Preservation Awards
Join us in congratulating the winners of the 2021 Preservation Awards!
Click here to view the program for the 2021 Preservation Awards
Louise Bethune Award for Outstanding Project (over 10,000 SF):
616 Niagara Street
616 Niagara is a 3-story, 33,700 sq. ft. historic adaptive reuse project that creatively combines four buildings, built between 1908 – 1911 into one contiguous project featuring ground floor commercial space and seventeen residential units. This was accomplished with the addition of a one-story connecting atrium structure, several new openings in the existing load-bearing masonry walls, and
new staircases and corridors. This project presented significant challenges with respect to floor heights, structural stability of the existing structures, and code compliancy, that resulted in unique, dynamic spaces that blend modern amenities with historic charm and saved some of the last remaining Italianate style buildings from this era in downtown Niagara Falls.
Louise Bethune Award for Outstanding Project (over 10,000 SF):
Silos at Elk Street
The Silos at Elk Street are a testament to creativity and devotion to remembering our past to build our future. This project involved
converting the site of the former William A. Kreiner and Sons Malting Company buildings into office and residential spaces, along with space for a potential brewery tenant.
Built between 1894 and 1936, the buildings had been abandoned for more than 30 years when Young + Wright reclaimed them as the site of their firm. To make the buildings inhabitable, they repaired the brick walls, cleaned the concrete silos, replaced the roof, installed new entrances, and reinstalled windows in the existing masonry openings. While much of the graffiti was painted over, the firm kept some of the work of local artists. Much of the malting machinery was also kept including one of the original steeping tanks was turned into a “think tank,” and 5 circular ceiling clouds with corresponding areas of gymnasium flooring were installed where the tanks had been located. Rather than changing the buildings to suit a new office, according to Shawn Wright, “We are putting an architectural office in a museum dedicated to explaining the malting process.”
John E. Brent Award for Outstanding Project (less than 10,000 SF):
577 Niagara Street
Prior to 2018, this century old building – a slim, two-story, triple- brick shell – had experienced neglect and was deteriorating. Two large leaks in the roof had caused damage, windows were rotten, the rear brick wall was bulging due to years of water infiltration and freeze-thaw, and the ornamental millwork at the top of the front facade had blown off during a windstorm. The building was not fit for occupancy.
The planning and execution of the rehabilitation into residential and café space took place over three years. The design component of the project is open-ended and ongoing as change continues
to occur in buildings – through weathering, repair, adaptation and addition. In revitalizing the building for occupancy, design interventions concentrated on the basic ingredients of any good
space: increased natural light and air circulation, a restrained interior aesthetic, and timeless, durable surfaces and finishes. New elements inserted into the building do not pretend to be old but are humble and respectful of the existing building’s stature and presence.
The Robert T. Coles Award for Neighborhood Conservation
Western New York Land Conservancy
Preservation is about more than protecting individual buildings, it is also about protecting the special character of the places we love that are important to their communities. By providing permanent protection to land with significant conservation value, the Land Conservancy of Western New York provides a critical function in our preservation field. Their work ensures a future in which natural areas, working farmlands, wildlife habitats, and scenic beauties are cherished and protected as part of the landscape and character
of Western New York. Significant achievements include the Stella Niagara Preserve, Owens Falls Sanctuary, and their latest project, the Riverline, utilizing an abandoned part of Buffalo’s railroad history to create a new public space.
The Harold Ambellan Award for Preservation Craft
SACRA Construction Skills Training Program
For preservation to be successful, we must have craftspeople who are able to care for our historic resources. SACRA (Society for the Advancement of Construction Related Arts) is a comprehensive, 15-week career training program in carpentry and woodworking that provides skill-building, work readiness and job placement services to unemployed and underemployed men and women in Buffalo. SACRA’s mission is to provide hands-on, experiential, community-based learning in the building arts while creating inspiring, wonderful places. SACRA students work with tradespeople, artisans, artists, architects, apprentices and others to design and build impactful projects that combine art, design and construction, create wonder in the built environment and empower people through creative action.
The George K. Arthur Award for Preservation Leadership
Mitch Nowakowski
Representing several local historic districts, Council Member Mitch Nowakowski has shown tremendous leadership early in his career on the Buffalo Common Council as a staunch advocate for preservation. Tackling the issues both legislatively and with innovative solutions to persistent preservation problems, the representative for the Fillmore District has shown a willingness to bring stakeholders to the table to turn challenges into opportunities.
