Tag: Kohler Foundation

And The 2024 Preservation Award Winners Are…

Congratulations to our 2024 Preservation Award Winners!

Join us on Thursday, May 30th as we end Preservation Month on a high note – celebrating the people behind some of our favorite preservation projects in WNY! You can buy your tickets here. 

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  1. Charles W. Goodyear Mansion & Residences, Commercial ProjectThe Goodyear Mansion project aimed to preserve the historic features while modernizing the building. The complex includes the original mansion, a modern educational wing, and a carriage house. Major discoveries were made about the building’s construction, and the property was left largely intact with in-kind repairs to the masonry and restoration of existing doors and windows. The portico was reopened with custom French doors, and updates were made to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Original woodwork, plaster, and marble were cleaned and restored, and existing doors were reused and refinished. Historic tax credits were used, and the New York State and the National Park Service approved the project. The residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a contributing resource to the Delaware Historic District.

 

  1. Podorosa House, Residential Project Chris and Maria Podosek are awarded in honoring their restoration of the 1922 home at 342 Norwalk Ave, Buffalo, NY. The Podoseks’ dedication to authenticity and historical accuracy, using traditional materials and methods, transformed a once-neglected property into a model of historic preservation. The project, completed in 2022, adhered to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, addressing challenges like incorrect shutters, a leaking roof, and period-inappropriate alterations. The Podorosa, a shining example of preserving humble homes, stands as a beacon of dedication and historic integrity, inspiring others to value architectural heritage.

 

  1. Scott Glasgow, Individual, Neighborhood Preservation

    Scott Glasgow, a founding trustee and Preservation Committee member of BRHS has spent over 35 years preserving Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood. He helped petition for the Society’s charter and has advocated for preservation at both the individual property and neighborhood levels. Scott’s work includes restoring the Jacob Smith House and Tavern, evaluating and nominating the Market Square Historic District, and designating the Lower Black Rock Historic District. He is an active historian, speaker, and researcher known for his extensive knowledge of Black Rock’s history and his collection of artifacts. Scott’s dedication to preserving the neighborhood’s history and heritage makes him a deserving recipient of the PBN Neighborhood Preservation award.
  2. Winspear Historic District, Neighborhood Preservation Organization

 

University Heights Collaborative has been instrumental in the designation of the Winspear Extension Historic District, officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places since February 2nd, 2024. Founded in 2006, UHC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in its namesake neighborhood, promoting a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community. The historic district, a testament to community-led preservation efforts, showcases the architectural legacy of Buffalo’s working and middle-class streetcar neighborhoods. This designation enables residents to access historic tax credits that can be used for home renovation and maintenance. UHC’s commitment to preserving the historical narratives and character of Buffalo is celebrated, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the city’s unique charm.

 

  1. Prophet Isaiah Robertson’s Second Coming House: Exterior Art Environment Preservation, Preservation Craft, Niagara County

Prophet Isaiah Robertson, a self-taught artist, created wooden carvings in Niagara Falls, which were preserved and replicated by the Kohler Foundation and Niagara Falls National Heritage Area after his passing. B.R. Howard and Associates led the replication effort, using precise measurements and re-installing the art in its original location. The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area handled the construction and renovation, including a new roof, windows, and ADA-compliant ramp.

 

  1. ReUse Action, Preservation Craft, Erie CountyReUse Action, founded by the original Buffalo ReUse crew in 2010, is a salvage non-profit on Buffalo’s East Side dedicated to reusing materials from buildings, such as lights, flooring, cabinets, and sinks. They are a community-minded and eco-friendly group, offering affordable materials for old home lovers and budget-conscious individuals while saving tons of materials from landfills. The upper floors of their location support small-scale manufacturing and start-ups, fostering growth and development in the community. ReUse Action is an invaluable preservation-related endeavor, demonstrating the value of reuse and sustainability.

 

  1. “Women of Niagara: An Art Installation of Polly King Artworks on the Historic Jenss Department Store Building.”, Preservation Advocacy, Niagara County

The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, in partnership with the Polly King Gallery and sponsored by the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative, designed, and implemented the “Women of Niagara” public art installation at 1708 Main Street, Niagara Falls, New York, in 2020. The installation features 86 works of art, including 74 portraits of women who lived in Niagara Falls, created by renowned local artist Polly King, and installed in the windows of the vacant Jenss Department Store building.

