I'll be keeping track of some of the beautiful homes and places here on the City's East side. While most of these places are in Artspace's backyard, I'll be including numerous locations through out the East side that capture the beauty that is frequently overlooked. No vinyl here. But if that's what you like you can find it in - My Vinyl Collection. Instead, I'll be focusing on homes that resonate with craftsmanship and charm.
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq • my flickr
Welcome to the best collection of "Vinyl Victorians" in Buffalo, NY. If you're an urban hipster looking for a few laughs, or an architect looking to spot your colleagues mistakes, look no further. Or, if you live in the 'burbs and don't know better, get a life. If you're the builder or developer of these mistakes, simple - "Stop building crap!"
Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin: Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. Mcguire: Plastics.
I'll be adding to my vinyl collection and critique of "Vinyl Victorians" on a weekly basis. I hope to have an expanded critique of these homes and the culture that creates them, soon. Yes, that means a Wikipedia entry for "Vinyl Victorians." If the houses are vacant and owned by some agency, I'll provide the address and name of the builder. If these homes are privately owned, I'll show some restraint and post the picture along with a very general location, no specifics.
This will be a weekly event. Comments already are hot. If you have some favorites, send 'em in. I'll make 'em available.There is an antidote to this vinyl madness, see Small Red House.
- September 23, 2006
- September 26, 2006
- October 1, 2006
- October 14, 2006 - Problems in Vinyl Land
- October 22, 2006 - Sweet (Street) Vinyl
- October 30, 2006 - from "Vinyl Alley" - two time loser
- April 2, 2007 - "Hummerville"
- January 12, 2009 - Is Vinyl Final?
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq • my flickr
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq • my flickr
Today's Buffalo News - see story - brings more bad news for the City of Buffalo. I've been following the story over the past year in the Annals of Neglect.
Pictured below is the Bishop's residence at 79 Oakland Place and the former Transfiguration Church, that's literally falling down. It's owned by a local attorney, William Trezavant and his mother Pauline Nowak. It has become the symbol for neighborhood activists and preservationists as they seek attention and awareness regarding the pending closing of additional diocesan builings mentioned in today's Buffalo News.
click to enlarge
Seems clear to me. If Bishop Kmiec was seriously interested in Buffalo and the long term viability of the Buffalo Diocese, he would vacate his Oakland Place residence (highest assessed single family home in Buffalo - $960,000) and immediately move into an abandoned rectory on the City's East side. The power of example. Simple.
Meanwhile as the Diocese continues to turn it's back on the City of Buffalo and the magnificant architectural legacy...it offers newly constructed McChurches to non-European members of the Diocese.
Pictured below is the Bishop's residence at 79 Oakland Place and the former Transfiguration Church, that's literally falling down. It's owned by a local attorney, William Trezavant and his mother Pauline Nowak. It has become the symbol for neighborhood activists and preservationists as they seek attention and awareness regarding the pending closing of additional diocesan builings mentioned in today's Buffalo News.
click to enlarge
Meanwhile as the Diocese continues to turn it's back on the City of Buffalo and the magnificant architectural legacy...it offers newly constructed McChurches to non-European members of the Diocese.
Note...if you are interested in seeing first hand wake of destruction left behind on the City's East side last time in the mid 90's when the Buffalo Diocese shut down operations...check out my Tour de Neglect...we'll be visiting three decaying Catholic complexes this summer!
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
I'll archive LISC eNewsletter here as I receive them.
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq • my flickr
buffalo olmsted parks conservancy
Michael Clarke from LISC sent me this today...lots of news about what's happening around town. East Side, too!
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 | An eNewsletter from Local Initiatives Support Corporation | May 2006 | ||
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Welcome Welcome to the first edition of the Buffalo Local Initiative Support Corporation's (LISC) eNewsletter. Recognizing that so many people are receiving their news and information online made this format and distribution method an easydecision. We hope you agree and that you will forward this on to colleagues and others who may be interested in what we do and the many community-based projects that we support. An expanded version of articles with photos may be found on our website at www.lisc.org/buffalo. Bookmark it for easy access! We value your comments and suggestions, so feel free to pass them along via our website. There have been many activities and community leaders we have been privileged to support in 2005, and in this initial newsletter, we will hit on some of the highlights. Best wishes for a happy and productive spring.
