Best of Preservation 2017
It’s that time of year, when pundits, news outlets, and TV shows look back on the year in review, when Facebook and Twitter feeds are filled with best-of lists. So why not jump on the bandwagon? Here’s our look back at 2017 with our Top 13 (we couldn’t limit ourselves to just 10!) preservation successes.
Support the 80th Anniversary Campaign
As The Landmark Society celebrates 80 years of serving and preserving western New York’s irreplaceable historic places, we are also embarking on our 80th Anniversary Capital Campaign to help us continue to serve our communities.The three areas of focus will enable us to continue providing Preservation Grants–the first step in making positive improvements to at-risk historic places; maintenance and improvement of our own historic properties; and funds for the many mission-driven services that we provide free of charge. You can give back to your community by donating to the Campaign. >>Visit our website to make your contribution to the 80th Campaign.
Less than 1 week left to get your Park Avenue t-shirts!
Several Park Avenue neighborhood groups and The Landmark Society have teamed up to raise funds to create a Park Avenue Historic District listing in the National Register of Historic Places. To date, we’ve raised $25,000 in grant funds. We’re asking you to help us get the rest of the way. One way you can support the project is by purchasing a custom-designed “Park Ave. is Porches” t-shirt, between now and January 2nd. By purchasing a t-shirt, you’ll not only be showing your city and neighborhood pride, you’ll also help neighbors maintain the character of this historic neighborhood.
3 color options available. Soft, high quality Next Level brand t-shirts, with graphics custom-designed by local artist, Virginia McDonald (check out her work on Instagram @veebabay)
>>Click here to make your purchase.
(You can learn more about the Park Avenue historic district project at: www.landmarksociety.org/parkave)
Federal Historic Tax Credit program safe!
We’re happy to report that the Tax Reform Bill retains the federal historic tax credit program, which has made possible many of the rehabs that are catalyzing positive economic and civic change in the western New York, particularly in downtown Rochester, and across the Rust Belt.
Released Friday, December 15, this version retained the Senate’s modification of the HTC, which mandates that users must take the credit over five years, instead of in the first year the building is placed in service. Although this will diminish the credit’s value, it’s a big win for preservation, as the House version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated the credit completely.
Thank you to all who advocated for the importance of the credits in the work we do! >>Click here to read more.
Young Urban Preservationists survey
The YUPs are undergoing a strategic planning process and we would like to gather feedback from the community to help them grow as an organization. We hope that you’ll take five minutes or less to complete a short, 9 question survey. Whether you’ve never been to a YUP event, you’re a die-hard member, or you’ve decided you’re not interested in the group, your feedback is valuable and important. All responses will be anonymous. THANK YOU for your time!
>>Click here to take the survey.
Architecture class at the Brainery
Love old buildings but have no idea what you’re looking at? We’ll be back at the Brainery in the new year, teaching our classes on American Architectural History. In each one hour class, we’ll give you the rundown of American architectural styles from the Colonial era through the 19th and 20th centuries, with a focus on local and regional examples. Learn the names of important architectural styles common in the northeast; some basic architectural terminology; and how to approximately date the buildings you see every day.
Wednesday, January 31st | 7-8 PM | Crash Course in American Architectural History I – 19th Century | $15 | Click here to register
Wednesday, February 7th | 7-8 PM | Crash Course in American Architectural History II – 20th Century | $15 | Click here to register
