Buffalo Rising Online

Well at least he is moving forward with the expansion.

a business allowed to succeed in Buffalo? groundbreaking!

This is good to hear.

What's the over/under on comments here? 60? 80?

I have nothing against the expansion but the problem that I had with it was that a very small section of the new addition is actually on where the Atwater property stood. A tiny adjustment and he could have expanded and left the building alone. It is almost like he used it as an excuse more than an actual structure in the way of his plans.

Plano's Plan Overlay

Having construction done on an already busy street is great. Yes, it is sad to have the "historic" house demolished. It is all about location, location, location - and Pano's has a great thing going on here. The good news is that it is not a parking lot as some of those through it would turn into.

If it is a "historic" house you are looking for Buffalo has thousands of them, just pick one and start working.

Good luck to Pano and the continued success of his business on an already successful business district!

what sbrof said.

Elmwood is what it is because of the connectivity and lack of surface parking surounding each buisness. Take a ride down Transit to see what that is like. the Atwater was demolished for a surface lot, not for this buidling expansion.

Continued development of hap-hazard surface lots on a buisness by buisness basis will hurt Elmwood, not help it. Parking must be planned large scale and be rather transparent to ensure a continous pedestrian-centered streetscape that makes Elmwood what it is. notice how many people are strolling down Niagara Falls Boulevard?

and by the way...I am more than happy to see a buisness expanding and growing. I am not againt Panos expanding. I am against the distruction of a neighboring building for a wrap around surface lot.

Well planned parking is a great idea, but how long should local businesses wait for the city to get their act together before taking things into their own hands?

"The good news is that it is not a parking lot as some of those through it would turn into." wrong

Take a look at the overlay.. I linked to in my post. Most of the site is going to be exactly that, parking. The expansion is only grazing the former porch of structure to allow him to say it must come down for the new building.

wow PaulBuffalo, how genius of you.. you'd rather have a business move to Amherst, then have it expand, less one house.. albeit a beautiful house. that seems pretty moronic to me..

Anyone who boycotts this business is an idiot.

Either way the house is gone, let it go already. The new addition will look better than the gravel lot he has there now. I for one am actually shocked that he is going through with the expansion, I thought for sure he would never actually go through with the addition due to the loss of sales.

If people want to boycott, let them, there are 4 other better/cheaper places than Panos on Elmwood anyway (Acropolis, MYTHOS, Towne, Ambrosia)

guess I'm an idiot.

i'd be an idiot if i had ever gone there in the first place.

He did offer the hpuse to anyone who wanted it. Plus he was willing to kick in part of the expense to move it.

He could have moved everything right up to the street and tore down a few in the rear for parking and left the house alone for another business opportunity. With gas prices going up, why drive? take a bus, bike or walk. And for a district like this to be 'Vibrant" , less surface lots (facing the street) is what will make it "vibrant". Otherwise your sending a message to other business owners and customers "well the owner of Pano's got parking, why can't I" and the cycle continues and then destroys the fabric of Elmwood if that attitude continues. Look at what happend downtown, everyone wanted/wants a place to park and that is why it looks like one big asphalt from the sky and empty feeling in most areas to walk.

I miss the old Panos ... the little four-booth shack down Elmwood, just north of Bidwell. The decades-old frying oil and years of caked-on grease on the grill gave the food a gritty, authentic and real flavor that is unmatched by the sterile, yuppified and plastic Panos of today.

Seriously, Panos seems to buck the trend in Buffalo that when a restaurant expands, remodels, or otherwise makes updates, business traditionally drops.

Good luck with the new addition Pano. I'm all for businesses growing in the city. Thanks for your commitment to Buffalo.

8 parking spots or an additional building on Elmwood housing a small business/ apartments. somehow parking has the ability to make a neighborhood less vibrant.. the entirety of downtown Buffalo for example.

All I can say is that, the entire lot did not become a parking lot. I don't know where Kip came from, but I hope this person keeps posting.

Kip, my friend, allowing property owners to do whatever they want always is a good thing? aren't the most "regulated" cities in this country also the most beautiful?

