The Preservation League of New York State is seeking nominations for its 2011 Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards, which recognize significant achievements in historic preservation throughout New York State. The postmark deadline for nominations is February 18, 2011. The awards will be presented during the Preservation League’s Annual Meeting on May 12, 2011 in New York City at the historic New York Yacht Club.

“Given the growing concern about the economy and the environment, about jobs and sustainability, historic preservation is more relevant now than ever,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “In New York State, preservation and reuse of our historic buildings is fundamental to the economic revitalization of our cities, towns, and villages. The restoration of our historic neighborhoods, Main Streets, and underutilized buildings creates jobs, provides housing, promotes tourism, stimulates private investment, and conserves energy, resources, and open space. Our annual Awards program allows us to share preservation success stories that may one day serve as inspiration to others.”

To download nomination forms, visit the Preservation League’s website at www.preservenys.org.

The 2010 Excellence Award recipients were: William S. Hackett Middle School, Albany; The Belmont Hotel, Allegany County; Walkway over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie; The Guaranty Building, Buffalo; The American Museum of Natural History, 77th Street Façades, New York; Empire State Building Lobby Restoration, New York; Oswego Public Library, Oswego; West Hall at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy. Looking for Work: Industrial Archeology in Columbia County, New York by Peter H. Stott (Syracuse University Press, 2007) will be honored as an outstanding publication. Senator David Valesky and Assemblymember Sam Hoyt, Legislative sponsors of the New York State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program, will be honored for individual excellence.

For additional information please contact the Preservation League at 518-462-5658 x17; or by email at awards@preservenys.org.

The Preservation League of New York State will present its most prestigious commendation, the Pillar of New York Award, to two honorees at the 2010 Pillar of New York Awards gala on November 9 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

Since 1992 the Preservation League has presented its Pillar of New York Award to individuals and organizations whose work in the field of historic preservation makes them role models for others throughout the state and nation.

Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP of New York City will be celebrated for the firm’s role as one of America’s premier authorities on historic preservation, and for their work on some of New York State’s most iconic and best-loved historic buildings and important historic areas, including Grand Central Terminal and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden.

Matthew Bender IV’s name is virtually synonymous with philanthropy and leadership in historic preservation, particularly in upstate New York, where he has served on the New York State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol since its creation in 1979, and was a founding member and long-time board member of Historic Albany
Foundation and the Preservation League of New York State.

Each year the League presents The Pillar of New York Award to those who have demonstrated a keen understanding of the value of New York’s historic resources by taking extraordinary actions to protect, preserve, and promote those assets. Tickets for the black tie gala start at $600 for individuals, and tables of 10 are available starting at $10,000. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the
Preservation League at 518-462-5658 x11.

“Beyer Blinder Belle’s deep understanding of New York’s history as reflected in patterns of settlement and land use has made them a leader in architecture and planning,” said Arete Swartz Warren, Chair of the Preservation League. “Since 1968, the firm’s work has set a high standard around the country and around the world. Beyer Blinder Belle successfully applies classical principles to a new generation of
design and planning, and, as William Shakespeare said, ‘makes us heirs of all eternity.’ For their profound respect of the importance of a community’s social history in architecture and planning, we recognize Beyer Blinder Belle as a Pillar of New York.”

The League will honor Matthew Bender for fostering a family tradition of historic preservation, and as a lifelong leader in the support of preservation and the performing arts. “Of all the ideals and traditions one can pass on to the next generation, a love of history and the arts may be the finest,” said Jay DiLorenzo, president of the Preservation League. “When we value our history, we engender both
appreciation for the past and anticipation for the future. Matthew Bender IV is building a legacy that truly matters, brick by brick and acre by acre. For philanthropic leadership and a peerless reputation as a community leader and executive volunteer, we honor Matthew Bender IV as a Pillar of New York.”

Past honorees of the League’s Pillar of New York Award include the Pell Family for their leadership in the preservation of Fort Ticonderoga and its surroundings; the Pratt Family for the founding and preservation of the Pratt Institute Campus; Tiffany & Co. and The Tiffany & Co Foundation; preservation advocates Connie and David Clapp; Phyllis Lambert, the film Citizen Lambert: Joan of Architecture, and its director, Teri Wehn Damisch; David Beer and Brennan Beer Gorman / Architects and Brennan Beer Gorman Monk / Interiors; Cook + Fox Architects; Southampton Town Councilman Dennis Suskind; Governor George E. Pataki; developer Frank J. Sciame; Ronald Lauder; the Honorable James R. Houghton; Mrs. Vincent Astor; Peggy and
David Rockefeller; architect Hugh Hardy; and Jane Forbes Clark. The League has also previously honored William S. Beinecke, Chairman and Director of the Prospect Hill Foundation; Friends of Hudson; Dia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries; LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust and the Mertz Gilmore Foundation; Chubb Corporation; Cablevision Systems; and the Hilton Hotel Corporation.

The Preservation League of New York State – New York’s only statewide historic preservation organization – is dedicated to promoting historic preservation as a tool to revitalize our neighborhoods, honor our heritage, and enrich our lives. As the State’s preservation leader, the League seeks to recognize and applaud individuals, organizations and businesses which understand the value of our historic resources and have taken extraordinary actions to protect, preserve and promote those assets.

When the New York State Legislature approved the final piece of legislation to close out the State Budget on August 3, they also put the brakes on a number of desperately-needed revitalization projects.

In Part Y of the enacted Budget, tax credits for some thirty state business and economic development programs will be deferred to help balance the state spending plan, including incentives for the rehabilitation of commercial properties.

Specifically, New York State Rehabilitation Tax Credits earned between 2010 and 2012 exceeding $2 million in value will be deferred on the following schedule:

* In 2013, 50% of the balance of credit value over $2 million will be available.
* In 2014, 75% of the remaining balance of credit value will be available.
* In 2015, 100% of the remaining balance of credit value will be available.

Deferring incentives of the New York State Rehabilitation Tax Credit program will prevent projects from securing financing, as backers will no longer be assured of a timely return on investment, and will be severely limited in the number of projects in which they can invest.

“As the economic recovery continues to make slow progress at the national level, the New York State Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program provided a glimmer of hope for our beleaguered upstate cities,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of New York State. “Now, many of the projects that could transform our struggling downtowns are effectively on hold.”

Homeowner rehabilitation projects are capped at $50,000 and therefore will not be affected.

“Our efforts to protect the New York State Rehabilitation Tax Credit program in last week’s final budget negotiations fell just short,” said Daniel Mackay, the League’s Director of Public Policy. “The Senate and Assembly will be returning to Albany in the coming weeks, and we will continue our advocacy in hopes of securing full funding for the rehabilitation tax credit at that time.”

According to DiLorenzo, “When the expanded Rehabilitation Tax Credit program was adopted in 2009, a number of modifications were made to reflect New York State’s difficult financial situation. This program has already been adapted to work in a tough fiscal climate. If further changes are imposed upon the program, it will lose all effectiveness as an economic development tool. The tax credits should be allowed to work, unimpeded, in distressed municipalities and neighborhoods across New York State.”