In a year full of challenges, supporters like you continued to provide a vital lifeline. As we start the new year, I wanted to look back at some of my favorite League webinars and stories of impact from the past year – made possible by preservationists like you. Thank you!
Read Morehe Preservation League of NYS is thrilled to announce a continued funding partnership with the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. A three-year funding commitment from the Gardiner Foundation will allow the League to bring grant opportunities and extended outreach to local historical societies and historic sites on Long Island.
Read MoreThis guest blog post from Jeff Iovannone provides an analysis of the demolition of the Great Northern Grain Elevator in Buffalo from a legal perspective. This piece was originally written for his Historic Preservation Law course at Cornell University.
Read MoreOn December 6, preservationists, architects, contractors, environmentalists, students, academics, recycling coordinators, and city planners were among the 60 or so attendees at the first annual statewide Deconstruction Summit, held at Russell Sage College in Troy. The summit was co-hosted by The City of Troy and TAP Inc., with support from NYSAR, Russell Sage College, CR0WD, and NYSERDA. The goal was to generate ideas about potential statewide deconstruction legislation.
Read MoreHave former asylum properties, built in the late 19th century to house people with mental illness, outlived their usefulness? Or can they once again contribute to modern society? In selecting the former Willard Asylum property for the 2022-2023 Seven to Save list, the League chose optimism. We’ve now researched a number of other asylum reuse projects in which properties very similar to Willard have charted a path toward productive and beneficial reuse, and have begun sharing this information with community members and decision-makers.
Read MoreNew York State’s historic places tell our stories. The block of storefronts on Main Street with apartments above. The barn that has stood proudly on the landscape for generations. The restored theater that is once again a community anchor. You and the League can empower people and communities across the state to save and renew the places that matter.
Read MoreAs we all try to find the perfect gift for everyone on our lists, we present to you our third annual Preservationist Gift Guide, a non-sponsored list of a few things we think would make excellent gifts for all the history nerds, old house lovers, and preservation people in your life.
Read MoreThe Preservation League of NYS has received three Regrowth and Capacity grants of $10,000 each from the New York State Council on the Arts. These grants will support the organization’s programming, as they continue their ongoing recovery from pandemic challenges. The responsive funding of NYSCA is providing nearly 1000 organizations with over $13 million in recovery support in FY23, as part of their historic FY23 $90 million in grant making and $150 million in multi-year capital support.
Read MoreIn this editorial, the Preservation Association of Central New York’s President Andrew Roblee lays out how historic preservation can play a crucial role in a revitalized Central New York. Micron Technology’s planned semiconductor fabrication facility in Clay (about 15 miles outside of Syracuse) would have a profound effect on the region for many years to come. As a recent article from the Syracuse Post-Standard asks, “Micron would change Syracuse area for decades to come. Are we up to the challenge?”
Read MoreWe know that Historic Tax Credits are a crucial tool for preserving and rehabilitating historic buildings — which is why it is so important that we have hard numbers that prove just how immense the impact is. The National Park Service’s Annual Report detailing the economic impact of the Federal Historic Tax Credit is an invaluable resource as preservation advocates continue to promote the importance of maintaining and enhancing Historic Tax Credits.
Read MoreDuring the recent PastForward virtual conference, the League was pleased to again lead New York’s team of advocates as we met with key members of our state’s Congressional delegation to share our enthusiasm for preservation. Although the timing of the conference – just days before the midterm elections, November 1-4 – was challenging, we held a series of productive meetings in which we thanked representatives and their staffers for their support, updated them on federal preservation issues, and requested their support for our current priorities.
Read MoreOn an unseasonably warm and beautiful November day in Buffalo, League staff enjoyed a full schedule of behind-the-scenes tours, visits with colleagues and grantees, and a chance to see current and future success stories throughout the city. As packed as our schedule was, we also added many other sites to our wish list for another Buffalo tour in 2023!
Read MoreOn Monday, November 7, we were thrilled to announce the winners of the 2022 Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards live on Zoom. If you missed it live, or just feel like watching again, here’s a recording of the full program.
Read More“The response from the community was incredible,” said Cochecton Pump House Co-Owner Dave Lieber. “We had so many compliments from all ages. It was as popular with the Instagram crowd as it was with the octogenarian. It quickly became a place to meet and see a show, it created jobs, and lifted other local businesses.”
Read More“We are thrilled that the East Harlem South / El Barrio Reconnaissance-Level Historic Resource Survey has been recognized by the Preservation League with this award,” said Chris Cirillo, Executive Director/President of Ascendant Neighborhood Development (AND) and Member of Landmark East Harlem (LEH), which co-sponsored the project. “The extraordinary work of our preservation consultant, Marissa Marvelli, has raised the bar on historic resources surveys. Focusing on culture and community, the survey prioritizes people over buildings.”
Read MoreWhen asked what he hopes his legacy will be, Steve Jordan said, “I hope my legacy will be of someone dedicated to historic preservation and its ability to lift and highlight worthy neighborhoods, districts, and properties for the betterment and education of future citizens. I hope my legacy endures through my books, magazine, and journal articles written over 40 years. And I hope I’ve passed a few skills to others who will carry on a preservation trade tradition.”
Read More“We are honored to have the diligent and collaborative efforts of our client and the project team so recognized,” said Christopher Brandt, project architect with Bero Architecture. “It is a rare privilege to have guided the rejuvenation of such a unique and beloved building that has meant so much to so many Rochesterians over the decades.”
Read More“Edgemere is honored to be recognized for its commitment to preserving important historic landmarks,” said Charlie Oster, Partner of Edgemere Development. “Every building has a story as unique as the people who will eventually live there.”
Read More“We are very grateful to receive this award from the Preservation League of New York State in recognition of an exceptional team effort to initiate this project and bring it to completion,” said Rev. Andrew Durbidge, Rector of St Luke & St Matthew. “This parish church has existed on this site since 1841. The building represents the hard work and faithful contributions of many parishioners over these many years. It is a magnificent building and a tribute to past parishioners’ faithfulness in God. We carry on their legacy in caring for this landmark in Clinton Hill, to benefit future parishioners and the local community.”
Read More“The Pavilion restoration project saved a national treasure while expanding Fort Ticonderoga's capacity as a major cultural destination,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “The completed Pavilion includes expanded visitor amenities, conference center and private rental capacity, and new educational and exhibition space.”
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