His understanding of the ways that historic preservation has a positive impact on neighborhoods has led Council Member
Nowakowski to roll up his sleeves to address the opportunities for preservation that exist in not only the Fillmore District, but across the region. He represents the next generation of legislators who will ensure our history is preserved as the best way to move us to a successful future.
The Robert J. Kresse Award for Education, Outreach, and Planning
Broderick Park Project
Buffalo Quarters Historical Society and Friends of Broderick Park have transformed Broderick Park into and International Freedom Memorial Park that utilizes the Niagara River to promote the history of the Underground Railroad in the Buffalo area, uncovering and sharing this site’s rich history and increasing international awareness of of Buffalo’s role in the Underground Railroad. As the last stop on the Underground Railroad where thousands of enslaved Africans who had escaped human bondage, crossed the Niagara River into Canada in search of a better life. Thanks to their efforts, Broderick Park is a jewel in the City of Buffalo’s park system, steeped in international, national, and local history. Their continuing efforts have resulted in the park being designated a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site, in addition to a wealth of physical and interpretive enhancements to the site. Future plans include an ambitious public art initiative that will continue to add beauty to Broderick Park through art that reflects the importance of the site with regards to the Underground Railroad and Black history in Buffalo.
The Mary Talbert Award for Emerging Preservation Leader
Cats of Brutalism
Cats of Brutalism is directed by Emily Battaglia, Madelaine Ong and Michaela Senay; three Master of Architecture students at the University at Buffalo. The Instagram account originally started off as part of a studio project focused on the past, present and future of the Earl W. Brydges Public Library in Niagara Falls, New York, designed by American architect Paul Rudolph.
As a response to the Internet’s obsession with all-things-cats, the account aims to capture the intrigue of a cat-loving public in combination with a common architecture and design audience.
The juxtaposition of brutalist buildings with super-scaled cats as a means of introducing warmth, softness, and whimsy to the often-perceived-as-cold, hard, and severe forms of brutalism is
an intentional pairing, absurd but also fitting – the rough textures, complex forms, and often compartmentalized and/or aggregate massing of brutalism offers the ideal post for scratching, climbing, hiding, and perching, as cats do. We applaud their leadership in this area and in bringing a fresh new perspective to the art of preservation.
Thank you to all our sponsors:
Louis Sullivan Sponsor
Buffalo Spree
H.H. Richardson Sponsors
Morris Masonry Restoration, LLC
Join us in congratulating the winners of the 2019 Preservation Awards!
Thank you to all our sponsors:
Henry H. Richardson Sponsors
Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation
Buffalo Urban Development Corp.
Frank Lloyd Wright Sponsors
Phillips Lytle LLP
RP Oak Hill Building Company Inc.
CJS Architects
E. B. Green Sponsors
Watts Architecture and Engineering
Schneider Family of Services
National Trust Community Investment Corporation
Underberg & Kessler LLP
Mott MacDonald
Sinatra & Company Real Estate
Outstanding Project (over 10,000 SF):
Northland Workforce Training Center
The Northland Workforce Training Center occupies roughly half of the 240,000 square foot former Niagara Machine & Tool Works factory on the East Side of Buffalo. The building is comprised of a complex of structures constructed between 1910 and 1981. 683 Northland Avenue in Buffalo is significant as an intact representative example of a large-scale tool and machine factory designed and built during the first half of the twentieth century. Noted Buffalo architectural firm Green & Wicks designed the original buildings, with additions from local civil engineers H. E. Plumer & Associates. Rehabilitation work included the preservation of exterior opening locations and building materials. All windows, including the factory sawtooth windows and monitors, were replaced with aluminum windows designed to replicate the historic steel. The reuse of a former prominent machining and tool factory as an energy and manufacturing workforce educational center maintains the historic industrial use and significance of the complex. This project is the first step in the revitalization and reuse of one of Buffalo’s great historic factory districts.
School 77
The Mixed-Use Sustainable Rehabilitation Project for People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) involved the conversion and substantial renovation of the vacant former Buffalo Public School #77. Stieglitz Snyder Architecture worked with PUSH and NYC based Hester Street Collaborative to solicit community participation into the design process. The final outcome is 30 affordable apartments for seniors on the 2nd and 3rd floors located in the existing classrooms; and mixed-use, not-for-profit commercial and community oriented neighborhood hub on the first floor which includes renting the auditorium to a local community-based theater company, offices for PUSH staff, and maintaining the gymnasium for a variety of recreational activities.
