Niagara Falls
The Niagara Falls Historic Preservation Society (NFHPS) is pleased to announce workshops to enhance the appearance of homes in Niagara Falls ( See Workshop Flyer). April 12 April 26 & May 10
From left to right, Mary Ann Rolland, Vice President, Kathy Kudela, Executive Director of the NACC, Bill Bradberry, NFHPS President, Joyce Sabin, Treasurer and Marge Gillies Secretary and Preservation Buffalo Niagara Board Member.
This Place Matters!
Pictured above are members of the Niagara Falls Historic Preservation Society making a statement about the Lavinia Porter Manse located at 162 Buffalo Avenue in the historic area of Niagara Falls across from the Parkway Apartments. The photo has been submitted to the National Trust for Historic Preservation as part of their “This Place Matters” campaign.
Built in 1847 by the daughter of Judge Augustus Porter, the brick Italianate house is proposed for restoration with the help of a $10,000 grant from USA Niagara Development Corporation. The house has potential use as a bed and breakfast/tea room, and is close to the bridge to Goat Island and the new Culinary Arts Program of Niagara County Community College. The home is currently owned by Rev. Gerald Skirlin, who sought the assistance from the NFHPS to find the best use for this historic property.
Lavinia Porter never married, but left her house to the First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls as a minister’s residence after caring for her parents, entertaining dignitaries at her father’s house and using her wealth to support the needs of the early village of Niagara Falls. No longer owned by the church, this handsome house has five bedrooms, a large living room/parlor, dining room, kitchen pantry and is envisioned with a “wedding garden” on the adjacent property.
NIAGARA RE-USE PROPOSED
A well-attended breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Washington’s Birthday in Niagara Falls featured speaker, Kevin Hayes of Buffalo Re-Use. Sponsored by the Main Street Business & Professional Association, the program stimulated many questions and interest in establishing a Re-Use warehouse in Niagara Falls. The large numbers of houses being demolished provides ample reuse possibilities as well as jobs in deconstruction. The opportunity to train individuals in deconstruction techniques that save lumber and architectural components for period buildings was explored.
A committee has been established by the Main Street Business & Professional Association to explore possible sites with warehouse space. Contact Mary Ann Rolland at (716) 745-3462 for more information.
NFHPS PRESENTS FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT WORKSHOPS
The Niagara Falls Historic Preservation Society (NFHPS) is pleased to announce workshops to enhance the appearance of homes in Niagara Falls (See Workshop Flyer). Oftentimes, owners decide to remove or alter front or side porches in ways that are not appropriate for an architectural style. The complimentary color, installation of period front or side gardens or attractive porches of several homes in a block can transform a neighborhood.
The proper color for homes located throughout the City, particularly in a section of a city can be made attractive and appealing. Once one owner creates a more beautiful home, others follow. Preservation Buffalo Niagara architectural consultant, Andrea Rebeck will guide homeowners through this process. Marge Gillies, Niagara County’s addition to PBN and a Master Gardener will conduct a hands-on workshop to create front or side gardens. Tom Yots, of Preservation Studios, LLC and a Board Member of PBN will show ways in which a porch can really make a house more attractive, while preserving the ‘community’ feeling of a neighborhood.
The NIAGARA FALLS HISTORIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Facade Improvement Workshop
2ND Floor Niagara Falls Public Library
1425 Main St., Niagara Falls, NY 14305
6:30-8:30 PM
For Reservations Please Call 285-5030
April 12: What Color Should Your House Be?
Andrea Rebeck, Architect;
Consultant, Preservation Buffalo Niagara
April 26: Flowers, Fences and Fix-ups
Marge Gillies, Master Gardener;
Niagara Beautification Commission Chair
Bring photos
May 10: Pretty Porches Perk Your Property
Tom Yots, Preservation architect;
Former City of Niagara Falls Historian
