Niagara Falls.. in love! On Saturday, February 10th, we gathered together inside the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center to make Valentines for the vacant buildings along Main Street – many of which are owned by Blue Cardinal Capital.
As we walked down the street, we all discussed what the buildings could be … a coffee shop… a restaurant… affordable housing. We know that they hold so much potential because many of them are mixed-use buildings, which means they can become great spaces for small businesses while providing residential housing upstairs –bringing in more income to support those same local businesses!
You’re probably asking – what is going on with these buildings? These historically significant buildings are extremely at risk. We have been working with the Niagara Falls Heritage Area to save 2018 Main Street for several years. From the street, this building’s facade seems to be in decent shape, but if you look any closer you’ll notice a huge hole in the roof! As of today,the future of 2018 Main and many of the vacant buildings along Main Street remains uncertain due to issues stemming from their owner, Blue Cardinal Capital. Not all hope is lost; it seems that the City of Niagara Falls has pulled back from demolition efforts and is reviewing other options to unlock the buildings along Main Street.
No one can disagree that this stretch of Main Street isn’t loved. Between the impressive mural project being led by the Niagara Falls Heritage Area and the local efforts to create a National Historic District along Main Street (so the owners can apply for Historic Tax Credits), the groundwork has been laid for new life that features preservation and adaptive reuse at its center. We will keep working to find a solution for the historic buildings in The Falls that seem to be trapped in limbo.
Thank you to everyone who came out to make hearts this weekend! If you are looking to get involved in preservation work within Niagara Falls, please reach out to our new Niagara Falls liaison, Emily Jarnot at Emily@pbnsaves.org !
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Preservation Buffalo Niagara and Preservation Studios are co-sponsoring a free workshop series on the New York State Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Credit.
The workshop is in webinar format and is open to the public and participants will be walked through the user-friendly application, intended to be prepared and submitted by the homeowners, themselves.
Owner-occupied homes in the City of Buffalo that are on the National Register, either individually designated or as contributing to a National Register Historic District, are eligible for the 20% Tax Credit.
You can sign up here for the upcoming webinars: https://preservationbuffaloniagara.org/blog-post/historic-home-owners-tax-credit-work-shops/
Let us help you save money on your restoration, renovation, or repair work in your home!
Last but not least, become a member or donate today to support our preservation efforts in WNY. Thank you!
Our vacant buildings need love too. Join us to show love to some of our favorite vacant buildings.
PBN presents Valentines for Vacant Buildings! We are hosting two events – one in Buffalo and another in Niagara Falls. You’re welcome to join one or two – whatever works for you!
Buffalo is 10am-Noon
Niagara Falls is 2 pm – 4pm.
See the flyer for details!
February 7, 2024 Update: The Preservation Commission has approved the local landmark and now it moves to the Niagara Falls City Council for a decision. Thank you to over 1100 people who signed our letter of support (see map below) and to the hundreds of people who showed up to speak in person about the history, stories, memories, and events that happened here and how much potential it has for future generations. Once we have the meeting date, we will let you know. It should be early March 2024.
You can read an update here: https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/local_news/local-landmark-application-okd-for-turtle-building/article_f4810d8e-c150-11ee-99f8-cbd5fffbf3b1.html
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The Turtle currently sits vacant and is owned by an out-of-town owner. We are trying to secure a Local Landmark designation to add an additional layer of protection for its future. You can support our strong technical aid to the Niagara Falls Historic Preservation Commission in this local landmark effort by signing the letter in the link below!
Read the application here!
The Turtle was built in 1977 as a cultural and educational center for the Native American community in Niagara Falls. Designed by Northern Arapaho architect Dennis Sun Rhodes, the center opened in 1981 as the Native American Center for the Living Arts. The building’s design was inspired by the Haudenosaunee legend of the Great Turtle, who carried the earth on its back after a great flood. The 67,000-square-foot building features a circular shape, a domed roof, and a turtle-shaped entrance. The building’s interior features a circular auditorium that can seat up to 500 people, along with ample exhibit space that once showcased the diversity and heritage of the Native American nations.
The Turtle is one of the few remaining examples of Native American architecture in Niagara Falls and a rare example of zoomorphic architecture in Western New York. It reflects the cultural values and artistic vision of the Native American people who created it. It also represents a significant period in the history of Niagara Falls, when the city was undergoing urban renewal and trying to attract tourists and visitors with new attractions and amenities.
