Announcing the 2026 Preservation Awards Winners across Western New York!
At Preservation Buffalo Niagara, we believe preservation is about far more than old buildings. It is about reinvestment. Community pride. Sustainability. Economic development. Neighborhood identity. And the bold belief that the places that define us are worth fighting for.
That is why we are thrilled to announce the 2026 Preservation Awards winners featuring ten extraordinary projects, organizations, and champions who are proving that preservation is alive and well across Western New York.
From adaptive reuse and neighborhood advocacy to extraordinary craftsmanship and community leadership, this year’s honorees reflect the many ways preservation strengthens our region.
We are also deeply grateful to our Robert T. Coles Sponsors, whose support helps make this celebration possible: BSK, Carmina Wood Design, Hodgson Russ, and Lawley Insurance.
Join us on Thursday, May 28 at the Richardson Olmsted Complex inside the ballroom as we celebrate these remarkable preservation success stories, meet the winners and learn more about their efforts! Get your tickets here.
2026 Preservation Award Winners
Best Commercial Project (Erie County)
The American Lofts at Silo City
One of Buffalo’s most iconic industrial landmarks has entered an exciting new chapter.
The transformation of the American Malt House complex at Silo City is a masterclass in adaptive reuse. Rather than erase Buffalo’s industrial legacy, this project embraced it—stabilizing a nationally significant structure while thoughtfully converting it into 168 workforce apartments with commercial and public space.
Preservation at this scale takes courage, creativity, and restraint. By retaining the authentic industrial character of the site while introducing new life and purpose, this project proves that Buffalo’s historic infrastructure can remain a powerful economic and cultural asset.
This incredible project was led by Paul Lang and his team at Carmina Wood Design. You can follow their work and progress here: https://www.carminawooddesign.com/
Best Commercial Project (Niagara County)
The Lockport Post Office
This is exactly the kind of downtown reinvestment preservation makes possible. Originally built in 1902, the historic Lockport Post Office has been meticulously rehabilitated into a vibrant mixed-use destination featuring office space, restored historic interiors, boutique retail, and Big Ditch Brewing.
This project demonstrates how historic tax credits and preservation-focused development can create real momentum in legacy downtowns. Saving historic buildings is not just about architecture. It is about creating places where communities gather, businesses thrive, and neighborhoods come back to life.
We are grateful to Iskalo Development and Big Ditch for tackling this enormous project! You can follow their work and progress here: https://www.buffalorising.com/2025/04/iskalo-and-big-ditch-make-big-impact-in-lockport/
Best Residential Restoration Project
The Adams-Albright-Archibald Tudor Mansion
Great preservation stewardship often happens quietly, one homeowner at a time.
This extraordinary restoration of 17 Tudor Place honors the layered history of one of Buffalo’s most architecturally significant residences. From its original Queen Anne origins to its Tudor Revival transformation, this home tells a fascinating story of adaptation across generations.
Thoughtful residential preservation like this ensures our historic neighborhoods retain the character, craftsmanship, and architectural richness that make Buffalo special.
Interiors: John Lassila & Associates
Location: Buffalo, NY.
Legacy Business Award
Alden State Bank
The easiest path would have been new construction. Instead, Alden State Bank chose preservation.
By restoring its original 1925 home and bringing a long-vacant historic building back into active use, the bank reinforced the historic heart of the Village of Alden while proving that legacy institutions can honor their roots while serving modern needs. This is community stewardship at its best.
Neighborhood Preservation Award
McKinley Parkway Historic District
This was a game changer for Buffalo.
Now officially the largest historic district in New York State, the McKinley Parkway Historic District protects thousands of historic homes while unlocking access to homeowner historic tax credits for residents.
This effort was about much more than designation. It was about equity, neighborhood pride, and creating tools that help residents reinvest in their homes for generations to come.
Special thanks to the City of Buffalo for leading this charge with KTA.
Preservation Craft Award
800 W. Ferry Gargoyle Reconstruction
Preservation is often in the details.
This remarkable project brought a missing historic gargoyle back to life using traditional craftsmanship, sculpting, and innovative engineering solutions. The result is more than a restored ornament. It is a reminder that preservation craftsmanship matters, and that architectural character is worth the care required to protect it.
This meticulous project was led by Casey Bolles, from Buffalo Plaster Casting.
Preservation Leadership Award
East Side Parkways Coalition
Preservation leadership is not always about buildings.
Sometimes, it is about landscapes, justice, and reconnecting communities. The East Side Parkways Coalition has become a powerful voice advocating for the restoration of Buffalo’s historic Olmsted parkway system and confronting the lasting impacts of infrastructure decisions that divided neighborhoods.
Their work reminds us that preservation can also be a tool for healing.
Unique Preservation Project (Erie County)
USS The Sullivans
Some places tell our civic story in extraordinary ways. The USS The Sullivans is one of Western New York’s most important historic assets, preserving a tangible connection to military history, sacrifice, and public memory.
When the boat began to sink, the community and its caretakers stepped in to save it which was a huge lift! Keeping this ship accessible to future generations is preservation in its most public and powerful form.
Unique Preservation Project (Niagara County)
Forsyth Tavern
Built in 1805, the Forsyth Tavern offers an extraordinarily rare window into Western New York’s frontier history. Through stabilization, archaeological work, and thoughtful interpretation, this project has preserved not only a building, but an early chapter of our region’s story.
Preservation allows us to experience history in ways textbooks never can. We are grateful to the tavern team for leading this effort and being an excellent steward.
Preservation Heroes Award
Buffalo Fire Department
When disaster struck the Guaranty Building, Buffalo firefighters stepped into action to protect one of our city’s most iconic architectural treasures.
While there was a building lost in the process, without a doubt, their efforts helped save a National Historic Landmark and reminded us that preservation often depends on brave people making split-second decisions in extraordinary circumstances.
For that, Buffalo owes them its gratitude.
Celebrate With Us!
The Preservation Awards are more than a ceremony. They are a celebration of the people choosing to reinvest in Western New York’s future through preservation.
Join us on May 28 at the Richardson Complex ballroom for an unforgettable evening featuring open bar, appetizers, dinner, and inspiring stories of preservation success.
Every ticket supports Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s advocacy, education, and preservation work across the region.
Get your tickets today: Preservation Awards Event Page