Landmarks and Historic Districts in Buffalo - Table of Contents
Benefits of Historic Districts and Landmarks
Offer official recognition that a property is of significance to the nation, the state, or the local community
Raise the community's awareness and pride in its past. It is this "sense of place" that encourages people to put down roots in a community.Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and distinctiveness of the city.
Help safeguard the city's history and heritage
Stabilize and increase property values.
Enhance the city's attraction for residents, visitors, tourists and prospective residents. Historical and cultural travelers spend much more than other travelers do.
Encourage investment for economic development.
Encourage the rehabilitation of historic structures which is an extraordinarily effective job creator because of the labor intensity of the work. This is particularly true when compared with new construction.
Owners of historic commercial and rental properties listed on the State and National Registers may qualify for a federal 20 percent tax credit for the substantial rehabilitation of income-producing historic properties
Owners of historic commercial and rental properties listed on the State and National Registers may qualify for a federal 39% New Markets Tax Credits Program for investing in properties for low-income commmunities or persons.
Repair and improvement of historic properties may qualify for the City of Buffalo tax credits.
Municipal and not-for-profit owners of State and National Registers listed historic properties may apply for matching state historic preservation grants. Additional grants are available through other public and private sources.
Municipal and not-for-profit owners of State and National Registers listed historic properties may apply for matching state historic preservation grants. Additional grants are available through other public and private sources.
Help avoid demolition of historically or architecturally important properties.
Unfortunately, listing on the State and National Registers does very little in the way of preventing demolition and insensitive change in a landmark or historic district using private funds. Only when there is state or federal involvement in the project will SHPO step in to review the proposed changes.
Neighborhoods have sought Local historic district designation because it protects their beloved buildings from demolition and insensitive change. Indeed, a property owner cannot alter the exterior of designated buildings without first getting approval from the City of Buffalo Preservation Board.
