MAYOR MASIELLO PROPOSES $300,000 GRANT FOR NASH HOUSE
February 17, 2000
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-4841

BUFFALO (2/17/00) - Mayor Anthony M. Masiello today proposed $300,000 in Block Grant preservation funds for the restoration of Nash House, regarded as one of the most historically significant African-American structures in the City of Buffalo.

The Reverend J. Edward Nash, Sr. resided at 36 Nash Street from 1925 until his death in 1957. Rev. Nash served as pastor for the historic Michigan Avenue Baptist Church from 1892 until his retirement in 1953. He was considered the most prominent African-American citizen throughout Buffalo and was revered for his leadership and dedication to his congregation and community.

"Nash House is a symbol of the tremendous contributions African-Americans have made and continue to make to the City of Buffalo," stated Mayor Masiello. "Its restoration will enable current city residents and future generations learn of the significant legacy left to our community by such leaders as Reverend Nash. Without the contributions of African-Americans to the city's growth and development, Buffalo would never have accomplished the great strides it achieved throughout its evolution; Nash House will now celebrate and chronicle those contributions. The Michigan Street Preservation Corporation, led by Kevin Cottrell and George Arthur, is to be commended for their vision and determination to restore Nash House."

Upon the completion of its restoration, Nash House will serve as a museum and research center. The site will be a prominent location on Buffalo's tourism circuit.

The Mayor's proposed grant appropriation for Nash House coincides with the city's development work at Broderick Park along the Niagara River. The site, regarded as a significant crossing for the Underground Railroad between the United States and Canada, will undergo this spring $90,000 in city funded site planning and first phase construction of an Underground Railroad Memorial. The Memorial will include statues and historical markers commemorating the Underground Railroad activities of the 19th Century in Buffalo.