Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today urged National Park Service (NPS) to include the Kenmore-Tonawanda Municipal Building on the National Registry of Historic Places. This designation would increase tourism profits while preserving the historic architectural tradition of Western New York.
“Western New York is home to some of the most historic architecture in the country,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Giving the Kenmore-Tonawanda Municipal Building historic status would help maintain and preserve one of Western New York’s unique buildings and boosting local tourism.”
Built in 1936, the Kenmore-Tonawanda Municipal Building was designed by famed architect E.B. Green in the art-deco style and was one of over 250 structures in Western New York that was designed by Green. Presently, that number has dwindled to 160 as a result of urban renewal and other development projects. The building currently houses both the Town of Tonawanda and Village of Kenmore municipality offices.
In a letter to Paul Loether, Chief of the National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program, Senator Gillibrand wrote, “The placement of this historically significant structure on the National Register will have the potential to greatly enhance tourism and economic activity in the surrounding area, further building upon the rich architectural heritage that Western New York is known for… This important distinction will allow the Kenmore-Tonawanda community to support and celebrate preservation efforts, keeping this historic site a part of the area’s heritage for generations to come.”
Senator Gillibrand’s full letter to National Register of Historic Places Chief Paul Loether:
Paul Loether, Chief
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
1849 C Street, NW (2280)
Washington, DC 20240
April 24, 2012
Dear Mr. Loether,
I write to you today to encourage you to strongly consider placing the Kenmore –Tonawanda Municipal Building on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1936, this building was designed in the art-deco style by renowned architect E.B. Green. A member of the Pan-American Board of Architects who designed several buildings for the Pan-Am Exposition, Green himself was a man who believed passionately in the power of preserving our architectural history.
The placement of this historically significant structure on the National Register will have the potential to greatly enhance tourism and economic activity in the surrounding area, further building upon the rich architectural heritage that Western New York is known for. Once home to over 250 Green-designed structures, only 160 of these gems remain in Western New York, with dozens falling to urban renewal and other development pressures. This designation will afford the Kenmore-Tonawanda Municipal Building protection from such threats.
This important distinction will allow the Kenmore-Tonawanda community to support and celebrate preservation efforts, keeping this historic site a part of the area’s heritage for generations to come. I once again voice my strongest support for this application. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Melissa Fratello in my Buffalo office at 716-854-9725 should you require any assistance or to further discuss my request.
Sincerely,
Kirsten E. Gillibrand, United States Senator