Two historic properties in Seneca Falls and Newark have landed on this year’s Five to Revive list, a regional preservation initiative aimed at sparking investment in endangered landmarks.
The Landmark Society of Western New York announced its 2026 list this week, highlighting five properties across the region that organizers say have strong potential to drive community revitalization.
Newark cobblestone home faces urgent repairs
In the Village of Newark, the Peirson Cobblestone House was built between about 1825 and 1835 by Jacob Hill. It stands as one of the earliest and most significant examples of cobblestone construction in Western New York, a building tradition concentrated in the region.
For more than 150 years, the house operated as a working farmhouse and remained closely tied to the Peirson family. As Newark expanded in the 20th century, surrounding farmland gave way to an airstrip and later the Newark-Wayne Community Hospital campus. The home later housed medical offices.
Today, the nearly 200-year-old structure sits vacant. Preservation advocates say a leaking roof and other maintenance issues threaten its long-term stability.
Conversations are underway between preservation groups and hospital leadership about stabilizing and rehabilitating the property for new use.
Assemblyman Brian Manktelow called the building a source of regional pride.
“When we restore a building like the Peirson Cobblestone House, we are saving more than just it’s walls. We are actively preserving tradition, and our own uniqueness as a region. The fact that we have a piece of history like this in our own backyard is something we should be proud of,” Manktelow said.
Former Seneca Falls factory offers redevelopment potential
In Seneca Falls, the 1916 Seneca Falls Machine Company Plant anchors the western gateway to the village.
At its peak, the factory employed about 200 workers and produced machinery used in the early automobile industry. During World War II, the plant shifted to manufacturing artillery shells for the Allied war effort, becoming one of the community’s largest employers.
The complex later sat vacant for years, and portions were condemned in 2017.
A new owner purchased the property in 2020 and has completed critical stabilization work. In 2023, the site was determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, opening the door to potential historic tax credits.
The property includes more than 100,000 square feet of largely intact industrial space. Preservation leaders say redevelopment could transform both the building and the first impression of Seneca Falls for residents and visitors.
Five to Revive, launched in 2013, identifies historic properties across Western New York that face threats but hold strong potential for rehabilitation. Properties selected become priority projects for the Landmark Society, which works with owners, developers and municipal officials to encourage reinvestment.
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