If you live in Buffalo, then you are aware of the importance of older buildings. But how much do you really know? Is it the aesthetic nature of the buildings? Is it the density? Is it the building materials? Is it their sense of place? If you have ever wanted to learn more about the vital existence of historic buildings in Buffalo, and how they relate to each and every one of us, then you might be interested in Preservation Green Lab – the research arm of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, for a special community presentation titled “Older, Smaller, Inclusive, Resilient: Why Old Buildings Matter for Bright City Futures.”
The presentation is being sponsored by Preservation Buffalo Niagara. The discussion will revolve around the value of historic structures, and their role in Buffalo’s future.
The presentation is free and open to the general public. Green Lab is the research part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The special community presentation is called ‘Older, Smaller, Inclusive, Resilient: Why Old Buildings Matter for Bright City Futures.’
“We could not be more excited to welcome the nation’s thought leaders on the intersection of preservation and urbanism to the City of Buffalo,” said Preservation Buffalo Niagara Executive Director Jessie Fisher. “As our city grows and changes, we are increasingly faced with tough choices about how to balance our remarkable past with our bright future. The Green Lab’s philosophy that neighborhoods with a mix of older, smaller buildings perform better than districts with larger, newer structures is exactly the conversation we need to be having.”
Buffalo has been featured in a study done by the Green Lab titled, “Atlas of ReUrbanism”. The study is useful for urban leaders and advocates to better understand and leverage the opportunities that exist in cities. Buffalo’s feature includes an analysis of the city’s older buildings and roots. Even more exciting news is that there will be a more extensive analysis on Buffalo released the first week of February. Also see to this “Older, Smaller, Better” report.
National Trust created the Preservation Green Lab in 2009. The objective being to connect historic preservation and building reuse to a nationwide interest in sustainability. Since its creation, the Green Lab has discovered that there is a connection between old buildings and the vital neighborhoods that city folk know and love.
“Through Preservation Green Lab’s research, cities like Buffalo can gain a better understanding of the barriers and opportunities to local building reuse and to the preservation of existing resources,” said Preservation Green Lab Director of Research Michael Powe. “Using massive amounts of data drawn to the human scale, the Green Lab’s research highlights and recommends future neighborhood reinvestment opportunities, innovative local policies, and pilot projects to provide new alternatives for cities as they envision a strong and resilient future.”
The presentation will take place from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Lafayette Lofts in Elmwood Village (598 Lafayette Avenue, corner of Elmwood Avenue). It is free and open to the general public.
Thanks to Schyler Norton for article support