Joshua - a small fraction of the lot became the addition. like an 1/8th .. the rest is parking.

Wouldn't you think that with the influx of new business, that Pano's would be allowed to have 6 - 8 extra parking spots for people that don't live within walking distance?

Wouldn't you think that with the influx of new business, that Pano's would be allowed to have 6 - 8 extra parking spots for people that don't live within walking distance?

It's depressing in a sense. The restaurant isn't what it once was. Before Editros and Falafel Bar, the family ran one of the unfriendliest ice cream places ever. I guess I'm glad it's a thriving business. They sort of let the house go into the accurately stated picture of disrepair. Guess I'd like to see the restaurant retain a little more of the original soul, the orange milkshake, the souvalki breakfast that isn't 15 by the time you a coffee and jouice with it.

Glad something is getting built in the long run. Too many Elmwood landlords are pricing themselves into inactivity. Hi owner of the former Platohs, I'm looking at you.

Good luck, Pano, you did indeed play by the rules. Hope the construction is swift and problem free

For those who complain "there's nothing to do" or "the city is dead," look no further than Pano's -- the place is always packed! Having it expand -- despite the controversial demolition of the historic building next door -- is a great thing for Elmwood Village. It means more people will stay in the area to eat. And with eating comes exploring the neighborhood... with that comes shopping... with that comes a better local economy... with that comes an even more stable neighborhood and vibrant area. Good move, Pano!

"Second he owns the property and owned the house so in theory he should be able to do what he wishes that’s how it works, Welcome to America!" Except when you want to put in a guest house in an old FLW building ;)

no Kip you make some good points but there much much more protest over this atwater house than the FLW house and yet this happens and that one stands still. What gives.. money.. Money is how the city works not property ownership. Pano's has money and gets what he wants.

Also not everyone fights for every old building. I think there was a HUGE support for the hotel, it would have taken 4 -5 structure down just north of the Atwater. They are old but nothing special. the big battle over Atwater was the fact it was a unique structure. Find another one like it. Have fun, i think there might be one other.. maybe two.. not some thousands like people seem to think exist in the fairytale land that is Buffalo's architecture. It wasn't just some old building. It had some character.

Also I don't think anyone is wishing ill will for Pano's I certainly am not. I used to frequent that place more than was healthy for me. But at the same time we are all but stewards to our city. The Atwater when i started going to Pano's was fully occupied, Pano's bought it evicted the tenants, let it become an eyesoar so he could get the backing of the "its vacant tear it down crowd" and won the battle. It was probably a smart move by him but it wasn't the right move for the neighborhood. There are two sides to the story and while I support pano for his commitment to Elmwood and the city. This project is taking away as much as it is adding.

isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder? why should Pano's have to conform to someone else's idea of what works for that location? wouldn't the owner of the business know what is best for his business? all you arm chair architects and city planners drive me nuts with the thought that your ideas are the only ones worth a damn.. there are many ways to look at things

why should he be forced to incorporate an old house into his design, just because someone else things it would do well for his business.. it's his business not yours..

Crappy food, dirty bathrooms, who could ask for anything more? I guess the students will put up with anything!

its sad that such a unique house is gone but i must say i'd prefer this local business expanding (and adding a second floor) over that business remaining the way it was with an abandoned unique house next door. this part of elmwood has some good density and this addition will only make it better. density is the key to a strong city.

1. Several folks here have said that Pano hasn't been a good neighbor. But isn't a successful business that brings potential customers into the area at all hours of the day just about the best sort of neighbor a commercial area could hope for?

2. Several folks have also comented about how Elmwood's success is based on a sense of place. I disagree -- there are plenty of areas with a strong sense of place in this city that are struggling. What differentiates Elmwood from most other areas -- the thing that really needs protecting -- is that it's anchored by a bunch of strong businesses that draw people into the area.

3. Doesn't the Pano's expansion actually improve the sense of place on Elmwood? It would seem to make that block more densely commercial, right? To me, the most impressive portions of the street are those that aren't interrupted by residences, or where the businesses are purpose built and to the street, rather than setback in residential conversions.

