I have been watching the progress of this renovation and can only marvel at the transformation that has taken place with the Hamilton Ward House.
However, what is the eventual outcome of this newly renovated house? I would like to think that the option to purchase this residence would be open to the general public and not to become another subsidized housing unit.
The Belmont Shelter being what it is, I suspect the latter to be true….
Looks nice and whoever's possession it ends up in is better than another vacant lot.
Nice to see the house is saved. I just wish they would have spent a little bit more on the rehab., ie the porches.
Love the ORANGE! Recommend looking at the before state of this place on Google Maps Street View to appreciate the improvement.
Hamp: do the porches look cheap?
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?
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!
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.
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.
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?
Thank you for your positive comments. It is nice to see so much interest in this neigborhood. When Belmont first located its office here in 1989, the area had been sorely neglected for decades. We tried for years to obtain ownership of 19 Coe, but instead had to watch it deteriorate in front of our eyes. When we finally got possession, the City made us sign a pledge to tear it down. Then the Preservation Board said it couldn't be torn down. We are pleased that we were able to rehabilitate it instead. For the record, the siding is wood (Cedar), and while some may think we were cheap in our rehab, the truth is far from it. Those of you who criticize - i challenge you to purchase a house in the neighborhood and do better! We would welcome your investment. We plan to rent the house. It will be advertised publically. We are having an open house on July 29th - 4:30-6:00.
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