Wells named a statewide “Seven to Save” historic site.
Photos credit, Prof. Emeritus Ken Larson
On March 24, the Preservation League of NYS (PLNYS) designated the Wells campus a state-wide “Seven to Save” historic site!
The Wells Legacy Society helped document, publicize and support the nomination of the campus, put forward by the President of the Preservation Association of Central NY, Andrew Roblee (Wells ’11).
The announcement occurred less than two weeks after the Wells campus was named a “Five to Thrive” by the Landmark Society of Western NY. We’re not sure there’s ever been a “double designation” like this before; but our alma mater certainly is worthy of the honor!
With the “Seven to Save” listing, the PLNYS and its partners will raise visibility, assist with advocacy, and provide technical expertise while working in collaboration with property owners, elected officials, and other interested parties to craft preservation strategies for the campus.
Here are excerpts from the PLNYS press release about Wells:
“'Wells College is a cornerstone of Aurora, NY, and its closure puts not just its buildings and landscape at risk, but also the sense of place it has helped foster in the wider community,” said Caitlin Meives, Director of Preservation for the Preservation League of NYS. “But its significance goes beyond the local. As the state of higher education continues to change, other small liberal arts colleges may shutter as well. In the long term, a sensitive adaptive reuse of this storied college campus would positively impact the local community while providing an example for other similar campuses across the state and beyond. In the meantime, it is imperative that the College protect the viability of its buildings by heating them through the winter and conducting regular monitoring.”
…The closure (of Wells)…holds significance that extends beyond the immediate Aurora community, warranting statewide recognition. The closure threatens the preservation of the campus’s historic structures and the cultural continuity they represent. Beyond the architectural loss, the college’s closing seriously affects the local economy and community identity, which are closely intertwined with the institution.
Recognizing this moment on a statewide level underscores the importance of safeguarding New York's educational and architectural heritage, while raising awareness about the broader challenges small liberal arts colleges face. Proper preservation planning and strategizing adaptive reuse of the campus could inspire solutions for other struggling institutions, providing both economic and cultural benefits.