Adaptive Reuse on a Grand Scale: The Asbury Delaware Church The restoration of the historic Asbury Delaware Church byRighteous Babe Records and its principals, recording artist Ani DiFranco and Scot Fisher, was headline news. LISC, HSBC Bank, and other partners worked together providing a complex financial package to help ensure that this endeavor would become a reality. This project turned a house of worship into a house of music and artistic expression to been joyed for years to come, with the main hall of the church providing aconcert venue unique to Buffalo. The restored church is also to Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center, bringing the center back downtown,and enhancing Buffalo's strong visual and performing arts community.The organization has already seen an increase in attendance and membership in its new, accessible and highly visible location.  Though LISC provided New Market Tax Creditsfor the Asbury Delaware Church restoration, the project could not have happened without an investor to pay for the credits. HSBC Bank USA was that crucial backer, providing the equity investment for the New Market and Historic tax credits of $4.55 million. HSBC also provided $2.9million in loans to the project. The bank's total investment of $7.45million is ultimately what brought the project across the finish line.HSBC Bank USA's dedication and support made them our Community Development Investor of 2005 and we are deeply grateful for theirefforts. Read more >>>
Partnerships at Work: Belmont Shelter Corporation & Bethel Community Development Corporation The Bethel Community Development Corporation (CDC) and theBelmont Shelter Corporation broke ground on 30 single family homes nearMichigan Avenue, Dodge and Southampton Streets. The properties are being built on approximately 60 vacant lots under a tax creditrent-to-own program. Modeled on successful efforts in Cleveland, theprogram brings long-term stability to neighborhoods under going revitalization efforts and provides home ownership opportunities for families of limited means. BuffaloLISC is happy to have played a role in providing project and staff funding. Our subsidiary, National Equity Fund, provided the tax credit equity investment of $4.2 million. Read more >>>
The National Vacant Properties Campaign Comes to Buffalo  A team of experts from the National Vacant Properties Campaign(NVPC) focused their sights on Buffalo in the fall to begin theirassessment of the area's initiatives to redevelop unoccupied and abandoned properties. The Buffalo region is one of seven urban area sacross the United States to be selected for this project based on local efforts to reclaim and restore neighborhoods. Working with the AmherstIndustrial Development Agency and the University at Buffalo Institute of Local Governance and Regional Growth, LISC was instrumental in making sure Buffalo was on their radar.Their final report is expected shortly for this unique effort that brings together Buffalo inner-ring suburbs to address a common problem. Armed with the recommendations of experts in the field and "bestpractices" from other communities, we look forward to collectively tackling our vacancy and abandonment problems head-on. Read more >>>
The NFL Comes to All-High Stadium The revitalization of All-High Stadium is being aided by a$200,000 grant through LISC's partnership with the Buffalo Bills, theNational Football League (NFL) and the NFL Players Association through the NFL Youth Football Fund. The renovation will include grandstand reconstruction; new field lighting; improved mechanical, electrical andplumbing systems; and a new all-weather eight-lane running track. The grant will pay for a new synthetic football field, similar to those used for NFL playing surfaces. The LISC/NFL partnership has provided nearly $10 million for projects like this. All-High is the fourth recipient of an award for the program. Read more >>>
Public Servant of the Year:City Housing Court Judge Henry J. Nowak Over the past three years Judge Henry Nowak has energized and connected the functions of City Housing Court with neighborhood preservation in a new and very meaningful way. Through the court --supported by two aids with resources coming through LISC from the JohnR. Oishei Foundation -- the judge has created a system of outreach and education that has been effective in identifying and adjudicating long-standing problem cases. Thanks to Judge Nowak's determination to improve Buffalo neighborhoods, properties of negligent and destructive property owners have been brought into compliance with local codes, a new system of community-based receiverships for improved management of derelict properties is in place, and citizen participation in the ongoing work of the court and the city inspections process has been encouraged. Leadership for neighborhood change and improvement is always welcome and Judge Henry Nowak has provided dedication, innovation, and inspiration to the work of the Housing Court for the betterment of Buffalo and its neighborhoods. Read more >>>
