Buffalo Rising Online

Fantastic job!

Then again those damn preservationist obstructionists have once again conspired to block the creation of additional parking or another of those coveted shovel ready sites. How are we ever going to attract more companies downtown without more shovel ready sites?

When you consider this project, the Webb Building, and the Granite Works buildings, it is clear that very few buildings are beyong being restored/resurrected. All of these examples involved buildings that many considered "too far gone". Ironically, they are also among the best examples of restoring a building to its original character for modern uses. These are quality renovations that bring these buildings very close to their original exterior appearance. It would be great if this trend continues. Genesse block downtown, the old Sattler's Theatre (on Broadway by Jefferson), Transfiguration even.

This rebuild amazes me every time I walk past it. I wish they would have an open house to see the finished product, I'd be first in line. Well done fella's!

On a side note, with this project nearly finished, it show that the the city does not have a leg to stand on for 918 Main street [to pull the building down] w/ the collapsed floors. This along w/ the "Granite Works" proves any Historic structure can be saved!

Spot on JohnMartin. Everything is a case by case basis. This doesn't mean that every building needs to be saved or more importantly can be saved.

Anyway, i've always loved this building and am glad they could do with something. Unfortunately it had to sit in a very poor unsafe condition for years. Almost making one think the site could have been reused quicker (other then a parking lot) if the old structure was demonished.

I find this with mixed emotion. I'm glad it was saved, but let's not fool ourselves by thinking everything can be saved. This was an extremly costly rehab.

Anyone know if they built it to the same design specifications as the original? I'm guessing not since much has changed since the original build. I'd be really impressed if they put in the some ornate molding inside.

Well, if we can't save everything let's be thankful that someone is trying to save something.

Parking lot progress halted again! Grrrr...

yes it is a rebuild, but it goes to show that the facades of old buildings that nned to be saved can be, I'm certainly not saying every building in buffalo should be saved. Growth is growth...

unlike johnmartin, my friend, it's tough to have so much faith in "market forces." for example, was it "market forces" which will allow the owners of the new waterfront condo's huge property tax breaks?

enough $$$$$$ can save everything - Too bad Buffalo doesn't have a economy that would allow much more of this.

Congratulations. What amazes me is how JohnMartin and uptownnc704 feel compelled to come up with arguments about how this isn't really a win, or can't be used as an argument to save other buildings.

The Granite Works retail is vacant, so JohnMartin, if he were a developer, would think twice about doing such a project? Does the fact that the residential units were all rented within a few weeks of completion count for nothing? Is there no long view in holding out for the right tenant as the BNMC gains speed and the surrounding buildings are rehabbed?

uptownnc703, how can you possibly suggest that if the burned out shell had been torn down that a new building would have been built more quickly? When was the last new commercial building built in Allentown? I honestly don't know. Maybe the Walgreen's? No one in their right mind who wanted to build a new building would have selected that site, if you could even build a new building on it with contemporary codes related to set-backs from lot lines, etc.

Get over it guys. There's no excuse anymore to let these old buildings fall down. If you really want them down, make an argument based on something other than "it's too far gone." Ok?

Of all the many recent renovations in the city the vacancy rate is hovering around 2% (as I understand it). It seems to me that there is a demand for this kind of construction in the city. If 2% vacancy is proof that there is no market for renovated and restored space in Buffalo then we are certainly setting a very high standard.

Great Job! Looks fantastic!

was it "market forces" which will allow the owners of the new waterfront condo's huge property tax breaks?

No of course not. Tax breaks like those and many others are clearly not market forces.

exactly my point AL; i was ridiculing the idea that "market forces" alone dictate what is built or to be built.

Hodge - Ok I see your point but don't quite see how it refutes what JohnMartin wrote:

While it is certainly possible to save any building, it is market forces that determine whether or not it can and will be saved.

The word "alone" isn't in that. The way I read that, it's saying market forces are an absolutely necessary precondition for what's built or restored - not just what's idealistically wished for by people who have emotional attachments to old buildings. Some projects get tax breaks, some don't -- but in either case (unless a project is totally goverment subsidized) it will ultimately be market forces that determine its viability or lack thereof. That should be obvious, but it's a factor often ignored or minimized when people are in wishful thinking mode. Examples abound around here.

Charger -

“uptownnc704 feel compelled to come up with arguments about how this isn't really a win” - In actuality I said I was glad it was saved, just mixed because it took so long.

“or can't be used as an argument to save other buildings.” - Of course it can be used as an argument to save other buildings. I simply said every building needs to be reviewed on a case by case basis. Just because you tasted bad milk, doesn’t mean ALL milk is bad.

“uptownnc703, how can you possibly suggest that if the burned out shell had been torn down that a new building would have been built more quickly?” - Can’t really say since there aren’t any vacant lots on that stretch of Delaware, however this building burned 11 years ago. 11 years isn’t impressive either.

“When was the last new commercial building built in Allentown?” - This year - 591 Delaware

“No one in their right mind who wanted to build a new building would have selected that site if you could even build a new building on it with contemporary codes related to set-backs from lot lines, etc.” - Someone built a contemporary building on it, they just used the old façade.

“Get over it guys. There's no excuse anymore to let these old buildings fall down. If you really want them down, make an argument based on something other than "it's too far gone." - I’m not sure if you saw the pictures but structurally this was unsafe and a hazard to the community for 8+ years. Sounds like a decent reason.

Personally, I'm totally in favour of restoring the exterior while finishing the interior in a contemporary manner - when there is nothing inside worth restoring. This reminds me of ancient buildings in villages along the "Romantische Strasse" in Germany south of Hanover. Many buildings are indeed ancient until you enter them and discover that the interiors are completely rebuilt and modern looking. I live near 591 Delaware and am thrilled by the careful attention to detail on the exterior.

All this points out is that even if the inside is too long gone, it is possible to save the facade and build new with in it creating a great structure that keeps the street looking great.

I'm not sure how the fact that the building stood unattended for 8 years without causing any damage or injury equates to it being a hazard to the community. Hazard is a very subjective thing, but since the building did not collapse it would seem reasonable to argue that keeping it up wasn't a mistake from a public safety standpoint.

As for the contemporary building issue. Sure this is a modern, LEED compliant, building in three walls of an old building, but I'm fairly sure (with my diploma from the Armchair U. School of Architecture) that it's the fact that those walls were still up, defining the outer edge of the building envelope that allowed the new building to be built (within them) as it was. Had there been just a vacant lot (and how likely is it that that wouldn't have been paved for parking?) a new building would have had to been further from the lot lines.

Apart from the insides of 591 Delware, when was the last new commercial structure built in Allentown?

Last new structure in Allentown- my guess would be the Quaker Bonnet on Allen. ????

I think the bigger point on last new construction in allentown is; has there been any opportunities for new construction in Allentown? Not really, not too many vacant lots, and certainly nothing a developer can tear down to build new without getting injunctions from the preservation society. (Otherwise the society isn't doing their job)

Now, before the preservation society gets on my case. I support the society and many of the things they do. Just a slightly more liberal view on what preservation is. And before anyone gets on my case about what preservation should be, we're all entitiled to have different viewpoints. That's what life is all about.

Actually there are several vacant lots along Allen Street begging for new development. Perfect locations for live/work units.

Matt and Chris deserve our thanks for the this daring quest. This has been a labor a love for them and as a fellow architect I am gratefull to see them invest in our city and to be one of the many who have put their money where their mouth is. Great job guys!!