 

  1. Buffalo Mass Mob, Preservation Advocacy, Erie CountyBuffalo Mass Mob, founded by Christopher Byrd, Danielle Huber Murtha, Greg Witul, Alan Oberst, and Arthur Kogutowski, have raised awareness and funds for grand churches in Buffalo and Western New York for the past decade. Due to declining attendance and church closures, Mass Mob aims to increase attendance and appreciation for these religious works of art while helping congregations with critical repair work. They have visited over forty places of worship, including non-Catholic churches, and organized fundraisers like the BuffaLovejoy event for St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church’s new roof. Buffalo Mass Mob’s direct-action efforts have significantly contributed to preserving sacred spaces, and their hard work and dedication are highly appreciated.

 

  1. Alt Homestead, Preservation LeadershipNicole Gerber and Dave Reilly led the preservation of the 19th-century Alt Homestead in Grand Island, NY, a 36-acre property featuring a unique Wet Oak-Hickory Forest Ecosystem, and meadow inhabited by NYS-threatened bird species. The one-room schoolhouse, originally Grand Island Schoolhouse #8, was restored into the Alt Nature Center; an environmental education hub promoting ecological gardening, native plants, and habitat protection. The adjacent Alt Barn, built in the late 1800s, was also restored, repurposing original boards and beams. This project, funded by Nicole Alt Gerber, preserves the farm’s history while offering public access and educational opportunities, fostering a deeper connection with Grand Island’s farming history and ecological preservation.
  1. Pete Gallivan, “Unknown Stories of Western New York” series, Media in Preservation

    Pete Gallivan, a co-anchor for WGRZ-TV’s Daybreak, produces the weekly feature “Unknown Stories of WNY,” highlighting local historical significance and preservation concerns. The segments, which have been airing for years, reach a large local TV audience and are also available online. Topics have included Graycliff, The Central Terminal, the Fargo Mansion, the Col. Ward Pumping station, the grain elevators, 110 South Park, the Buffalo History Museum, and the Pan Am, among others.

 

  1. Rollin Hellner, Emerging Preservation Leader

Rollin Hellner, through Hellner Development Company LLC, has preserved and renovated several historic buildings in Western New York, including Kramp Cold Storage Co. (Burt NY, 1800s), Niagara County Fruit Company (Lockport NY, 1875), Middleport Cold Storage (Middleport NY, 1880), The Walsh (Medina NY, 1852), Maplecrest Mansion (Medina NY, 1860), and Stonehurst Mansion (Medina NY, 1861). These buildings were saved from demolition and disrepair, and are now in use as incubator spaces, businesses, and a tavern. Rollin’s commitment to historic preservation has revitalized these landmark buildings and contributed to the community’s cultural and historical heritage.

  1. Edward Healy, Lifetime Preservation AchievementEd Healy, Vice President of Marketing at Visit Buffalo Niagara, has spent over 20 years promoting Buffalo’s historic architecture and cultural tourism. His accomplishments include bringing the National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Conference to Buffalo in 2011, launching the successful “Unexpected Buffalo” marketing campaign in 2017, and serving as executive producer on the short film “Buffalo: America’s Best Designed City” (2014). Ed’s efforts have contributed to Buffalo’s recognition as a top destination for heritage tourism, generating over $600 million for Erie County and attracting 25% of tourists interested in family and architecture.

Congrats to all the 2024 awardees! Keep up the good work!

Thank you to our sponsors for all of their support this year including our Louise Bethune & Robert T. Coles Sponsors who continue to support us year over year. 

Thank you to our event sponsors!

 

 

Prophet Isaiah Robertson’s Second Coming House Wins Preservation Craft Award by Preservation Buffalo Niagara

It is time to announce the winners of the 2024 Preservation Awards!

We have 12 awardees this year that span across advocacy, craft, residential restoration, commercial restoration, emerging preservation leadership, 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 May 30th at the Buffalo History Museum. Come and celebrate the preservation wins with us! You can get your tickets here. 

Preservation Craft: Prophet Isaiah Robertson’s Second Coming House: Exterior Art Environment Preservation, Preservation Craft, Niagara County

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Prophet Isaiah Robertson was a self-taught carpenter and artist from Jamaica, who moved to Niagara Falls in 2004. When he first came to the United States, he started in the construction business by renovating and reselling houses and was eventually approached by Mount Erie Baptist Church to finish the walls in a section of their church. Prophet Isaiah instead advocated for his vision for space, which included intricate wood carvings. Thus began his artistic career in Niagara Falls, which was then amplified at his home at 1308 Ontario Avenue.

A deeply religious person, Prophet Isaiah dedicated his home to representing his prophecies artistically, through wooden cutouts, painted murals, intricate rock formations, and a 25-foot tall wooden cross and altarpiece at the head of his driveway. Wood was his primary material, as it represented both his profession and had religious symbolism. Prophet Isaiah did not consider himself an artist, stating that the “Spirit took over and moved his hands.” He worked with no plans or sketches, and would simply build, paint, and create as his spirit moved him, which frequently included painting over his prior designs and creating new pieces.

