Rethinking the Historical Significance of Modern Architecture: Lessons from the Local Landmarking of Shoreline Apartments, a Low-Income Housing Project in Buffalo

Abstract

The designation of Modern architecture has been a contested process for several decades, particularly for low-income housing. Preservationists have often argued against any changes to, or demolition of, these kinds of sites because in most cases the buildings are associated with a well-known Modern architect or are emblematic of a particularly novel or groundbreaking use of form and/or material. That association often overrides history and public sentiment, particularly when the building or site has failed its primary function. This paper uses the case of Paul Rudolph's Shoreline Apartments in Buffalo, New York, to argue that landmark designation of Modern architecture, particularly for in-use housing projects, needs to take a holistic look at the project in its entirety, not just its architectural merit, design intent, or associations with a master architect. Ignoring all aspects of such properties can have huge implications for the field of historic preservation and how it is perceived among and within urban communities.