Things are Looking Up for the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building

The Bethlehem Steel Administration building is going to be standing for at least another 90 days in an attempt to determine if the historic structure can be saved and rehabilitated. Preservationists and community activists have been hard at work convincing the owners and the City of Lackawanna to reconsider the demolition in favor of rehabilitation. Yesterday, Judge Kenneth F. Case granted a stay of demolition to owners, Gateway Trade Center.

Local activist and blogger, David Torke of fixBuffalo, has been instrumental in the discussions to save the building and consider reuse. Torke was the person who first spotted the demolition equipment on site several months ago. Working through his various networks he was able to assemble a team to spread the word and protest the city's decision to force the demolition of the structure.

Danielle Huber, chairperson of the Lackawanna Industrial Heritage Group (LIHG), is ecstatic about the stay of demolition and recognizes the need for a strategic plan. "Within the next 90 days it would be ideal to stabilize the components of the building that meet the historic criteria and button it up properly for the winter months," said Huber, "As well as developing a thorough reuse plan and allocate grant monies being offered."

The LIHG is a group of concerned citizens who urge leaders to act now for the implementation of historic preservation ordinances. They will be working with Lackawanna officials to make the city a Certified Local Government.

Owners were originally planning to use grant money from New York State to offset the costs of the expensive demolition. However, the money was intended for rehabilitation and the funds could not be used for demolition. Once Elizabeth Martin of the State Historic Preservation Office walked through the building, it was determined the building was definitely eligible for National Register listing and needs to have the structure evaluated to see if it is sound.

The conversation around the building has taken a complete turn from a definite demolition to evaluating rehabbing the structure. Historic tax credits may bring the project online as discussions continue between the owners, Torke, the City of Lackawanna, and preservation consultant, Jason Yots.

If you'd like to see some fantastic photos of the building, historic and current, check out this link to the Administration Building Facebook photography page.

Entry Image courtesy of the Steel Plant Museum via David Torke of fixBuffalo.

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Beautiful Historic Home Looking for Caring New Owner

A beautiful, city-owned home is getting a shot at a second chance this week as demolition has been halted for thirty days in an attempt to find a qualified buyer. David Torke of fixBuffalo sat down with Al Steele of the demolition crew and Commissioner James Comerford yesterday in an attempt to save this stately home at 557 East Utica Street.

There has been an incredible amount of investment in the surrounding area as people have begun to recognize the history and integrity of the rich building stock. Many of the homes on East Utica and those that line Humboldt Parkway, just steps away, have been lovingly maintained and/or restored, which all adds up to a strong sense of place.

The fantastic pink house to the left of 557 has a very caring owner; you couldn’t possibly ask for a better neighbor. When she purchased the home it was in almost the exact same state as 557, but it’s now the pride of the street. These projects are not impossible, they just take someone who can see past the dirt and problems to the gem underneath. 557 is a fantastic example of one of these gems because it has a newer roof, a high level of original integrity on the exterior and interior, and is dry as a bone throughout.

David also spoke with Julian Adams of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for his opinion on the home. The following is courtesy of David’s post, which can be seen here. "557 is an outstanding example of how bold forms and ornament can make a house standout in a neighborhood,” said Julian, “The bold broken and scrolled swan's neck decoration in the third floor gable reflects both the colonial revival style of the period as well as the exuberance of the time in which it was constructed.  It adds a grace note to the street, being both a singular presence and part of a stronger historic neighborhood."

Dana Saylor of Old Time Roots, David, and I are currently researching the building to tell the story behind this wonderful home. If you are interested in more information and checking the house out, contact David Torke at davidtorke@gmail.com.

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Concerned Citizens, Preservationists, and Politicians Battle Over Peace Bridge. UPDATE: Judge Blocks Demolitions

The Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture is filing suit against the Public Bridge Authority (PBA) in New York State Supreme Court to prevent demolition of a row of historic houses on Busti Avenue. The PBA wants to demolish the row for an access road to a new Duty Free store it wants to build on the present site of the Episcopal Church Home, itself a designated City of Buffalo Landmark. A hearing on a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) will be heard Tuesday, June 19, 2012 before Justice Joseph Glownia (Part 6, 3rd floor, 92 Franklin St.)

Byron Brown made a public announcement about the situation stating that he wants a halt on the demolition until the PBA shows concrete plans for the site before they can proceed, but Congressman Brian Higgins believes that halting the demolition is standing in the way of progress. Yesterday Higgins called on WNY leaders, residents, and businesses to join him in the "fight against the inertia."  He cited how a new deal in Detroit, announced last week, to build an international bridge should serve as an example for Buffalo to follow suit and additional delays should not be tolerated.

"While Western New York is finding ways to block, other communities are finding ways to build," said Congressman Higgins.  "The complacency and resistance to change that has been pervasive in Buffalo for fifty years will continue to cost us if we don't act now." The project in Detroit will create about 12,000 jobs per year during the four year construction period and would generate 8000 permanent jobs upon completion. "Incessant squabbling only leads to inertia," said Higgins, "Be it the waterfront, the Peace Bridge or the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, it is time to fight against the fight and together fight for progress and all the good that comes with it."

Higgins' recent infrastructure bill has been projected to create 27 million jobs over the next 5 years and $400 billion in economic activity the first year alone. He asserted, "Public infrastructure is a public responsibility. In addition to historically low rates of borrowing, the "cost acceleration" of delaying road and bridge repair increases by 500% after only two years. Put simply, a $5 million bridge repair project will cost $25 million in 2014. The time to rebuild America is now, actually right now."

The Campaign and many others feel differently about the impact of the demolitions and the potential for harmful pollution to increase in the adjacent neighborhood with an expansion. The Campaign contends that the Public Bridge Authority has failed to file undertake the proper environmental review as required by the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).  "The PBA claims it can demolish our historic landmarks and neighborhoods as it pleases, without regard to proper review and consent at the state and federal levels. They are wrong, said Campaign Executive Director Tim Tielman, "and their actions are wrong."

Three of the houses being targeted are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, including the locally landmarked Samuel Wilkeson House. It is an excellent example of the Tuscan Villa style and was home to Colonel Samuel Henry Wilkeson (grandson of Judge Samuel Wilkeson, the most significant of Buffalo's founding fathers). The house at 771 Busti is the last physical link to the Wilkesons in Buffalo.

Campaign Assistant for Special Projects Dana Saylor says, "To lose this house, as well as the other significant structures in the Prospect Hill Historic District, would be a travesty. The Public Bridge Authority Directors fail to understand the importance of this district, and their actions show only a concern with perpetuating the PBA, rather than serving bridge users and the citizens of Buffalo and New York State."

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