Carmina Wood Morris honored by Preservation Buffalo Niagara

LAPC Lofts (Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church) - Buffalo, NY

Buffalo, NY Carmina Wood Morris DPC was honored by Preservation Buffalo Niagara for an award highlighting the best preservation development projects in the area. Their work on the LAPC Lofts (Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church) in the Elmwood Village is being recognized for the dedication and skill of the advocates, architects, and craftspeople that make preservation happen. The award was presented on October 13 at 500 Seneca.

This project was brought about by the congregation of Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church trying to preserve its history and home, while reducing their financial burden. Adding loft units to this structure brought in revenue that allowed the church to maintain its structure as well as its community service. CWM converted the old chapel into multi-level units that revealed the wood truss that had been concealed since the 70’s. They restored a parlor, added two-story loft units to the gymnasium, added handicapped accessibility where the church was not previously accessible, opened up the potential for weddings and receptions, and so much more. In addition, each loft has its own variation on the theme, some incorporating the old bowling alley lanes into the flooring, while others showcase the repurposed fireplaces and stained-glass windows.

This project has also been honored by the Preservation League of New York State with an Excellence in Historic Preservation Award 2014, and was a finalist for the 2015 Buffalo Business First Brick by Brick Awards for Best Multi-Residential project.

“This recognition is so rewarding because we had a set of distinct challenges we managed to overcome,” said Steve Carmina, principal, Carmina Wood Morris DPC. “We have been working with enlightened development partners that allow us to bring forth our special expertise to keep Buffalo’s historic past alive. We look at preservation as being a steward of our community’s history. To be honored by Preservation Buffalo Niagara is a privilege.”

Carmina Wood Morris has developed a distinct reputation for their design and technical skills. The principals of CWM: Steven Carmina, AIA; Christopher Wood, PE; Jonathan Morris, AIA; Pamela Timby-Straitiff, CID IIDA; and Michael Bray, AIA; credit the success of their firm to the attention to detail, aesthetics, and service given to each project and client. They are a dynamic team collaborating to achieve innovative solutions, grounded in core values, respected in their profession and community.