Save our Sacred Sites Update – Sept 3, 2024

The Preservation Board will be reviewing the following applications on September 5th 2024 at 3pm – St. John Kanty, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Stansislaus, Saint Thomas Aquinas, St. Rose of Lima . We have completed these local landmark applications and they will be reviewed by the Preservation Board.

You can write a letter of support to  chawley@buffalony.gov or feel free to attend – details are below.

Preservation Board Public Meetings

You or a representative may participate in a Preservation Board meeting either in person at City Hall Room 901, or by video conference at the following Webex link: https://buffalony.webex.com/buffalony/j.php?MTID=mce68892520b84900536fb86956b4011d

Alternatively go to www.webex.com or call 1-415-655-0001

  • Webex meeting number: 173 804 3655
  • Password: HistReview (not required for phone)

Public comments regarding an application to the Preservation Board may made in person or via Webex at a Preservation Board meeting, or in writing via e-mail to chawley@buffalony.gov or mail to the Preservation Board, 920 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202. Written comments must be submitted and received at least 24 hours before the meeting.

https://www.wivb.com/buffalo-catholic-church-close-merge/buffalo-churches-recommended-to-close-could-become-historical-landmarks/

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.