LISC Marked Its 25th Anniversary in 2005 In 2005 LISC celebrated its 25th year assisting community-baseddevelopment organizations transform distressed community into healthy ones. Our Leadership Conference and 25th Anniversary Gala took place in Washington, D.C. in September 2005. The meetings and visits with members of theHouse of Representatives and the Senate provided unique opportunitiesto share the work of our community development partners with keyfederal elected officials. Buffalo LISC representatives presented an award to Senator Hillary Clinton for her support of our work. Donor Spotlight: The John R. Oishei Foundation  The John R. Oishei Foundation'smission is to enhance the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting education, healthcare, scientific research and the cultural, social, civic and charitable needs of the community. The Foundation wasestablished in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico ProductsCorporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of windshieldwiper systems. Oishei's appreciation of Buffalo was the basis of hisstrong desire that the work of the Foundation be directed to theBuffalo community.The Foundation has been an important partner for LISC's community development work. And in 2005, the Foundation's support helped LISCbecome one of only seven sites around the country to be selected for an assessment from the National Vacant Properties Campaign. They also assisted the redevelopment efforts of a faith-based collaborative on Buffalo's near East Side, and provided vital financial support for theunique and valuable work being done by Housing Court Judge Henry Nowakand a very involved group of Buffalo neighborhood advocates. We thank the John R. Oishei Foundation for its support of ourefforts and for their consistent investments in the betterment ofWestern New York. Read more >>>
Unsubscribe You received thisannouncement because you have previously provided LISC staff with youre-mail address. If you do not wish to receive future e-mails, pleasenotify msullivan@lisc.org. | |||||||
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
I know. Caveat emptor.
Please note...
Despite warnings and all sorts of red flags dealing with "due dilegence," Michele Johnson and Co. have unearthed the "American Nightmare." Here's the film's trailer...
Come and see it. Yeah, I know you thought you knew all there was to know about Buffalo, NY. Remember what Upton Sinclair did to the meat packing industry in The Jungle? This all is happening on David Franczyk's watch, our very own Common Council President and (presumptive) Broadway Fillmore resident. Shame... Systematic disinvestment. If the abandoned, boarded, derelict and vacant house isn't being 'flipped on Ebay' it's probably not really boarded and may even be owned by the City!
Here's the current listing of Buffalo, NY on Ebay and two additional Ebay listings you may be interested in, if you are from Buffalo, NY!
Don't forget 28 Eaton Street here in Buffalo, NY...it's being sold right now on Ebay by La Jolla Jewelry in West Hollywood California...!!Here's the current listing of Buffalo, NY on Ebay and two additional Ebay listings you may be interested in, if you are from Buffalo, NY!
Read the comments in the local blogosphere. Here and here via BuffaloPundit and over at BuffaloRising, right here.
Please note...
Michele Johnson will be on Koons Avenue Sunday June 4th...and will lead the discussion about the impactthe Wollenberg Grain Elevator has on the surrounding neighborhood,during the fourth stop on the Tour de Neglect Bicycle Tour...
She led the fight against a 'flipped' house at 242 Koons that was finally demolished last February. The owner's Hamilton and Lydia Woods still have not paid one penny of the $9000.00 demolitionbill that City incurred! What makes matters worse is that the City of Buffalo hasn't even filed a judgement against this couple from RedwoodCity, CA...(btw...they are community activists in Redwood City!...)
