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Squier House may be eligible for listing on the State and National Register of Historic Places

December 21, 2001

Mr. Timothy Tielman
Executive Director, Preservation Coalition of Erie County
767 Lafayette Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14222

Re: George L. Squier House, 1313 Main Street, Buffalo, N.Y.

Dear Mr. Tielman:

This letter is in response to your telephone call regarding the emergency demolition of the George L. Squier House in Buffalo, New York. We are indeed sorry to hear that this locally designated historic resource may be lost to the city's architectural history.

The State Historic Preservation Office has a Building/Structure inventory form on this building, dating to 1980. Based on this limited information and old photographs, it appears that the Squier House may be eligible for listing on the State and National Register of Historic Places.

The Squier House is architecturally and historically significant as an outstanding example of an Italianate style residence built in the city. Built in 1863, by George L. Squier, the building features significant characteristics associated with the style.

The residence appears to retain a high level of architectural integrity to the period of significance.

We certainly encourage the preservation of this important historic resource. If the building were to be listed on the National Register, a private owner may qualify for a preservation tax credit. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 allows a 20 percent tax credit for the substantial rehabilitation of income-producing historic properties. The credit is a substantial federal tax break that helps offset the cost of rehabilitating an older building.

The State Historic Preservation Office would be glad to guide an interested owner through the National Register listing procedures and the tax credit process. If we can be of additional assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,


Robert D. Kuhn
Assistant Director
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation


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