Give716 Campaign is July 15th & 16th!

The Give716 Campaign is next week on July 15th & July 16th!

We’re excited to share that Preservation Buffalo Niagara is participating in the 2024 Give 716, a fantastic Giving Day event starting on July 15 at 7:16 PM EDT and ending on July 16 at 11:59 PM EDT.

How it works: You donate to PBN and depending on what time it is and how much, there is a match and / or really cool incentives you can get for donating. We also linked the incentives in the images below.

Important Donation Page Link: USE THIS TO DONATE! (Thanks!!)

https://give716.org/share/give716/68/charities/preservation-buffalo-niagara

Prize Example: You or someone you love is a Josh Allen Fan? The first one hundred people who donate $716.00 at 8 pm on July 15th can get a signed jersey by one Buffalo Bills player! Perhaps you do not need a Bills Jersey but there are plenty of other prizes – Bandits memorabilia, Bisons tickets, SHOP 716 Gift cards and more. See the incentive line up for details.

Our Ask: This is a huge opportunity for Preservation Buffalo Niagara! Our goal is to raise $10,000 – that would help us seed our next critical project of starting local small scale real estate development series in Niagara Falls and Buffalo. This initiative-taking effort is critical because local owners lack the support, resources, and ecosystem around them for success. If we want to see more buildings brought back to life, this initiative is necessary.

Thank you everyone who continues to support PBN! We could not do this without you. For more info on the Give716 Campaign, click here. 

Happy 716!

Celebrating a New Chapter for St. John Kanty’s Lyceum

Today, July 12th, marked a significant milestone in the Broadway Fillmore neighborhood as Community Services for Every1 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Apartments at the Lyceum. This event, attended by Mayor Byron Brown, Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski, and State Senator Sean Ryan, celebrated the successful adaptive reuse of a historic building into 42 affordable workforce apartments. Among these, 12 units are specifically designated for survivors of domestic violence, 5 are fully ADA accessible, and 2 are for those with audio/visual impairments.

In 2023, a substantial investment of $18 million by Edgemere Development and Community Services for Every1 transformed the Lyceum into a pillar of hope and support for our community. This project not only preserves the architectural heritage of the historic 1930 building but also addresses critical housing needs.

However, the future of the St. John Kanty R.C. Church complex remains uncertain. The Buffalo Catholic Diocese has announced plans to close the church and merge its congregation with St. Stanislaus Church. The convent, a part of this historic complex, was listed for sale in May at $295,000.

Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining. Preservation Buffalo Niagara (PBN) is actively working to secure local landmark status for St. John Kanty and numerous other churches throughout the city. The Preservation Board will hold a public hearing on the landmark application on September 5th. Following this, they will send a recommendation for landmark status to the Common Council.

This effort underscores the importance of preserving our historic treasures and ensuring they continue to serve as vital parts of our community. By supporting these initiatives, we can honor our past while building a better Buffalo.

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Richardson Olmsted Complex Photography Tours are BACK for 2024!

Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s tour program offers unique and informative ways to enjoy the historical, cultural, and architectural treasures of the Buffalo-Niagara region. Our tours support the mission of PBN, the region’s only professionally staffed preservation organization.

The 2024 photography tour schedule of the Richardson Complex is here!

Join us and the Richardson Olmsted Campus for an exclusive opportunity to capture the interior spaces of the iconic Richardson Olmsted Campus, a National Historic Landmark.

Photographers will be paired with an experienced docent to guide them through a collection of spaces in various states of renovation and disrepair. Your guide can also provide context on the history and future of the Richardson Olmsted Campus as you explore the site.

Photography Tours are $125 (includes access for the photographer and one assistant). Ages 16 & up. Funds from this effort support both PBN & the Richardson Olmsted Campus.

Tickets for June and July now available – click the date below to check availability and make a reservation:

JUNE

Wednesday, June 12, 2024     6:00 – 8:00pm

Saturday, June 15, 2024          6:00 – 8:00pm

JULY

Saturday, July 06, 2024          1:30 – 3:30 pm

Wednesday, July 10, 2024     6:00 – 8:00pm

Saturday, July 20, 2024          6:00 – 8:00 pm

August and September dates remain TBD.  

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • All attendees are required to sign a release in acknowledgement of the safety concerns. Please bring your pre-signed release(s) to allow more time for the tour.
  • Hard hats will be provided. It is imperative that you stay with your docent in the designated areas – there are very unsafe areas within the Campus.
  • This tour requires the ability to walk for the full duration of the tour as well as climb multiple flights of stairs.
  • Meet at the Lipsey Architecture Center, ground level of the Towers Building on the northside of the campus.

WHAT TO BRING

  • For your safety, sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. We reserve the right to turn away anyone without appropriate shoes. Under no condition will sandals or high heels be allowed.
  • You are strongly encouraged to wear layers and bring bottled water as the temperatures inside the buildings can vary widely.
  • Prepare to get a little dusty during your time on-site. If you’re concerned about having an adverse reaction to the dust because of asthma or allergies, we recommend bringing a face mask or scarf.

Pete Gallivan Receives the 2024 Media in Preservation Award from Preservation Buffalo Niagara

Celebrating Preservation Excellence: Pete Gallivan Receives the 2024 Media in Preservation Award

Preservation Buffalo Niagara (PBN) is thrilled to announce the recipient of the 2024 Preservation Award for an Individual, a recognition that shines a light on those who have made significant contributions to the preservation of Western New York’s rich heritage. This year, we honor Pete Gallivan, a name synonymous with the celebration and safeguarding of our local history through his impactful series, “Unknown Stories of WNY.”

https://www.wgrz.com/video/news/local/unknown-stories/unknown-stories-of-wny-special/71-15adb9f9-b031-49b6-a84a-fba2e9955abc

A Note from Brandon Kennedy, our Architectural Historian: Preservation is not just about maintaining bricks and mortar; it’s about safeguarding the stories and memories that give our city its unique character. Pete Gallivan embodies this spirit through his dedication to uncovering and sharing the hidden narratives of Western New York. His work has not only educated and entertained the public, it has inspired action towards the preservation of our architectural treasures.

About Pete Gallivan: Pete Gallivan has been a champion of local journalism and historical storytelling for years as a Daybreak co-anchor at WGRZ-TV. His weekly feature, “Unknown Stories of WNY,” goes beyond the surface to reveal the lesser-known tales of our region’s landmarks. Pete’s commitment to storytelling has earned him two NYS Emmys, a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, and an Associated Press Award. His passion for our community’s history has made an indelible mark on the preservation landscape of Buffalo.

The Impact of “Unknown Stories of WNY”: Each episode of “Unknown Stories of WNY” is a testament to Pete’s dedication to preserving the history of our region’s storied past. By bringing attention to sites like the Central Terminal, the Col. Ward Pumping station, and the grain elevators, Pete has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving these iconic locations. His storytelling not only captures the imagination but also underscores the ongoing need for preservation efforts in our community.

In Summary: Pete Gallivan’s “Unknown Stories of WNY” is more than a television segment; it’s a weekly invitation to explore the hidden corners of our past and to appreciate the ongoing efforts to preserve our architectural heritage. As we approach the Preservation Awards on May 30th, 2024, we look forward to celebrating Pete’s contributions and the stories that continue to shape the identity of Buffalo and Western New York.

Join us in congratulating Pete Gallivan on this well-deserved honor and in anticipating an evening of recognition and reflection on the strides we’ve made in preserving the places that tell the story of our community.