Will the addition be made of those fancy cinder blocks like the existing structure?

onestartmartin - fancy concrete blocks (cinder blocks are not allowed to be used anymore)???

Personally I like Pano's... And think the exapnsion is a good thing. We'll have patio seating; it'll be to the curb (A BR necessity), I agree the design is slightly uninspired, but c'mon, it's a restaraunt selling $7 breakfasts, not a corporate office tower, bank, or other long-standing high powered edifice.

As far as "Smart Growth", Hamp, it's exacty that. Guess what, sometimes demolition is part of smart growth. They're not mutually exclusive. We're not talking urban renewal-esque demolition. But if a house must come down, then so be it... I would have been in favor of demo'ing the 4 or 5 houses for the hotel, too. If it brings a better streetscape, services, and functionality to Elmwood.

Pano's may not be all those, but it is a pretty good restaraunt, and I think an alright plan. The Atwater was nice, but probably not very serviceable. How many of you guys on here criticizing Pano have actually done a 100+ year old home resto; it ain't that easy.. Believe me. I've been there.

And Kosta's? He was a bit of a pioneer on Hertel; give the man some credit. He was dumping $$ into Hertel well before it was fashionable to do so. Dare I say, he may even have been a trendsetter.

I think Kip and Colin have it right. This is a commercial strip, with a commercial expansion. When I walk Elmwood, I want to hit stores, bars, restaraunts, galleries. This fills that mission. Good for Pano.

Oh, and last year when this went down, how many of you were betting a shovel never hit dirt? He's doing exactly what he said he would...

See ya there for breakfast in a few months...

Old does not mean historic. I am a person that lives in the present and looks forward to the future. Can’t wait to see the new restaurant.

Old does not mean historic. I am a person that lives in the present and looks forward to the future. Can’t wait to see the new restaurant.

I just had Breakfast at Pano's this morning, I took my son, his choice, We had the early bird special, everything on the menu was 3.99 or less. I said to myself, why don't I do this more often. It was fantastic! we arrived about eight and by nine there was a line out the door.

My son and I talked about the house next door that was knocked down, we are both pretty nuetral on the situation. As we drove away, we both realized that all of Elmwood over the years has been transformed to accomodate business and commerce. Every store front has a house in the rear that has been modified to accomodate the business. This is nothing new. If 70 years ago, these houses weren't transformed there would be no Elmwood Village. I'm sure we sacrificed a few beautiful homes, but the surrounding area has prospered due to the commerce on Elmwood. With out Elmwood, the surrounding streets would not have the appeal or demand.

We need to support the business' that are working and continue to grow. They are the anchors that will allow the less successful business' to prosper.

"why should he be forced to incorporate an old house into his design, just because someone else things it would do well for his business.. it's his business not yours.."

because when he is gone and pano's closes the city and future generations are left with property that is worth less than what had been. That structure was solid and would have lasted many more decades maybe even a hundred years. We are stewards of our history and city.

Gotime, wouldn't have been nice to have stopped some of those storefronts from latching onto the front of some of the residential structures or prevented some businesses from demolishing houses (like Wilson Farms or KFC)? Regardless, the house is gone can't do anything about that, I don't patronize Pano's anymore, yet I'll be more supportive if the design of the expansion is decent but considering his place now I'm not holding my breath. Like I've written before, I'm sure we'll see more cinderblocks painted white.

I think that people seem to forget one major truth...preservationists are free to purchase properties. Pano is a businessman, and I have no doubt that he would have been willing to sell the property to any one of the individuals who so vocally expressed their concerns if an appropriate offer was made.

Again, I don't think many here have a problem with Pano's expanding. It is great that it is built to the street and is great that he is succesful. It could have been accomplished without a few extra parking spots. How many cars fit on the footprint of a house? 6 at most? 2-3 tables worth of customers? Is that worth the missing tooth in the streetscape? Especially for the nicest house on the block? Everyone here is pry for the hotel too, which would have been to the street with all parking behind or under it. If Panos would have taken this expansion clear across the Atwater site, I pry would have been for it too. Seeing that it barely intrudes into the site and places an asphalt lot on it up to the street it makes me feel the loss.

