Will Becker shared a personal and professional reflection on his journey from architecture school to community‑driven urban revitalization through his involvement with the Allentown Association. He opened with humor, noting that he survived architecture school and recently celebrated ten years with Sinatra in April. Along the way, joining the Allentown Association proved to be a turning point, connecting him to collaborators, paving the way to co‑found Trash MOB, introducing him to lifelong friends, and ultimately leading to his involvement with the Buffalo Architecture Foundation (BAF).

Will emphasized the role of the Allentown Association as a community builder, bringing people together while adding care and beauty to spaces that might otherwise be forgotten. The organization helps decorate the neighborhood for holidays, supports residents in fixing up their properties, and fosters pride and stewardship throughout Allentown.

A major focus of the presentation was the Association’s role as administrator of the Buffalo Main Streets Initiative (BMSI) grants, a New York State program supporting commercial district revitalization. These grants can fund façade and interior improvements, with property owners working directly with the Association to navigate grant requirements. Funding levels include up to $150,000 for individual projects, with Phase 1 totaling $350,000 and Phase 2 totaling $500,000. Will’s presentation focused primarily on Phase 2 implementation.

He walked the audience through a series of before‑and‑after project examples along Allen and Elmwood Avenues:

• 51 Elmwood Avenue – Located in a portion of Elmwood known for vibrant colors, the pink paint was restored, windows repaired, and the porch rehabilitated. The total project cost was approximately $90,000.

• 191 Allen Street (Casa Azul) – Upper‑floor windows required significant attention. The project included window replacements and a new storefront with higher glazing to increase daylight in the interior. Costs included $60,000 for windows and $80,000 for the storefront.

• 185 Allen Street – A mixed‑use storefront received much‑needed attention with a façade upgrade totaling $22,500.

• 162 Allen Street – The largest of the six projects at $250,000, this mixed‑use building included window replacement, masonry repointing, porch reconstruction, and residential upgrades, resulting in a significant transformation.

• 138 Allen Street – The building required an overhaul to meet contemporary real estate needs, including new concrete slabs and masonry repointing. The grant covered $126,300, with the owner investing additional funds beyond the grant scope.

• 78 Allen Street – Masonry repointing was completed for a total cost of $37,200.

  Will concluded by highlighting streetscape improvements, including increased planter bed infrastructure, new plantings, and updated signage totaling $23,280, with additional phases planned. He emphasized the importance of preserving and activating older buildings, underscoring how targeted investment and community‑focused partnerships can reinvigorate neighborhoods while honoring their character.