Historic Preservation Projects Honored Across New York Including Johnson City

Eleven 2024 projects in New York State have been recognized as a part of the 2024 New York State Historic Preservation Awards, announced this week (April 17, 2024) by Governor Kathy Hochul, including one in Johnson City.

The New York State Historic Preservation Awards, created in 1980, honor excellence in protecting and revitalizing historic and cultural resources, presented by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

Historic preservation projects take an immense amount of time, resources, and dedication. From Buffalo to New York City, the 11 projects we’re honoring this year all symbolize critical parts of our storied history in New York State. I applaud this year’s recipients for their efforts to invest in our state’s remarkable historic resources and preserve these stories for generations to come. - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

Of the eleven projects statewide recognized, the Victory Lofts/Endicott Johnson Victory Shoe Factory was recognized for Excellence in Historic Building Preservation, Rehabilitation, or Restoration.

The Governor's website notes that the factory was once a part of the world's largest shoe manufacturer. The Victory Building was built from 1918 to 1921 and produced 22,000 shoes a day at its busiest.

After 40 years of laying empty and decaying, the building was brought back to life, and now is home to over 150 market-rate apartments, along with commercial space. The use of New York State and federal historic rehabilitation tax credit programs helped make this project a success.

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According to the New York State Governor's Office, the New York State Division for Historic Preservation's mission is to create meaningful connections to the dynamic history of the state for all residents and visitors.  The Division is committed to protecting historic and cultural resources and is a part of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation

For more information and the ten other New York State projects recognized, visit Governor Kathy Hochul's website.