Imagine if every buisness had a parking lot on both sides? We would have Union road or Transit. Who would come down to Elmwood if it offered the same experience as those two roads? Who would walk it? Imagine if every store in the galleria had its own parking next to it. How many people would make the 3X longer walk past car filled lots to browse all the stores?

Yes we can say one lot does not matter that much. But then how can we say no to other buisnesses that feel they "need" them and do what they want with their property? When they all have them what will remain with a street front half-2/3rds paved over? Not much. The tighness and trafffic and people walking about is what makes the area exciting and feel alive. Its what makes people desire it over going to Hillview or Alton's. Those who want to drive in drive out quick will choose those types of places.

I could buy a house next to anyone here. Is it within my right to knock it down and pave it over into a parking lot because it is mine?

.......it wasn't for sale. unless you wanted to move it. but this wasn't a preservation issue.

it's a precedent issue.

Business expansion on elmwood should not result in a less walkable street...ie. if every business tore down the neighboring structure and added parking like Panos. Nearly 100% of the atwater site is going to be parking. the addition mostly occurs in front of his existing building with a small section protruding into the atwater site. I wouldn't mind if every house from panos to forest was demoed and replaced with a sidewalk fronting building with all parking behind as was proposed with the hotel. This is about what makes elmwood work, what makes it appelaing, and why we should protect it. ..it's not about historic preservation.

I am so glad to see a thriving small business here in Buffalo. To all you people who are so broken up over the demolition of one old eyesore of a building.....get over yourself. You are exactly the kind of people that hold up progress in this dying city. You want history? you want architecture? Just look around. Take a walk down Richmond or to the Mansion's on North or Lincoln Parkway. Listen people I love Elmwood just as much as the next guy, but lets get real the parking situation is ridiculous. If Pano wants a bigger lot, more power to him. If I had a place to park maybe I would eat there more often. I know everyone thinks that this is the start of a slippery slope leading to business knocking down all the things that make Elmwood what it is famous for. The truth of the matter is, how many business can really afford to do what Pano is doing? Not many, so don't worry, Elmwood is not going to turn into one giant parking lot. Buffalonian's are just one giant group of "anti-changers" and that is why nothing ever gets done. It takes business owners like Pano and regular citizens like you and I to stand up and say I want things to change! You would be surprised, your voice can be heard. Mayor Brown is listening, you just have to get close enough for him to hear. The Elmwood district is important to me too, and keeping the integrity of it should be on the minds of its patrons. However how can we place chains on the hands and feet of business owners in the district. Why? So they can get up and leave the district, so we can look at another empty store front in this city? Is that what you want, an entire strip of Benderson "For Lease" signs. That's not what I want. Change is healthy, lets embrace it instead of chastize those who are doing something about it. I mean the perfect example is "The Aud". The Sabres vacated that decrepit building in what 1996? It is just now set for demolition 2008. Lets not wait another 12 years for Buffalo to grow. Thank you Pano, you are a breath of fresh air!

bannists29 - what you describe as change is actually the status quo in this city and the city has done nothing but empty in the last 50 years. That's the precedent we continue to repeat.

Actually the status quo is: lets all just sit around on our hands and complain about how crappy it is here (Insert Ralph C. Wilson Jr's comments here_______), instead of promoting change. THAT nyc is the status quo!!!

claiming that the status quo has something to do with complaining is sidestepping the larger issue but I agree this discussion isn't going to do anyone any favors at this point.

its a house...a house im sure none of you ever paid attention to until all this came up....do any of you know anything about the house other than panos wanted to plow over it? who cares!...buffalo is full of great arcitecture and with the development thats finally starting to come to this city its about damn time somebody stopped caring about all the great historical architecture in buffalo...we have plenty of it...the best of which is appropriately cared for....but come on..if we spend the next 20 years complaining about knocking down buildings we will call even further back in the economy....you cant move forward unless you willing to let go of the past

@tonymacaroni- what are you doing for Buffalo while living in Vegas? Or so you say. Another internet tough guy.

Sbrof back to pass in his/her rented liberal lazyboy, throws deep...way underthrown again.