Preservation Buffalo Niagara (PBN) today announced its nomination of the Statler Building, located in Buffalo, NY, to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2010 America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places program. The nomination has been submitted to the Trust with broad support from the community, local and state elected officials, and civic organizations as follows*:
New York State Governor David A. Paterson
A Joint Letter from Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer
Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter
Congressman Christopher J. Lee
New York State Assemblymember Sam Hoyt
New York State Assemblyman Robin Schimminger
New York State Senator Antoine M. Thompson
Buffalo Common Council President David A. Franczyk
Preservation League of New York State
Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society
Zonta International (Founded in the Original Statler)
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (Held National Event in 1935)
Theodore L. Lownie, Partner, Hamilton Houston Lownie Architects, LLC (Architect for The Roycroft Inn, Another 11 Most Recipient)
Preservation Buffalo Niagara Executive Director Henry McCartney stated, "This nomination is a community call to action. With national attention, and the assistance of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Buffalo Niagara is confident that public support and private investment will eventually be secured to preserve and revitalize the Statler. The Statler is a vital part of our city's heritage and is of state and national significance."
Currently, the Statler languishes in bankruptcy and the Trustee in Bankruptcy cut heat and utilities to the building last week.
Completed in 1923, the Statler was a gift from "America's Extraordinary Hotelman," Ellsworth M. Statler, to his adopted city of Buffalo, NY. The Hotel Statler was designed by George B. Post & Sons with interiors by Louis Rorimer.The National Trust's America's 11 Most Endangered program provides national recognition and visibility to treasures such as the Statler, coupled with preservation expertise to assist local communities and, for commercial buildings, a platform for showcasing development opportunities throughout the country.
Other Western New York properties named to the 11 Most Endangered list have seen successful outcomes, such as The Roycroft Inn, whose subsequent rehabilitation received a National Trust Honor Award; and the Richardson Olmsted Complex, recipient of major state funding.
More information about the Statler, photographs, and this nomination are available at Preservation Buffalo Niagara.
*(PBN notes that some offices are working on their supporting letters, which will be submitted as they are received.)
Image: Douglas Levere
Perhaps this is an oversite, but did Bit's pretty funny that both Reps. Lee and Slaughter were busy writing letters to get some traction on this building, while Higgins spends his time grandstanding to shame UB into saving what he can't.
Step up your game, Higgy Bear...if you're going to spend your time deal making with collins and brown, at least get something tangible accomplished.