Outstanding Project (less than 10,000 SF):
Graycliff
Graycliff, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, was built as the summer home of Darwin and Isabelle Martin on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie in the late 1920’s. After decades of delayed maintenance and unsympathetic additions the Graycliff Conservancy was formed in 1997 to purchase the site to save it from demolition. The Conservancy dedicated itself to restoring and preserving the home and grounds, all designed by Wright, as a publicly accessible landmark. Architect Dirk Schneider of CJS Architects has been involved since 1999 with Graycliff’s restoration and the Converancy’s plan to address preservation needs, first overseeing the completion of all exterior phases, and then, working with colleague Scott Selin, overseeing the restoration of the interior of the home, as well as the companion Foster House. Skilled artisans from Reddin Construction brought Wright’s work back to life, aided by a team of dedicated Graycliff volunteers and staff, with major financial support from Empire State Development of New York.
Neighborhood Conservation
Hamlin Park Taxpayer and Community Association
The Hamlin Park Taxpayers and Community Association for fifty years has been working to protect and enhance the beautiful Hamlin Park Neighborhood, including spearheading creating a local historic district in 1998 and adding this neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. Tireless in their efforts, the leadership and members of the Hamlin Park Taxpayers Association have worked to build a strong sense of community within a distinctive architectural environment.
Preservation Craft
Northwood Restoration
Northwood Historic Restoration, with Steve Swiat at the helm, has restored some of the northeast’s most cherished historic sites. Specializing in wood window restoration and carpentry, Northwood has restored hundreds of windows for historic sites and private residences. They are currently training workers and managing the window restoration of the former Medina High School and restoring the nearly 200-year-old columns for the Theodore Roosevelt National Historic Site in Buffalo. Steve is also teaching the PBN sponsored Wood Window Restoration course, which will result in eight new residents being certified in wood window restoration.
Preservation Leadership:
Christine Parker
Christine is a consulting museum curator, with the heart of a historian and the head of a sleuth. She has dedicated the last few years to recovering and publicizing the life and legacy of John E. Brent, Buffalo’s first African American architect. As a result of her dedication, an exhibit at the Burchfield Penny Art Center was enthusiastically received, a public television documentary was created and aired, a complete catalogue of Mr. Bent’s work has been created, and a travelling exhibition has been created and had viewings at local libraries, schools, and festivals. Thanks to Christine, Mr. Brent’s legacy is available to inspire the next generations of Buffalonians to make their mark on this city through architectural design.
Preservation Advocate
Christina Lincoln
Christina Lincoln, with her Masters in Urban Planning, Design, and Development, has worked to promote preservation in public (Dunkirk CDBG Admin), private (Swiatek Studios, Clinton Brown Architecture), and non-profit (Matt Urban Center) sectors all over WNY. She is on the board of Buffalo Young Preservationists and co-chair of the Fillmore Forward Design Committee. She was a driving force in bringing the Legacy Cities Preservation Conference together in Buffalo this past year. She has authored two consecutive Seven to Save nominations for WNY buildings while working with the Preservation League of NY to move those projects forward. Christina was instrumental in the National Register Eligibility and Local Landmark status of the Wildroot Building. She wrote the local landmark for the Wende House and National Treasure Nomination for the Chautauqua Amphitheater. Twice her essays on urban design issues have been published in anthologies. She was also recently appointed as both a National Trust advisor and to the board of Partners for a Livable WNY.
Education, Outreach, and Planning
Restore Our Community Coalition
Buffalo boasts the oldest fully planned park system in the United States. But a critical component of Olmsted’s plan for a City connected by parks was destroyed in the 1960s when Humboldt Parkway was replaced with State Route 33. In 2007, ROCC was formed to remind our community what was lost, and advocate for a renewed commitment to Olmsted’s vision for a green and healthy community.
Public Art and Landscape
Niagara Falls Riverway
Niagara Falls State Park provides the setting to experience one of the natural wonders of the world: Niagara Falls. As originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1887, the Park provided a “sublime” refuge for visitors and served as a buffer between the commercial activity of the City and the beauty of the Falls. Niagara Falls is the oldest State Park in the United States, and was placed on the National Register in 1983. Unfortunately, the natural scenery so important to the Park’s character was degraded when the construction of the Robert Moses Parkway in the 1960’s created a high-speed, limited access highway which severed the Park and restricted access from the City. The Riverway project has removed this barrier and transformed Niagara Falls State Park to the pedestrian oriented scenic landscape park envisioned by Olmsted and Vaux in the original 1887 General Plan for the Niagara Reservation.
