It is time to announce the winners of the 2024 Preservation Awards!
We have 12 awardees this year that span across preservation advocacy, preservation craft, residential restoration, commercial restoration, emerging preservation leaders, lifetime achievement, and more. We will be highlighting each of the awardees over the next few weeks – to entice you to attend our award ceremony on Thursday, May 30th at the Buffalo History Museum. You can get your tickets here.
A Note from Bernice, Executive Director:
As we approach the Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s (PBN) Preservation Awards on May 30th, 2024, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize the extraordinary efforts of those who have dedicated themselves to preserving the historic fabric of our community. This year, we are delighted to honor a project that exemplifies the spirit of preservation and the impact it has on enriching our neighborhoods.
The Preservation Award for a Residential Property : The Podorosa House
The Podorosa – A Testament to Historic Integrity and Dedication
It is with great admiration that we announce Chris and Maria Podosek as the recipients of the Residential Restoration award. Their labor of love at 342 Norwalk Ave, Buffalo, NY, has not only restored the 1922 home known affectionately as the Podorosa but has also reinvigorated the appreciation for vernacular architecture within our community.
About the Podoseks:
Chris and Maria Podosek, a couple with a vision for the past and a passion for detail, embarked on a journey in 2016 to breathe new life into a home that had seen better days. Their commitment to authenticity and historical accuracy led them to eschew modern shortcuts in favor of traditional materials and methods. The Podoseks’ hands-on approach and tireless work ethic have transformed a once-neglected property into a shining example of historic preservation.
Project Highlights:
- Completion: 2022 (a testament to the idea that a historic home is never truly “done”)
- Standards: Adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
- Challenges Overcome: Incorrectly sized shutters, a leaking roof, water infiltration, and period-inappropriate alterations
- Restoration Efforts: In-kind repairs to porch floor, railing, shutters, and wood windows; stripping of paint from woodwork and radiators; and a period-appropriate paint job
- Community Engagement: Celebrated the home’s centennial with a Roaring 20’s themed party
The Podorosa stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when dedication meets historic integrity. It is a reminder that beauty and historical significance are not reserved for grand mansions alone but can be found in the humblest of homes.
We at PBN are proud to recognize the Podoseks for their exemplary work. Their project serves as an inspiration to all who believe in the value of preserving our architectural heritage. Congratulations to Chris and Maria Podosek, and we look forward to celebrating with you at the awards ceremony.
Photos courtesy of Chris and Maria Podosek.
We invite you to join us in honoring the Podoseks and all our award winners at the upcoming Preservation Awards. Together, we will continue to champion the cause of preservation and celebrate the stories our buildings tell.
Preservation Buffalo Niagara is committed to protecting our region’s rich legacy of architecture, history, and culture. We thank you for your support in these endeavors.
