Wilbur Historic District

In 2021, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation awarded the City a grant to survey the historic and cultural resources in Wilbur and Ponckhockie. The City engaged the firm, Archaeology & Historic Resource Services, LLC (AHRS), who researched both neighborhoods and drafted a report for residents, the City, and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) by the fall of 2023.

In December 2023, SHPO issued a determination of eligibility (DOE) that identified an area within Wilbur as eligible for Local, State, and National Historic District recognition. SHPO’s determination identified Wilbur:

“… as a relatively intact example of a small port community developed in the second half of the nineteenth century around the local bluestone industry. The proposed district’s-built resources reflect the Federal, Italianate, and Gothic Revival styles and include residences, commercial buildings, a firehouse, and a church. The preliminary period of significance for the district extends from 1836 to 1890, reflecting the period during which the community as it exists today was developed and its distinctive buildings constructed.”

On September 11, 2024, the Kingston Common Council voted unanimously to establish the Wilbur Local Landmark District (Common Council Resolution 147 of 2024). Support from Wilbur residents was instrumental in this landmark designation which ensures that the area’s special history and architectural resources will be preserved in perpetuity pursuant to Section 405.26.L (HLPC) of the Form Based Zoning Code.

At the end of September 2024, New York State awarded Kingston a $15,000 Certified Local Government grant to hire a historic preservation consultant to prepare the State & National Register Nomination paperwork necessary to elevate the Wilbur Historic District to the State & National Registers. Once listed on State and National Registers, property owners seeking to rehab their structures may take advantage of the following Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Programs:

• New York State Residential Rehabilitation Tax Credit: 20%
• Historic Preservation Tax Credit Programs for Income-Producing Properties: Federal (20%) & State (20-30%)
• New York State Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit: 25%

State and National Historic Districts formally celebrate an area’s significant historical contributions to the community, state, and nation, while offering protection and financial assistance to property owners to maintain their older homes. Wilbur residents participated in this project to preserve the neighborhood’s character and to gain access to local, federal, and state rehabilitation tax programs. To stay up-to-date on this project, please follow this Engage Kingston page where we will periodically post updates leading up to and during this project.

On November 12, 2025, the City awarded Gregory Dietrich Preservation (36CRF61 qualified) the contract to research and prepare the State & National District Nomination paperwork. Work is underway.

An informational meeting for the Wilbur State & National Historic District Nomination is set for Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, between 5:30-7:30pm, at 23 Fitch Street - for more information please see the attached flyer: https://engagekingston.com/27697/widgets/94955/documents/78109

If you are a property owner with questions and/or seeking these benefits, please reach out to the Historic Preservation Administrator (edickerman@kingston-ny.gov; 845-334-3931) to learn how to support the project.