Preservation Buffalo Niagara (PBN) is hosting a free regional workshop to encourage the reuse of 2nd and upper floors of commercial buildings in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. Featuring a highly experienced team of speakers, this all-day program will provide design, building code and financial information - plus imaginative approaches - for bringing upper floors back to productive life.
Stated PBN Executive Director Henry McCartney, "We have too many buildings in Western New York that have a shop on the first floor but whose upper floors are vacant. Reusing these upper floors is an excellent way to add vitality to downtowns and neighborhood commercial areas. Our workshop will feature some very interesting case studies on how upper floors have been successfully reused."
The workshop is being conducted by the Preservation League of New York State with the support of the Empire State Development Corporation and is part of a series of workshops and lectures that PBN will be hosting over the next four months, supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts.
Helping to organize these workshops is Andrea Rebeck, Preservation Specialist both for PBN and for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Ms. Rebeck, who will speak at the workshop, stated, "Positive things are happening for older buildings. There have been improvements to the building code and now we have expanded state tax credits for rehabbing historic buildings. We're hoping this workshop will inspire building owners, elected officials, architects and others. This workshop will show how older commercial buildings have the potential to be important resources for their communities."
The workshop is free but pre-registration is required. To register, call 716 852-3300 or email info@p-b-n.org
Niagara Falls Public Library
Earl W. Brydges Building 1425 Main St. Niagara Falls NY 14305
Thursday, March 11th, 9-3:30
Phone (716) 852-3300 Fax (716) 852-5340
Image: Buffalonian4life
Kinda sad we need outsiders telling local building owners what to do with their upper floors. It should be common sense that if office space is'nt working, try residential. Space is outdated and not selling?? UPDATE!
Nothing sad or "outside" about it - empty upper floors are common in any city. It's not always about being unable to rent them, either - many retail owners don't want to be bothered with office or residential tenants.