Upon Prophet Isaiah’s passing in 2020, the Prophet Isaiah Robertson’s Second Coming House became a preservation project for the Kohler Foundation in 2021. Since the 1970s, the preservation of art environments and self-taught artists has been a major focus of the Foundation. They have been widely regarded as at the forefront of the self-taught art movements, and have received many awards for their preservation work, including the Sally Hardy Eager Historic Preservation Achievement Award and the 2003 Wisconsin Governor’s Award. The Kohler Foundation has gifted several art environments to local organizations, like the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, ensuring the art will be cared for in perpetuity and be accessible to the public.

Shortly after taking on the property, the Kohler Foundation took immediate action to preserve the exterior art environment and conserve the artist residence. This included building a partnership with the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, who became the steward of the property and artist’s residence in 2023. One of the first steps was to contract with B.R. Howard and Associates, who led the effort to preserve the various components of the exterior art pieces as much as possible, and to replicate those pieces which had been damaged beyond repair. These replications were made out of materials better equipped to withstand the harsh winters of Niagara Falls and were created to perfectly mirror the original pieces. Using an extremely meticulous process that involved hundreds of photographs, precise measurements, drone footage, and model recreations of the site, the team at B.R. Howard and Associates were able to perfectly replicate the exterior art at the site, down to the slight imperfections from the artist and individual brushstrokes on the backs of art pieces.

The entirety of the exterior art environment was documented, measured, and photographed before being disassembled and brought to B.R. Howard’s facility in Pennsylvania. There, they processed thousands of pieces, including wooden pieces, rocks, silk flowers, and glass candles. For the pieces they could conserve, they did, matching colors and repairing as necessary. For the pieces that could not be conserved, they created exact replicas, including matching the symbols, sizes, shapes, and colors meticulously. This process involved an exacting process that meant creating pieces that were “perfectly imperfect” – as Prophet Isaiah was an artist that worked without plans and utilized scrap materials, many of the art pieces included angles that were slightly off-center, brushstrokes that were not perfectly contained, and designs that did not perfectly match on either side. Undaunted, the team at B.R. Howard utilized their photographs, measurements, and scale models to recreate each piece as Prophet Isaiah had left it.

The re-installation process was equally painstaking, as original drone photos using grids are referenced to perfectly position the returning art to its original locations. Additional work was also done to secure the art in its original location and ensure that winter storms or damaging winds would not adversely affect the site. There was on-site work as well during the re-installation process; while many of the replicated pieces were hand-painted at their facility, final touches and additional hand-painting were done on-site. The re-installation was completed in October of 2023.

In addition to assisting with the preservation and replication of the exterior art pieces, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area has led the construction and renovation efforts for this artist residence since 2022. After securing several permits, a variety of repairs and improvements were made to the site, including a new roof, new windows, and the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp to improve accessibility. Importantly, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area also installed on-site security in early 2023, which has allowed for remote monitoring of the site. Work has also been done to equip the site for public tours and other programs, including the installation of the internet, the creation of an operational site plan, and the development of community programming.

The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area has dedicated its resources to the preservation and revitalization of the North End of Niagara Falls and the Highland Community for over five years. The North End of Niagara Falls has been decimated by urban renewal efforts, the demolition of the built environment, and the decay of the Main Street Business District. The Highland Community, the traditional hub of the Black community in Niagara Falls, has been similarly affected by urban blight, leading to demolished structures, diminishing businesses, and vacant lots. It is critically important that these two areas are targeted for preservation and revitalization efforts, as the population ages and the memories of when these areas were vibrant centers of Niagara Falls life dwindles. Toward that end, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area has sought to preserve these memories and revitalize these spaces by engaging with thorough hands-on community engagement, public art installations, and restoring iconic landmarks.

Through all of our projects, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area positions community involvement, expertise and needs at the forefront and takes a collaborative approach to developing experiences that are woven together with the past, present and future of our communities. As the stewards of the Prophet Isaiah Second Coming House, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is dedicated to preserving this unique art environment, and creating a community-driven heritage center, wherein visitors and locals alike can not only learn about art environments, art preservation, and Prophet Isaiah Robertson, but also come together to celebrate the Highland Community.

Additional information can be found on the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area’s website:

https://www.discoverniagara.org/prophet-isaiah-second-coming-house

Congrats to the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area for their passion and dedication to this project. We are grateful for you and your efforts, truly! Please keep up the good work and let us know how we can help. Watch more on this effort here!