By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is coming back to Buffalo, with a big check in hand.

Two months after the city hosted what many consider one of the largest and most successful conferences in the organization's history, the National Trust is offering a $10,000 grant to one of four local landmarks - each of which was highlighted during the week-long convention.

Utilizing Facebook, it will host an online vote to see whether the Central Terminal, the Colored Musicians Club, Graycliff or the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural site will win the grant.

Voting begins at 8 a.m., Dec. 12 and runs through 11:59 p.m., Dec 18. The winner will be announced at 8 a.m., Dec. 19. The "Buffalo Challenge" Facebook page can be found at http://on.fb.me/buffalochallenge

"All of us at the National Trust have warm memories of our time in Buffalo, and we are thrilled to be coming back so soon to give a gift to one of Buffalo's unique historic sites, just in time for the holidays," President Stephanie Meeks said. "We were inspired by the many local residents who are passionate about preserving Buffalo's outstanding historic places. 'Buffalo Challenge' will allow the Queen City to, once again, rally around preservation by voting for the most-deserving historic place."

As sponsor of "This Place Matters" campaign, Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. and National Trust Insurance Services LLC have given the National Trust $150,000 since 2009 to help Americans tell the stories of places that matter to them. Earlier this year, more than 80,000 people participated in the campaign by voting for historic places across the country.

"Places can evoke a sense of pride for Americans, and Fireman's Fund is thrilled to be a part of a campaign that creates a channel to express that connection," said Brian Klepchick, property product director. "Every day we strive to help our customers preserve and protect their property, so this campaign is a natural fit for us."  The four sites competing for the grant were selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and its local partner, Preservation Buffalo Niagara.