Stewardship of Public Resources
Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry
The Erie County Parks System boasts a large collection of WPA-era structures and landscape elements. The County has been diligently working to restore and repair each of their structures, to ensure that these special treasures will be enjoyed by future generations. Work completed in 2018 includes rebuilding the historic Akron Falls Park Lower Falls Overlook, and rebuilding the Ellicott Creek Dome.
Previous Preservation Award Winners
2018
Project of Distinction
Hotel Henry at the Richardson Olmsted Campus
Outstanding Commercial Project
Evergreen Lofts
Outstanding Commercial Project
The Sinclair
Outstanding Residential Project
Buffalo Harmony House, 3 St. John’s Place
Neighborhood Conservation
Town of Amherst Intensive Survey
Preservation Craft
Interior Cabinetry Restoration at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
Outstanding Personal Contribution
Veronica Hemphill-Nichols
Education, Outreach, & Planning
Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor
Public Art & Landscape
Olmsted Parks Conservancy
Stewardship
The Robert Coles House, 321 Humboldt Parkway
2017
Outstanding Commercial Project
Turner Brothers Lofts; Schneider Development LLC, R&P Oakhill Construction, K-Arc Design Architect PLLC, Preservation Studios, First Niagara Bank
Outstanding Residential Project
656 Lafayette Ave; Tom and Melina Scime, McHugh Painting and Contracting, Brian Daddis, Lou Hanidman Services, Supreme Painting
Outstanding Community Service
International Chimney
Outstanding Public Building Project
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Houses 2 and 3; Foit-Albert Associates, Botanical Gardens Society, Erie County Department of Public Works
Outstanding Public Building Project
US Customhouse; Wendel, City of Niagara Falls
Neighborhood Conservation
Richardson Olmsted Campus Core Project; Richardson Center Corporation
Preservation Craft
Buffalo Architectural Casting
Outstanding Personal Contribution
Monica Pellegrino Faix
Outstanding Personal Contribution
Steve Karnath
Education, Outreach, & Planning
Guaranty Building Interpretive Center; Hodgson Russ LLP, Flynn Battaglia Architects, Hadley Exhibits, Alfred State College
People’s Choice
“Greetings from Buffalo” Mural by Casey William Milbrand
2016
Outstanding Project
Lafayette Lofts
Five Hundred Seneca
Outstanding Community Project
Historic 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse Lens Project
King Urban Life Center
Neighborhood Conservation
Prospect Hill Historic District
Preservation Craft
Swiatek Studios
Outstanding Personal Contribution Towards Preservation
Richard J. Lippes
Education & Outreach
Preservation-Ready Sites
Rare Book Room- Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
People’s Choice
Tipico Coffee
2014
Preservation Craft
Boston Valley Terra Cotta
Media/Journalism
Buffalo Rising
Conservation/Stewardship
County of Erie & Erie Community College, the Old Post Office; Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, ECC President Jack Quinn, Flynn Battaglia Architects, Picone Construction, Grove Roofing, Morris Masonry, Jens Glass
Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse
The Giacomo (United Office Building); Ellicott Development Company, Carl and William Paladino City of Niagara Falls, USA
The Kronenberg Building; Tzetzo Companies, Silvestri Architects, Superior Construction
Landscape/Scenic Preservation
Mill Road Scenic Overlook; WNY Land Conservancy, Friends of Mill Road, Town of East Aurora
Preservation, Restoration, and Community Engagement
Schoolhouse #8, the Community of North Collins; Richard Taczkowski; David A. Willett; Senator Dale Volker
Individual Achievement
Jack Quinan
Lifetime Achievement in Preservation Spirit
Joan K. Bozer
Individual/Group Achievement
North Park Theatre; Thomas Eoannou and Michael G. Cristiano; Flexlume Corporation; Swiatek Painting
Preservation
Buffalo Zoo Heritage Farm; Buffalo Zoological Society, Foit Albert Associates, Peyton Barlow Construction Services
Rehabilitation
West Huron Lofts; The Kissling Interests; Carmina Wood Morris Architects; Peyton Barlow Co. Inc.
