Local projects receive state historic preservation awards

Apr. 21—Eleven projects were recognized as a part of the 2024 New York State Historic Preservation Awards this past week. Projects highlighted at this year's awards include the restoration of an iconic candy shop in Buffalo.

"Historic preservation projects take an immense amount of time, resources, and dedication," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "From Buffalo to New York City, the 11 projects we're honoring this year all symbolize critical parts of our storied history in New York State. I applaud this year's recipients for their efforts to invest in our state's remarkable historic resources and preserve these stories for generations to come."

Created in 1980, the New York State Historic Preservation Awards are presented by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to honor excellence in the protection and revitalization of historic and cultural resources.

A new award category this year is the Joan K. Davidson Award. As Commissioner of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation from 1993 to 1995, chair of the New York State Council on the Arts from 1974 to 1977, and president of the J. M. Kaplan Fund from 1977 to 1993, Joan K. Davidson (1927-2023) was a visionary leader who was dedicated to the betterment of natural and built environments from cities to rural towns and villages throughout New York State. She believed that the most successful historic preservation projects begin at the grassroots level when dedicated individuals work together to ensure the future of irreplaceable community assets and tangible links to our shared past.

This year's local 2024 New York State Historic Preservation Awards recipients are:

—Bent's Opera House, Village of Medina — The inaugural recipient of the Joan K. Davidson Award. The Civil War-era opera house is one of the oldest surviving opera houses in the country. Listed as one of the Preservation League of New York State's "Seven to Save" in 2012 due to its threatened condition, the previously vacant building has been restored utilizing the state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credit program and now features a restaurant, boutique hotel, and special event space.

Grave Stone Matters is recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Historic Preservation. Owner and stone conservator Joseph Ferrannini has spent over sixteen years working to preserve thousands of gravestones and monuments in New York State and throughout the country through his hands-on repair work and special training workshops. He is motivated by the most challenging projects and his passion for this work is building a new generation of hands-on preservationists.

—Lustron House Westchester Deluxe Model M02 #01310, Town of Eden — The Lustron House Westchester Deluxe Model M02 #01310 is being recognized for Excellence in Historic Preservation Stewardship. Originally erected in 1949 on a lot in Westfield, Chautauqua County, by 2015 the house was threatened by demolition or drastic alterations. Joyce Scheetz purchased the house and over the next several years- with a copy of an original Lustron Erection Manual as her guide- she carefully dismantled the house to move it and rebuild it on a new foundation in Eden. She shared her process through her blog "Lustron or Bust" and in 2023 the house was added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

—Parkside Candy, City of Buffalo — Parkside Candy is recognized for Excellence in Historic Building Preservation, Rehabilitation, or Restoration. Originally built in 1927, this National Register-listed historic candy shop has been a neighborhood staple for generations. The project utilized state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits to restore many of its 1920s decorative features, as well as its still-active factory, garage, and residential spaces.