New York efforts win "Preservation’s Best of 2016" in DC
The Preservation League was delighted to join in the applause for two New York State preservation projects during Preservation Advocacy Week in Washington, D.C.
Advocacy Week is our annual opportunity to have a mass impact on policy makers in support of preservation-positive legislation. With the Historic Tax Credit threatened by tax reform efforts, we carried your concerns to Washington and met with elected officials, their staff, and a national network of preservation advocates.
One of the highlights of Advocacy Week was a reception honoring “Preservation’s Best of 2016” held at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Following the awards, Congressman Paul Tonko of New York’s 20th district spoke strongly about the value of historic preservation and historic tax credits in transforming our communities.
Two New York State projects won national recognition for their effective use of Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits. The awards were presented by the national preservation advocacy group Preservation Action along with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Trust Community Investment Corporation.
The New York projects were two of only six national awards presented at the reception. New York continues to play a leading role in illustrating the effectiveness of the historic tax credit program in facilitating the highest quality projects.
The Lace Mill - Kingston, Ulster County
The Lace Mill building, built in 1903, was once part of the area’s thriving textile manufacturing industry, which boomed at the turn of the 20th century. Managed by affordable housing builder RUPCO, the project used tax credits to rehabilitate this historic and vacant mill in to an affordable community of 55 live/work units with a preference for artists, and 30,000 square feet of common area featuring a public gallery, studio, artist utility room and community space. One-third of the $18.7 million investment in the property came from state and federal tax credit investments. The restored Lace Mill is become a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization and a solid demonstration of the historic tax credit program’s ability to stimulate the creation of affordable housing.
Hawkes II Factory Rehabilitation - Corning, Steuben County
T.G. Hawkes established Hawkes Rich Cut Glass Works in 1882 and later joined with a partner to establish Steuben Glass Works. The firm gained world-wide renown, and its work has been presented as a gift of state by every U.S. President since Harry Truman. Hawkes & Company itself was renowned for the high quality and clarity of its glass and the business operated at 83-85 West Market Street until the 1960s. This former glass factory now provides market-rate apartments on the 2nd and 3rd floor with 1st level retail. Project developer J.D. Young and architect Johnson-Schmidt & Associates worked to preserve the historic integrity of the building while also giving it 21st century amenities. The Hawkes II Factory Rehabilitation is now part Corning’s vibrant and lively downtown and provides an excellent example of how the historic tax credit is revitalizing small towns across the country.