Excellence Award Spotlight: The Revitalization of Olean's First National Bank

A look at the revitalization of Olean's First National Bank and the former Siegel's Shoes building, recipient of a 2023 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of NYS.
The First National Bank of Olean and the adjacent former Siegel’s Shoes building have been revitalized to provide much-needed high-quality housing, office, and commercial space in downtown Olean. Vacant for more than two decades, the city’s Urban Renewal Agency worked hard to find a path forward, which included historic district designation to allow for the use of Historic Tax Credits. The rehabilitation of these historic spaces was led by preservation architect Elise Johnson-Schmidt and developer Savarino Companies.
The project team included: Keri Kerper and the Olean Urban Renewal Agency; Elise Johnson-Schmidt & Charles Devine of Johnson-Schmidt, Architect; Samueal Savarino & Luke Cusack of Savarino Companies; Don Warda and David Schrantz of RE Kelley; Hans M Harasimchuk and Steve Dobronos of Architectural Fiberglass, Inc; Evan Kopelson and Patrick Capruso of Vertical Access; Roy Pedersen of E & M Engineers and Surveyors, PC; Dale Cich of Siracuse Engineers, PC; Molly Cagwin, Photography; George Barry of Foss and Company.
www.preserveny...