Business Details
38 Years
experience
Expert Historic Preservation Architecture in Buffalo, NY
Clinton Brown collaboratively designs the renewal of historic buildings and heritage places to attract new investment, create new performance, and keep them out of the landfill with productive use, all to make a better world for everyone. We design the right balance of existing conditions, ideal vision, and resources to save the places that matter, build community, and improve lives. Our firm practices progressive heritage conservation for the 21st century with historic preservation, architecture, grants, and historic tax credit services that incorporate economy, ecology, and equity in a cultural landscape approach to benefit everyone. Founded in 1988 during a recession when preservation was not a priority, we pioneered an entrepreneurial approach to creating new projects from discarded buildings by envisioning their future potential. Over three decades later, we remain a pioneering force in design excellence, balancing social equity, environmental health, and community well-being. Our team meets and exceeds the U.S.Secretary of the Interiors 36 CFR Part 61 Professional Qualifications Standards in History, Architectural History, Architecture, and Historic Architecture. We have become a trusted advocate for preserving culturally and historically significant buildings and heritage places across New York State. Our work has earned prestigious awards, including the Preservation League of New York States Excellence in Historic Preservation and the PBN Preservation Craft Award. We are committed to infusing integrity, respect, empathy, and creativity into every project while aligning with capital and operating funding to achieve sustainable outcomes. Our mission continues to drive us: to keep landmarks out of landfills and create new reasons for their self-sustaining contribution to communities.
Services
Historic Preservation
Adaptive Reuse
Grant Writing
Tax Credit Applications
Building Condition Assessment
Restoration
Project Management
Heritage Planning
Historic Surveys
Architectural Design
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of specialized experience in historic preservation architecture.
- Our team meets and exceeds U.S. Secretary of the Interior professional qualification standards.
- We have raised over $37 million in grants for historic preservation projects.
- Our work has earned prestigious awards, including the PBN Preservation Craft Award.
- We prioritize social equity, climate resilience, and community-driven design excellence.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Preservation League of New York State
What people say
30+ years experience
Award-winning work
Grant writing expertise
Community-driven projects
Professional team
Services
Historic Preservation
We specialize in preserving culturally and historically significant buildings through meticulous restoration and adaptive reuse strategies. Our team meets federal professional qualification standards to ensure compliance with national preservation guidelines. By balancing historical integrity with modern functionality, we help clients secure funding and tax credits to sustainably repurpose historic sites.
Grant Writing
Our experts assist clients in securing public and private grants for historic preservation projects. With a track record of raising over $37 million, we prepare competitive applications for programs like the Restore New York Communities Initiative and Historic Tax Credits. Our services include compliance management and strategic alignment with funding priorities to maximize approval chances.
Adaptive Reuse
We transform obsolete or underutilized historic structures into functional spaces while maintaining architectural integrity. Our approach combines feasibility studies, architectural design, and project management to meet modern needs without compromising historical value. This service extends buildings' lifespans and supports sustainable urban development through creative reinvention.
Tax Credit Applications
We guide clients through complex tax credit programs for historic rehabilitation projects. Our team prepares documentation to meet federal and state requirements, ensuring eligibility for incentives that reduce renovation costs. By aligning design plans with preservation standards, we help maximize financial benefits while maintaining historical accuracy in restoration work.
Building Condition Assessment
Our assessments identify preservation needs and repair priorities for historic properties. Using industry-standard methodologies, we document structural integrity, material conditions, and compliance with preservation guidelines. These evaluations form the basis for rehabilitation plans, helping clients prioritize investments while maintaining historical authenticity in restoration projects.
People
Clinton E. Brown
President, Heritage & Project Architect
Nationally recognized leader in historic preservation with 30+ years of experience. FAIA recipient and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commissioner. Specializes in community revitalization through historic architecture.
Alma O'Connell-Brown
Business Manager, Grant Administrator
Secured $37M+ in grants for preservation projects since 1998. Expert in New York Main Street Program and Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding. Manages over 300 small business improvement projects across New York State.
Jill Nowicki
Project Manager, Historic Preservation Specialist
Award-winning preservationist with a Master of Historic Preservation degree. Specializes in Historic Structure Reports and National Register Nominations. Authored multiple historic district designations across New York State.
Tera Perilli
Project Manager
Urban planning specialist with a focus on historic preservation. Manages tax credit applications and grant administration for statewide facade improvement projects. Graduated from University at Buffalo's Historic Preservation program.
Gregory Pinto
Architectural Historian
Specializes in National Register nominations and historical research. Conducts surveys for potential historic districts. Graduated from University at Buffalo's Historic Preservation program with expertise in documentation and preservation planning.
Questions
What services does Clinton Brown Company Architecture offer?
We provide historic preservation architecture, adaptive reuse, grant writing, tax credit applications, building assessments, and project management for historic structures across New York State.
How can I qualify for historic tax credits?
Our team prepares documentation to meet federal and state requirements, ensuring eligibility for tax credit programs that reduce renovation costs for historic properties.
Do you work outside Buffalo, NY?
Yes, we serve clients throughout New York State including Rochester, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, and Lockport, with projects spanning urban and rural communities.
How do you handle complex preservation projects?
We combine feasibility studies, architectural design, and project management to meet modern needs while maintaining historical integrity through our 30+ years of expertise.
Can you help secure funding for preservation projects?
Yes, we've secured over $37 million in grants for clients through programs like Restore New York and Historic Tax Credits with our competitive application strategies.
What makes your firm unique?
We balance social equity, climate resilience, and community-driven design while meeting federal preservation standards, with a track record of award-winning projects across New York State.
