Crawford & Stearns

07/25/2026

On Friday, July 17, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) proposed damaging changes to the regulations for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). If implemented, these new rules would dramatically diminish the effectiveness of the NHPA and the current legal protections for historic and cultural places.

“The ACHP’s proposed changes to Section 106 will eviscerate the preservation of our shared civic and cultural heritage in the United States. If implemented, federal agencies will no longer be required to avoid or minimize damage to our nation’s historic sites and landscapes, or seek public input on federal projects that would impact historic places. As a voting member of the ACHP, the National Trust vehemently opposes these changes and is working with our partners to encourage the Council to withdraw this dangerous proposal.”

— Brent Leggs, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Learn more on our website: https://ow.ly/aqM050ZryGT

07/22/2026

Our friend and colleague Cynthia Howk passed away last weekend in Rochester. Cindy was an incredible wealth of historical and preservation knowledge all over the Finger Lakes, Western NY, and Central NY, etc. She dedicated her career to The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc. and mentored a generation (or two) of future intern preservationists to which we are eternally grateful. Her informational emails, preservation advocacy, and insightful (and extensive) wisdom will be dearly missed. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17hLi5Du9g/

07/07/2026

Congratulations to Eagle Island Camp located in Upper Saranac Lake: "The League is thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2026 Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards! “This year’s Excellence Award winners truly represent what historic preservation is today,” said Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo. “Our winners span the state from the urban centers of Buffalo and New York City to the rural communities of the Adirondacks. There are adaptive reuse projects, groups that have demonstrated long term stewardship and grassroots advocacy, and examples of truly exceptional craftsmanship. The League is honored to recognize their remarkable achievements and the contribution each has made to their communities and the state at large.”

"Tucked away on an idyllic island in the heart of the central Adirondacks, the much beloved and historic Eagle Island Camp has been rescued, restored, and is once again empowering young women. The iconic Eagle Island Adirondack Great Camp on Upper Saranac Lake is an inspiring example of how a deteriorating and declining property has been revitalized by a group of ever-determined staff and volunteers who have successfully matched and leveraged historic preservation funding to achieve their ultimate goals. In a ten-year span since its purchase, EIC has spearheaded the restoration of the complex and reopened the property for camping and community appreciation. With incredible planning and attention to detail they have not only enthusiastically embraced the historic site but have re-developed the exemplary resource as a summer children's camp and rustic retreat center."

Award Winners Include: The Van Ostrande-Radliff House, Historic Albany Foundation; American Lofts at Silo City, Carmina Wood Design, Buffalo; Historic Saranac Lake Trudeau Building Rehabilitation, Saranac Lake; Eagle Island Camp, Franklin County; Friends of Abolitionist Place, Brooklyn; Preservation Trades Awardee: Alden Witham, Sharon Springs; The Waldorf Astoria New York, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Manhattan; Elmer Gardens, Home Leasing + Better Community Neighborhoods, Schenectady; National Women's Hall of Fame, CJS Architects, Seneca Falls; Transart & Cultural Services, Kingston. Learn more here: https://www.preservenys.org/.../announcing-the-2026



https://www.preservenys.org/blog/announcing-the-2026-excellence-in-historic-preservation-award-winners?blm_aid=45193

06/15/2026

On Saturday June 13, 2026 the John W. Jones Museum in Elmira, New York hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting of their new 1500sf Annex, designed by senior architect Jon Carnes of Crawford & Stearns, Architects.

The Elmira Star Gazette reported: "This expansion represents not only growth for the Museum but growth in how our community connects with its own history," said Talima Aaron, president of the John W. Jones Museum Board of Trustees. "With this new space, the museum will continue in its role as a steward of history while contributing to the economic and cultural growth vital for Elmira’s revitalization. ...The additional space increases the museum’s capacity and allows large groups to visit, including school and bus tours, Aaron said. This is fulfilling our vision of bringing in tours, classrooms, adding room for an accessible chair lift and an extra bathroom," she said. "This has been a three-year effort and a huge amount of work. For the last year my focus has been to have this in place by a certain date. We were very blessed."

https://www.stargazette.com/story/news/local/2026/06/11/john-w-jones-museum-in-elmira-to-celebrate-opening-of-new-expansion/90472727007/

01/21/2026

A wonderful update on the revitalization at the Sherburne Inn in Sherburne, NY. Definitely worth a visit for Sunday brunch or one of their special dinners! Save The Sherburne Inn Restoration Project https://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2026-01-20/44211/The-historic-Sherburne-Inn-reopens-for-business?fbclid=IwY2xjawPd-KVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEerwfSn_Ve2kGlGf8WR1FnpuIx4PA9s-2iX-p5iawGrTrDt_QgVUchkTnPSE0_aem_TNOPmdDVL-lEjpDFGv-QcQ

SHERBURNE – The Sherburne Inn has been a feature of the village landscape since 1917. While the business has been non-operational for many years, eight months ago, a business moved into the facility and prepared to breathe new life into the 109-yea

12/04/2025

Hope to see you Friday (tomorrow at 4pm) at the PACNY Awards!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DK8dwuZky/