Leading preservationist Tim Tielman steps into retirement

But it is undeniable that no one over that period has done more to save Buffalo’s history from the wrecking ball.

The Richardson Olmsted Campus. Buffalo Central Terminal. The Webb Building. The Squire Mansion. The Metzger Building. White’s Livery Stable. All are still standing due, in part, to Tielman’s persistence.

Tielman, who turned 65 late last month, won’t be adding to that roll-call of structures. He retired as executive director of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture on Saturday.

“I’m leaving, partially, because it’s time,” he told The Buffalo News. “There is a lot I’d still like to devote personal time to without feeling wretched over things I’m not paying attention to, because there are always fires to put out and things to guard against.

“It’s been immensely rewarding,” he said. “People who really care about the city can work to overcome really daunting odds. Hopefully, we’ve made a difference in our little patch of earth here, and other people will build on our achievements.”

An effort Tielman led on the waterfront resulted in then-Gov. George E. Pataki reversing direction and endorsing a reconstruction of the historic Canal District with the Commercial Slip, Central Wharf and original street network.

Tielman was also instrumental in the creation of the Cobblestone Historic District, near what is now known as Canalside, as well as the Hamlin Park Historic District on Buffalo’s East Side.

With a green-and-white, tricked-out school bus called the Open-Air Autobus, Tielman and the Campaign for Greater Buffalo provided the first specialty bus devoted to architectural tourism. He and the group also hosted a three-day lecture series called “Architecture Revival Buffalo” under a tent on Bidwell Parkway with out-of-town experts.

“Tim is the most passionate preservationist…