Historic preservation architectural firm recognized with awards of excellence

BUFFALO, NY – Buffalo-based Carmina Wood Morris, DPC will be honored in May by the Preservation League of New York State for three of eight awards given for 2014 that highlight the best preservation development projects in New York State. The projects include 10 Lafayette/The Tishman Building, LAPC Lofts - Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Remington Lofts on the Canal. Carmina Wood Morris DPC was also honored in 2013 for its work on the Hotel @ Lafayette and in 2008 for the Webb Lofts. 

The League recognizes the dedication and skill of the advocates, architects and the craftspeople that make preservation happen. These statewide awards also serve as case studies for neighborhood revitalization, adaptive use, building restoration and architectural excellence. The awards will be presented on May 13 at the New York City Yacht Club. May is national preservation month. 

“This recognition is so rewarding because we had three different projects with three different sets of challenges,” said Steve Carmina, principal, Carmina Wood Morris, DPC. “We have been working with enlightened development partners that allow us to bring forth our special expertise to keep Buffalo’s historic past alive. We look at preservation as being a steward of our community’s history. To be honored with three of eight awards state-wide is a privilege.”

“A spirit of preservation and restoration is helping to transform Buffalo into one of America’s great 21st century comeback cities,” Visit Buffalo Niagara President and CEO Patrick Kaler said. “Buffalo’s renaissance is being realized through the hard work of firms like Carmina Wood Morris. The Preservation League's recognition of their work is a tribute to its excellence and the renewed energy and activity that can found throughout Buffalo.”

In New York State, preservation and reuse of historic buildings is fundamental to the economic revitalization of cities, towns, and villages. The restoration of historic neighborhoods, Main Streets, and underutilized buildings continues to create jobs, provide housing, promote tourism, stimulate private investment, and conserve energy, resources, and open space. The Preservation League of New York annual Awards program allows architects and developers to highlight projects that could one day provide new examples of best practices in historic preservation.

Award winners were selected by the following general criteria:

•    degree of difficulty of problems or threats faced and the creativity and appropriateness of the solutions applied;

•    impact of leader, program, organization or project on the community, region or state; 

•    project design sensitivity to the historic character and fabric of the property, and degree of preservation or restoration achieved; 

•    project execution representing the best preservation practice and use of appropriate techniques

•    degree of imaginative and resourceful collaborative efforts among individuals, communities, organizations, project leaders and consultants; 

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State Preservation League Honors Carmina Wood Morris/2

Carmina Wood Morris’ award-winning projects for 2014 include:

10 LAFAYETTE / THE TISHMAN BUILDING

The redevelopment of the iconic Tishman Building was anchored by the commitment of Hilton Worldwide awarding a Hilton Garden Inn franchise to Hamister Group, Inc. The new downtown hotel occupies floors 1 through 14 (the ground floor is shared with the lobby, and is used by the residential and commercial business tenants). Occupied on floors 15 through 17 are market rate apartments, 6 per floor for a total of 18. Floors 18 through 20 house Hamister Group, Inc returning their corporate offices to downtown Buffalo. In keeping with the building's original design intent, each floor is configured and finished to suit the specific needs of the tenants. This historic landmark overlooks Lafayette Square in the heart of downtown Buffalo. Inspired by the surrounding region, the hotel's aesthetic greets travelers with identifiable local flavors, while the apartments are adorned with a sleek urban finish.

LAPC LOFTS

This project was brought about by Port City Preservation, Pastor Drew Ludwig and the congregation of Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church trying to preserve its history and home, while reducing their financial burden. Adding loft units to this structure brought in revenue that allowed the church to maintain its structure as well as its community service. We converted the old chapel into multi-level units that revealed the wood truss that have been concealed since the 70’s. We restored a parlor, added two-story loft units to the gymnasium, added handicapped accessibility where the church was not previously accessible, opened up the potential for weddings and receptions, and so much more. In addition, each loft has its own variation on the theme, some incorporating the old bowling alley lanes into the flooring, while others showcase the repurposed fireplaces and stained-glass windows. 

REMINGTON LOFTS ON THE CANAL

This former industrial complex encompasses over 170,000 square feet of space situated on the Erie Barge Canal waterfront in the City of North Tonawanda. The building was restored by Kissling Interests, LLC, in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and adaptively reused as a mixed-use residential and commercial development. The Remington Tavern & Oyster Bar occupies the late 19th century “powerhouse,” the original home of the Buffalo and Lake Erie Electric Railway. The balance of the complex is a prime example of early 20th century concrete frame structures, built to create a wide-open workspace illuminated by natural light. Large industrial sash windows were restored and the concrete structure left exposed throughout 80 live/work loft apartments on the upper three floors. A wellness center and hair salon/beauty school occupies the first floor commercial space, with indoor parking for the residents contained in the back half of the building’s first floor.

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