Preservation League of New York State President Jay DiLorenzo said, “Historic rehabilitation tax credits have proven transformational for communities and Main Streets throughout New York State. Reusing our existing buildings creates local construction jobs, provides space for small businesses, creates much-needed housing, and keeps demolition debris out of our landfills. Enhancements to the New York State program spearheaded by Governor Hochul means that even more communities will benefit from this powerful economic development tool.”

In honor of Bastille Day, Village Preservation has released their latest interactive StoryMap, “French Flats: the 19th Century Innovation that Changed the Way We Live.” Beautifully illustrated with contemporary and historic photos, it shows how an idea imported from Europe utterly transformed New York after the Civil War, with the effects still very much with us today.

On Monday, May 19, the League was proud to present Roberta Brandes Gratz with our 2025 Pillar of New York Award, recognizing her decades of work in support of preservation issues in New York. Many thanks to the hundreds of people who gathered with us in the Rainbow Room to honor Roberta and her incredible contribution to the field of preservation. Thanks to the generosity of the people in the room (and a few from afar), the 2025 Pillar Awards raised over $300,000 to support the League’s statewide work.