The City of Norwich has been awarded $20,000 through a Preserve New York grant to fund the Broad Street-Main Street Historic District nomination process. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH - The City of Norwich is one of this year’s Preserve New York grantees. Their grant of $20,000 will fund the Broad Street-Main Street Historic District Nomination.

The Preservation League of NYS and their program partners at the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) are thrilled to help fund this important work. At its 2025 meeting, an independent panel selected 31 applicants in 20 counties to receive support totaling $347,500.

Grants represent both of the League’s signature NYSCA regrants – Preserve New York (PNY) and Technical Assistance Grants (TAG).

“We are honored to receive Preserve New York grant funding for the expansion of the Broad Street-Main Street Historic District,” said Erik Scrivener, Community Development Director of the City of Norwich. “This support allows us to recognize and preserve the architectural character and history of our downtown, while continuing the revitalization and economic growth of Norwich.”

Located in the City's downtown core, the district includes 21 contiguous buildings located between Main Street at the northern boundary to Hayes Street at the southern boundary. The project study area developed in the late nineteenth century as a center of commercial activity in Norwich. Designation will raise awareness of Norwich's history by updating information from previously prepared National Register Nominations such as the existing Broad Street-Main Street Historic District and encourage owners to invest in preserving and improving their historic buildings. Funding from the Preservation League will directly support the city’s ongoing efforts to protect and celebrate the community’s historic character while planning for future growth. The National Register nomination will be completed by consultants from Clinton Brown Company Architecture, pc.

“This year, the League has brought our two longstanding NYSCA partnership grants together into one cycle, allowing us to see a clear picture of the remarkable preservation work getting started across the state,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of NYS. “The targeted studies funded by TAG and the expansive reports made possible by PNY will lay the groundwork for many vital projects over the years to come.”

For details and photos of all the 2025 grantees, please visit our website: preservenys.org/blog/2025-regrants

“NYSCA is proud to support these diverse and essential projects that will allow organizations to plan for their future and safeguard New York’s rich cultural history for generations to come,” said Erika Mallin, Executive Director of NYSCA.  “Congratulations  to all of this year’s grantees and we look forward to the work you do across our state.”

Preserve New York is a regrant partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League, made possible with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation has generously provided additional funds to support nonprofit projects in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Since 1993, Preserve New York Grants have been providing funds to municipalities and nonprofit organizations that need technical, professional assistance to guide a variety of preservation projects. The building condition reports, cultural landscape reports, and cultural resource surveys funded through this program lead to positive outcomes across New York’s 62 counties. These grants support important arts and cultural initiatives, as well as economic development related to our state’s arts and cultural heritage. With the announcement of the 2025 awards, support provided by Preserve New York since its launch in 1993 totals more than $4 million to 569 projects statewide.

The City of Norwich is the county seat of Chenango County and serves as a hub for local government, commerce, and services while maintaining the charm and character of a small city. Located in the Southern Tier Region of New York State, the city is actively investing in downtown revitalization to strengthen local businesses, enhance walkability, and create welcoming public spaces that celebrate Norwich’s unique heritage. Norwich was recently awarded a Downtown Revitalization Initiative award for $10 million and has been awarded $3 million in Restore NY funding to continue their revitalization efforts. For more information on downtown Norwich, please visit https://www.norwichbid.com/ and the city’s website at https://www.norwichnewyork.gov. 
Since its founding in 1974, the Preservation League of NYS has built a reputation for action and effectiveness. Our goal has been to preserve our historic buildings, districts, and landscapes and to build a better New York, one community at a time. The League empowers all New Yorkers to use historic preservation to enrich their communities, protect their heritage, and build a sustainable future. We lead advocacy, economic development, and education programs across the state. Connect with us at preservenys.org, facebook.com/preservenys, youtube.com/c/PreservationLeague and instagram.com/preservenys.
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts awarded $162 million in FY2025, serving organizations and artists across all 10 of the state’s regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.

Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

- Information provided by City of Norwich Community Development