Stewardship
Westminster Presbyterian Church Campus
2013
Individual/Group Achievement
Kathleen Mecca; Buffalo Young Preservationists; Spree Magazine/Elizabeth Licata
Lifetime Service
Peter and Susie Flickinger
Preservation
Oakwood Cemetery Association; Days Park Block Club
Preservation Craft
Larry Fuchs, Roger Korsh, Robert Stetzko, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 71
Preservation/Preservation Planning
The Allentown Association, Inc.
Rehabilitation/Reuse
The Lafayette Hotel
Evans Bank (former Mennonite Meeting House)
Renovation/Adaptive Reuse
Remington Lofts on the Canal
The Calumet Building
Restoration
Friendship Fire Engine Silsby Restoration Project
The Albright Knox Art Gallery East Stair Project
Niagara Falls City Hall Main Stair Project
Stewardship
The Twentieth Century Club
Orchard Park Train Depot Crew
2012
Preservation Craft
Buffalo Architectural Casting
Preservation Spirit
Nathan Comstock, Jr. House – Odd Fellows Orphanage
Stewardship
Mary Holland, Buffalo Religious Arts Center
Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse
Lofts @ 136 – Alling Cory Building
Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse
Hedstrom Caretaker’s Cottages
Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse
Hiram Day Mansion
Neighborhood Conservation
Linwood Preservation District
Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse
223 Lafayette Avenue; Alex Kerns, Buffalo, NY
Preservation Planning/Reconstruction
Roycroft Campus Master Plan & Roycroft Powerhouse; Flynn Battaglia Architects & Roycroft Campus Corporation
Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse
ZeptoMetrix
Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse
Artspace Buffalo Lofts
Neighborhood Conservation
Christopher Brown
Preservation Journalism
Mark Sommer, The Buffalo News
2011
Education and Outreach
Grant–Amherst Business Association; Black Rock Historic District Photo Project, Buffalo
Landscape Preservation
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center; Schoellkopf Park, Niagara Falls
Rehabilitation/Adaptive Use
Karl Frizlen, Paul Johnson; 257 Lafayette Center, Buffalo
Stewardship
The Tatler Club; The Porter Mansion, Niagara Falls
Rehabilitation/Adaptive Use
Flynn, Battaglia Architects, CityView Properties, Margaret L. Wendt Foundation; Genesee Gateway LLC, Buffalo
Restoration
Clement and Karen Arrison; 35 Lincoln Parkway, Buffalo
Neighborhood Conservation
Volunteers of Concordia Cemetery; Concordia Cemetery, Buffalo
Education and Outreach
Patrick Kavanagh; Forest Lawn Cemetery Historian
Preservation Service
City of Buffalo Preservation Board; John Laping – Past Chairman (1998 – 2009)
2010
Neighborhood Conservation
The City of Niagara Falls, The Niagara Falls Preservation Commission, and Park Place Neighborhood Residents Neighborhood Conservation; The Park Place Historic District
Preservation Spirit
Rolland Development; 21 Hyde Park Blvd, Niagara Falls
Preservation Craft
John Gulick; J.A. Gulick Window Company
Rehabilitation
Schneider Development; The Warehouse Lofts; 210 Ellicott Street, Buffalo
Restoration
Corpus Christi Church, Buffalo
Stewardship
Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda
New Construction
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, Buffalo
Restoration
Brian Lewandowski and Sherry Campbell; 33 Lake Avenue, Lancaster
Planning
Richardson Olmsted Complex Master Plan
Preservation Service
Marge Thielman Hastreiter
Landmarker Award
Eric Stenclik and Steven Dietz
2009
Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse
Young & Wright Architectural; The East Utica Library/ Beverly A. Gray Business Services Incubator Project
Preservation Craft
Clinton Brown Company Architecture; Exterior Masonry Restoration by Morris Masonry at the First /Baptist Church of Newfane
Neighborhood Conservation
Prish Moran/ 212-220 Grant Street Project; Catherine Faust, Architect; The Sweet_ness 7 Café
Preservation Service/Leadership
Town of Clarence Certified Local Government Project
Education
Western New York Heritage Press/Magazine
Adaptive Reuse
Foit Albert Associates; Old Fort Niagara Visitors Center/ Army Commissary Rehabilitation
Restoration Stewardship
Flynn & Battaglia Architects; St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buffalo NY
Rehabilitation
Trautman Associates; Sisters of St. Francis Provincial House Rehabilitation, Buffalo, NY