Push is on For Long-Needed 'White Elephant' Legislation

New bill aims to save New York's largest historic buildings through tax credit expansion.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:12am

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New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin held a news conference to advocate for legislation that would strengthen the state's Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program. The proposed bill would raise the cap on available credits from $5 million to $15 million for qualifying 'white elephant' buildings - certified historic structures that are very large, have been vacant for at least 10 of the past 15 years, and require more than $50 million to rehabilitate.

Why it matters

The legislation is aimed at preventing the loss of major historic properties in New York through 'demolition by neglect' and driving economic growth in communities. The state has identified 35 buildings statewide that could qualify for the expanded tax credits, including several iconic landmarks in Buffalo.

The details

Senate Bill S6021A would raise the cap on available historic rehabilitation tax credits from $5 million to $15 million for qualifying 'white elephant' buildings. The State Historic Preservation Office has identified 35 buildings statewide that could qualify, including Buffalo's Richardson Olmsted Campus, Central Terminal, and potentially the DL&W Terminal, Statler Tower, former AM&A's buildings, and the Pierce Arrow Factory.

  • Senator Baskin held a news conference on Monday, April 1, 2026 at the Central Terminal in Buffalo.
  • Senate Bill S6021A and its companion bill A10366 have been introduced in the New York State Legislature.

The players

April N.M. Baskin

New York State Senator who is advocating for the 'white elephant' legislation.

Pamela Hunter

New York State Assemblymember who has introduced the companion bill A10366.

Jay DiLorenzo

President of the Preservation League of New York State, who spoke in support of the legislation.

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What they’re saying

“The New York State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit has been a resounding success since 2010, but the current $5 million cap is simply not enough to tackle these significantly larger projects. By strengthening that incentive, we make it financially realistic to bring these properties back to life. We shouldn't let buildings like these sit vacant when they could be economic engines for our communities.”

— April N.M. Baskin, New York State Senator

“This bill will prevent the loss of major historic properties through demolition by neglect and drive economic growth. Every dollar in tax credits generates roughly four dollars in private investment.”

— Jay DiLorenzo, President, Preservation League of New York State

What’s next

The companion bill A10366 has been introduced in the New York State Assembly, and the Senate bill S6021A will now go through the legislative process.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a proactive effort to save New York's most significant historic buildings from further deterioration and neglect. By expanding the state's successful historic rehabilitation tax credit program, it aims to unlock private investment and economic development opportunities in communities across the state.