Another obstructionist success story
I think it's significant that this is an early example of BuffaloRising providing a public forum that had a positive impact on a development project. On July 25, 2006 Dr. Hengst joined the on-line discussion about the future of 878 Main, provided background on ZeptoMetrix, & their response to the city's RFP process for the site. He apologized for any "insensitivity"; he provided his phone #, and invited people to call him with their ideas. It was an amazingly forthright post which demonstrated the power of the internet to improve the public dialogue, and by extension, preserve part of Buffalo's architectural heritage.
For anyone who missed that early story, and Dr. Hengst's post, you can find it here: http://buffalorising.com/entries/read/update_878_main_street_1
Jim and Exec. Collins should be commended for rehabbing this old structure and expanding operations in downtown. They could have easily stepped out into the suburbs where the ever pervasive ample paved paradise of parking exists. I know they are not able to accommodate all parking for employees on-site, perhaps they incentivize some of them to walk or take public transit. What a novel idea. Can't wait to see this Project complete..I bet it will be amazing!!!
Great to see another building on this block be brought back to life. Can't wait to see it finished and see PEOPLE walking around it again.
I don't know why preservation would not allow them to use the "Twain" house pictures for a porch design.
Listing it on the National Registry of Historic Buildings? WOW....a huge change in plans from originally seeking to demolish it for parking. Once again I thank the "Obstructionists", it's building like this that create the urban fabric where I want to enjoy to live.
As to the porch: my understanding is that it isn't necessary to replicate exactly what was once there but rather one must build something appropriate for the style of house. My neighbors at Johnson Park built new porches which never before graced their home, but they were built in an appropriate style from appropriate materials and therefore were permissable. Also, the historical society or city likely possess 'plat'(?) maps which show the outlines of buildings over time (kind of like a survey). That would show the outside dimensions of whatever porches were present once.
Putting the past behind us, this will be a great addition to Main Street. I know Mr Henst has really taken this project personally. What was just a vacant eye soar, worthy of only becoming a parking lot has become a new elegant symbol of the company to impress clients and stabilize their community.
I'm happy to put the past behind us now, as sbrof suggests we do, but I hope we remember 878 Main the next time someone tells us that a building is "worthy of only becoming a parking lot" and has to come down so a few jobs won't be shipped off to Massachusetts for the abundant parking available there.
It's great to see Dr. Hengst and Mr. Collins have changed their position and are now restoring this building. I hope their open mindedness and foresight will inspire other members of the business community to invest in other historic structures.
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