented the “Women of Niagara” public art installation at 1708 Main Street, Niagara Falls, New York, in 2020. The installation features 86 works of art, including 74 portraits of women who lived in Niagara Falls, created by renowned local artist Polly King, and installed in the windows of the vacant Jenss Department Store building.
- Buffalo Mass Mob, Preservation Advocacy, Erie CountyBuffalo Mass Mob, founded by Christopher Byrd, Danielle Huber Murtha, Greg Witul, Alan Oberst, and Arthur Kogutowski, have raised awareness and funds for grand churches in Buffalo and Western New York for the past decade. Due to declining attendance and church closures, Mass Mob aims to increase attendance and appreciation for these religious works of art while helping congregations with critical repair work. They have visited over forty places of worship, including non-Catholic churches, and organized fundraisers like the BuffaLovejoy event for St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church’s new roof. Buffalo Mass Mob’s direct-action efforts have significantly contributed to preserving sacred spaces, and their hard work and dedication are highly appreciated.
- Alt Homestead, Preservation LeadershipNicole Gerber and Dave Reilly led the preservation of the 19th-century Alt Homestead in Grand Island, NY, a 36-acre property featuring a unique Wet Oak-Hickory Forest Ecosystem, and meadow inhabited by NYS-threatened bird species. The one-room schoolhouse, originally Grand Island Schoolhouse #8, was restored into the Alt Nature Center; an environmental education hub promoting ecological gardening, native plants, and habitat protection. The adjacent Alt Barn, built in the late 1800s, was also restored, repurposing original boards and beams. This project, funded by Nicole Alt Gerber, preserves the farm’s history while offering public access and educational opportunities, fostering a deeper connection with Grand Island’s farming history and ecological preservation.
- Pete Gallivan, “Unknown Stories of Western New York” series, Media in Preservation
Pete Gallivan, a co-anchor for WGRZ-TV’s Daybreak, produces the weekly feature “Unknown Stories of WNY,” highlighting local historical significance and preservation concerns. The segments, which have been airing for years, reach a large local TV audience and are also available online. Topics have included Graycliff, The Central Terminal, the Fargo Mansion, the Col. Ward Pumping station, the grain elevators, 110 South Park, the Buffalo History Museum, and the Pan Am, among others.
- Rollin Hellner, Emerging Preservation Leader
Rollin Hellner, through Hellner Development Company LLC, has preserved and renovated several historic buildings in Western New York, including Kramp Cold Storage Co. (Burt NY, 1800s), Niagara County Fruit Company (Lockport NY, 1875), Middleport Cold Storage (Middleport NY, 1880), The Walsh (Medina NY, 1852), Maplecrest Mansion (Medina NY, 1860), and Stonehurst Mansion (Medina NY, 1861). These buildings were saved from demolition and disrepair, and are now in use as incubator spaces, businesses, and a tavern. Rollin’s commitment to historic preservation has revitalized these landmark buildings and contributed to the community’s cultural and historical heritage.
- Edward Healy, Lifetime Preservation AchievementEd Healy, Vice President of Marketing at Visit Buffalo Niagara, has spent over 20 years promoting Buffalo’s historic architecture and cultural tourism. His accomplishments include bringing the National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Conference to Buffalo in 2011, launching the successful “Unexpected Buffalo” marketing campaign in 2017, and serving as executive producer on the short film “Buffalo: America’s Best Designed City” (2014). Ed’s efforts have contributed to Buffalo’s recognition as a top destination for heritage tourism, generating over $600 million for Erie County and attracting 25% of tourists interested in family and architecture.
Congrats to all the 2024 awardees! Keep up the good work!
Thank you to our sponsors for all of their support this year including our Louise Bethune & Robert T. Coles Sponsors who continue to support us year over year.
Nice to see Niagara County so well represented and The Niagara Falls Heritage Area (Sara Capen) rewarded for all their efforts. Niagara County needs more people to help lead the charge to preserve its rich history. Thank you for your recognition of these projects.