May is Preservation Month, an opportunity to recognize the importance of preserving historic buildings, cultural landmarks, and the stories they tell. At Encorus Group, our commitment to preserving the integrity and longevity of structures aligns perfectly with the spirit of this celebration.
Preservation is more than just keeping buildings standing—it’s about maintaining the character and craftsmanship of the past while ensuring structures meet modern safety, usability, and sustainability standards. Our Regulated Building Materials team and multidisciplinary design team play a vital role in these preservation efforts.
Below are a few of the projects we’ve been proud to support that highlight our role in preserving important facilities and structures:
New York State Capitol – Albany, NY
Encorus Group supported the rehabilitation of the Eastern Approach Staircase at the historic New York State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark. The project addressed structural damage and deterioration through reconstruction of stairs and retaining walls, storm drainage installation, and weatherproofing improvements. Our RBM team conducted hazardous materials inspections—including asbestos, lead-based paint, and PCBs—and provided abatement cost estimates, specification writing, and CADD drafting to help ensure the safe and compliant restoration of this 19th-century structure.
Valley Forge National Historical Park – King of Prussia, PA
As part of a large-scale effort to rehabilitate and stabilize numerous historic buildings across Valley Forge National Historical Park, Encorus Group conducted hazardous materials inspections on over 25 structures. Our RBM team provided critical support during the pre-renovation and pre-demolition phases by performing asbestos, lead-based paint, and PCB inspections. These efforts helped ensure both environmental compliance and the long-term protection of the park’s historic assets.
Olana State Historic Site – Greenport, NY
To support the restoration of Olana’s 150-year-old mansion, Encorus Group conducted a comprehensive set of pre-renovation RBM services. The team performed asbestos, lead-based paint, and PCB inspections on the historic mansion’s exterior and developed an abatement work plan including CADD drafting and a site-specific variance. This project required a high degree of sensitivity to both regulatory compliance and historical preservation, ensuring work could proceed safely while respecting the building’s historic integrity.
Buffalo Central Terminal – Buffalo, NY
Encorus Group supported the renovation of Buffalo’s historic Central Terminal by providing civil/site scoping and schematic design as a subconsultant. Our team evaluated existing conditions, site drainage, and infrastructure to propose sustainable, preservation-minded solutions—including a green roof system atop the existing parking structure. The project required coordination with multiple stakeholders to ensure design efforts aligned with both modern standards and the building’s historical character.
Canandaigua VA Medical Center (Fire Station Renovation) – Canandaigua, NY
Encorus Group led the comprehensive redesign of Building 16 at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center, originally built in 1932, converting the facility into a modern, efficient fire station. Our scope included architectural and structural planning for specialized fire service needs, including an apparatus bay, offices, bedrooms, and support spaces. The design integrated new fire protection, HVAC, and alarm systems while maintaining the historic look of the campus. Strategic phasing ensured uninterrupted emergency services throughout construction.
Encorus Group is proud to protect the past as we build for the future.
Want to talk about your preservation needs? Contact us at info@encorus.com or call at 716.592.3980.
