Turtle recognized as endangered

The Turtle, the historically significant anthropomorphic building on Rainbow Boulevard, has been registered as one of the most endangered places in America.

The building, designed as an tribute to indigenous culture, has sat vacant for more than 30 years but is identified as one of America’s 11 most endangered historic places by the National Trust.

The Niagara Falls City council in 2024 denied giving the building historic preservation status despite a recommendation from the city’s historic preservation commission.

The logic used in the 4-1 decision was that the historic preservation ordinance impeded on property rights.

The council never discussed the historical significance of the whitewashed building, which used to be painted in vibrant colors but is a drab tan color today as it sits watching over a bus parking lane used in tourist season, adjacent to Cataract House Park.

The only person to vote for Preservation was Brian Archie.

Here’s coverage from WIVB.

The Preservation League of New York publishes a biennial list of “Seven to Save” and already released its 2025/26 list. The Turtle was not on it.

https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/niagara-county/niagara-falls/the-t…