The NYS Board for Historic Preservation has approved the Fargo Estate as a NYS and National Register Historic District. According to Kleinhans Board Chairman Chris Brown, this was an act that was three years in the making, and should do wonders to improve the entire Fargo Estate neighborhood. All of the homes (400+) within the designated footprint are now eligible for tax credits.
Chris pointed to the hard work and the perseverance of a number of groups and people that include Kleinhans Music Hall Management, Inc., members of Fargo Estate Neighborhood Association, Kleinhans Community Association, Catherine Schweitzer, Francis R. Kowsky, Martin Wachadlo, Niagara District Councilman David A. Rivera, and Jennifer Walkowski Schrock.
After learning that the process took three years, I asked Chris if that was standard, as it seemed as if it was a long wait. “No, it’s not really standard,” he told me. “This nomination took a longer time because of its irregular configuration because of D’Youville. We wanted to make the district the right size that represented what made the neighborhood distinctive. Also, there was a delay due to a grassroots effort for residents to make it larger! As a result, we worked with SHPO to include about a dozen more houses on Prospect near Porter. Residents are very happy, and I’m glad this area got the love it deserves. Great bones, but some of the houses in the district really need some renovation/repairs. But some really great and unique housing stock in that new district.”
For building owners that are looking to take advantage of the tax credits, Brown says that there are good incentives to do so – 20% for residential, and up to 40% for commercial. “There is a minimum of $5,000 investment and 5% needs to be exterior,” he explained. “Credits must be applied for and approved before work is performed.”
For additional info, here is a link to FAQ. Also, see list of National Register Nominations and PDFs. The properties in question are located between Hudson and Porter.