Business Details
38 Years
experience
Expert Historic Preservation Architecture Services in Buffalo, NY
Founded in 1988, Clinton Brown (CBCA) specializes in historic preservation architecture, revitalizing culturally significant buildings and heritage places across New York State. Our team combines over three decades of experience with expertise in architectural design, historic tax credits, and grant administration to deliver sustainable, community-focused solutions. We adhere to the highest professional standards, exceeding the U.S. Secretary of the Interiors qualifications for historic preservation. Our mission centers on balancing social equity, environmental health, and cultural heritage to create design excellence that preserves history while meeting modern needs.With a track record of securing over $37 million in grants for clients, we provide end-to-end project management from conceptual planning to construction completion. Our work has earned recognition through prestigious awards, including the Preservation League of New York States Excellence in Historic Preservation. CBCA remains committed to pioneering innovative approaches that align heritage conservation with economic and ecological resilience, ensuring historic places continue to serve communities for generations.
Services
Historic Preservation
Architectural Design
Grant Services
Historic Tax Credits
Project Management
Historic Resource Surveys
National Register Nominations
Feasibility Studies
Building Condition Assessments
Design Guidelines
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of specialized experience in historic preservation architecture.
- Our team exceeds the U.S. Secretary of the Interiors professional qualification standards.
- Weve secured $37 million+ in grants for historic preservation projects.
- We combine architectural expertise with community-focused, sustainable design solutions.
- Our work has earned recognition from the Preservation League of New York State.
What people say
Expertise in historic preservation
Secured critical funding
Community-focused approach
Award-winning results
Professional team
Services
Historic Preservation
CBCA specializes in preserving culturally significant buildings and sites through adaptive reuse and rehabilitation. Our team employs rigorous research, historic tax credit applications, and compliance with national standards to ensure structural integrity while meeting modern needs. Clients benefit from our deep expertise in securing grants and tax incentives for sustainable preservation projects.
Grant Services
We help clients secure public and private funding for historic preservation through grant writing and administration. Our track record includes raising over $37 million for projects, leveraging programs like the New York Main Street Initiative and Historic Tax Credits. We manage applications and compliance to maximize funding impact and project success.
Historic Resource Surveys
CBCA conducts comprehensive surveys to document and evaluate historic resources for designation and preservation planning. Our work includes field research, National Register nominations, and design guidelines to support community revitalization. Surveys inform adaptive reuse strategies and eligibility for preservation incentives.
Project Management
We provide full-cycle project management from conceptual design to construction completion. Services include feasibility studies, architectural documentation, and compliance with historic preservation standards. Our team ensures projects meet budget, timeline, and regulatory requirements while delivering sustainable, community-driven outcomes.
Design Guidelines
CBCA develops design guidelines to ensure new construction and renovations align with historic character. These guidelines support adaptive reuse, maintenance, and rehabilitation projects by balancing preservation integrity with modern functionality. They serve as tools for property owners and municipalities to maintain cultural and architectural heritage.
People
Clinton E. Brown
President, Heritage & Project Architect
A nationally recognized leader in historic preservation with over 30 years of experience. FAIA recipient and expert in community revitalization, Clinton leads CBCAs projects and policy initiatives. He holds advanced degrees in architecture and sociology and serves on boards including the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Alma O'Connell-Brown
Business Manager, Project Manager
Specializes in grant writing and administration with a focus on historic preservation. Since 1998, she has secured $37 million+ in grants for CBCA clients and managed over 300 Main Street improvement projects. Her expertise includes New York Main Street and Downtown Revitalization Initiative programs.
Jill Nowicki
Project Manager, Historic Preservation Specialist
Award-winning preservationist with a Master of Historic Preservation from SCAD. Jill manages restoration projects, prepares Historic Structure Reports, and authors National Register nominations. Her work spans Buffalo, Rochester, and Niagara Falls, focusing on design consistency with preservation standards.
Tera Perilli
Project Manager
Graduate of the University at Buffalos Historic Preservation program. Tera specializes in tax credit applications, historic documentation, and grant administration. She supports projects across New York State, including facade improvement programs and adaptive reuse studies.
Gregory Pinto
Architectural Historian
Expert in National Register nominations and historic research. Gregory contributes to preservation planning and survey projects, including discoveries of potential historic districts in Forestville and North Tonawanda. He holds a Master of Urban Planning from the University at Buffalo.
Questions
What services does Clinton Brown Company Architecture offer?
We provide historic preservation architecture, grant services, tax credit applications, project management, and historic resource surveys.
Where does CBCA operate?
Primarily across New York State, with a focus on Buffalo and Western New York.
Does CBCA assist with historic tax credits?
Yes, we prepare and manage Homeowner and Commercial Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit applications.
What is CBCA’s approach to preservation?
We balance social equity, environmental health, and cultural heritage to create sustainable, community-driven design solutions.
Has CBCA won preservation awards?
Yes, our clients’ projects have received awards from the Preservation League of New York State and others.
