Great article, Steel!

The pressure wasn't limited, but was quite concerted and organized. Belmont came through after the community urged the Preservation Board to hold a hearing on the demolition proposal and considerable research was unveiled on the history of the house, including its famous one-time resident, Hamiltion Ward, who gave the address at President McKinley's memorial service and who would later become New York State attorney general and the founder and co-founder, respectively, of Allegany State Park and the Erie County parks system. The community got a Buffalo News reporter revved up on the hot issue, and Belmont decided to do the right thing rather than quietly demolish the house to expand their parking lot.

I do wish the wooden siding and windows had been retained, but the material used more closely resembles the historic material than vinyl. Overall I'd say this is a fabulous outcome considering the two other alternatives: demolition by neglect or a quick empty lot, blowing out a key wing of this charming street. Bravo, Belmont!

Anything east of Main = crackhouse. Got it.

Looks nice and whoever's possession it ends up in is better than another vacant lot.

It would have been nice if they went with a traditional railing system that fits the time period on the porches. Im quite sure and hopeful they will stain the pressure treated wood white. Unfortunatly PT has to weather for a bit and dry before it can take on any finish, usually for a year. But I agree it sticks out like a sore thumb for now. The only other option would be to use a vinyl or composite material, but these come at a much greater price tag.

could become the nicest crack house in the city!

This will be the Cary St. of Central Buffalo in the next 5 years - if people continue to purchase and improve upon the homes. This should set a precedent for things to come. I think that this house was tastefully done. The roof on the "tower" almost looks historically correct. Awesome job. Is this house for sale or does the home owner live there?

Coe Place is clearly one of the most charming blocks in the City. I would have never discovered it, if it hadn't been for FixBuffalo. I happened to take a detour down Coe today, and saw this house - I think it looks absolutely great.

To those who are complaining about the porches - give us a break. Someone is taking the initiative to rehab a place, and you have to nitpick like that?

Finally...there's an absolutely beautiful house around the corner on Ellicott and Northampton - does anyone know the story behind it?

That's not wooden clapboard? Nice! I am finally glad to see a new product that doesn't give off that cheap look like vinyl, at least in pictures at least. Have to see it in person for a real test.

I don't think the porches are cheap at all. I am sure they will look nice once painted. You want cheap porches go take a look at the Hope VI development west of Main Street... those porches are hollow thin metal and would probably bend if anyone of significant weight leaned on them. That's cheap.