She led the fight against a 'flipped' house at 242 Koons that was finally demolished last February. The owner's Hamilton and Lydia Woods still have not paid one penny of the $9000.00 demolitionbill that City incurred! What makes matters worse is that the City of Buffalo hasn't even filed a judgement against this couple from RedwoodCity, CA...(btw...they are community activists in Redwood City!...)
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Previous tours of the Artspace Backyard Neigborhood include...
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Artspace • BAVPA • Tour d'Neglect - 2007 • Woodlawn Row Houses • faq • my flickr
the creativity exchange • CEOs for Cities
Here's you'll find a list of my posts dealing with various aspects of Coe Place - Buffalo, NY. Issues and developments impacting Coe Place are also found in my Artspace Archive. To understand the larger context please check out Chris Hawley's Midtown: Poised for Renaissance. I believe he captures the character of Coe Place perfectly:
Coe Place is the most historically and urbanistically significant street in the Midtown neighborhood. At one time a brick pedestrian pathway, converted to a residential street by a quixotic nineteenth-century skating rink operator, Coe Place is a charming, very narrow street, originally no more than fifteen feet wide, lined with a collection of close-knit Queen Anne-style houses whose singular attributes are unmatched anywhere else in Buffalo ...read the rest...
- Welcome to Coe Place - 11/24/05
- 39 Coe Place - Auction - 1/22/06
- Introducing the Hamilton Ward House - 1/26/06
- Midtown Opportunity - 2/20/06
- Saving Coe Place - Part I - 6/20/06
- Saving Coe Place - Part II - 6/22/06
- Coe Place c. 1894 - 6/25/06
- Shining the Light - 6/30/06
- Still...Saving Coe Place - 7/13/06
- Ward House Partially Secured - 7/22/06
- Ward House Secured - 7/23/06
- Coe Place...Round #2 - 8/31/06
- Round #2...Follow-up - 9/1/06
- Clean-up on Coe - 9/8/06
- More Coe Place - For Sale - 9/8/06
- Another Save - 10/13/07
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Surprised? Don't be...It's the 'Other Buffalo'
2 Comments Published by fix buffalo on 5/17/2006 at 11:55 PM.
Five days after Shawn Luchey's partially decomposed body was found in the rear abandoned, partially-boarded cottage at 51 Eaton Street, it's still wide open.
Here the pics from this afternoon...
If anyone reading this would like to join me, I'll be re-boarding this house Saturday morning, rain or shine. Please e-mail me. We can meet at the Dunkin Donuts in the Delta Sonic Plaza on Main Street, 2 blocks away at 9 am. Let me know...
30 day follow-up 6/15/06 - boards are off again, nailed things shut.
60 day follow-up 7/15/06 - boards off again...I give up...
Here the pics from this afternoon...
30 day follow-up 6/15/06 - boards are off again, nailed things shut.
60 day follow-up 7/15/06 - boards off again...I give up...
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006
Just got an e-mail from Michele Johnson about 28 Eaton Street. It's on Ebay! Auction # 4463522952. This is right across the street from the cottage that Shawn Luchey's partially decomposed body was found in recently. Here's the city's official property description: 28 Eaton Street. It's owned by Robert Ibarra and it appears as though he purchased the property from a bank foreclosure about two years ago for $7K.
Here's yesterday's picture. It's the one in the middle.
I'll take another tomorrow. The phone number in the Ebay auction reaches La Jolla Jewelry in West Hollywood, CA. tel. # 323-654-0404. I just left a message. I'll call City Hall tomorrow and find out 28 Eaton's Housing Court history.
Do everyone a favor. If you plan to buy this house, live there. Simple. Why? I'm your neighbor.
Correction: Bank sells it to Iverson Investments for 7K on 4/3/04
and next day Robert Ibarra buys it for 20K...
and next day Robert Ibarra buys it for 20K...
Here's yesterday's picture. It's the one in the middle.
Update....5/17/06 10pm
I investigated the actual condition of 28 Eaton Street this afternoon. Here the new pics...It's wide open and directly across the street from the scene of the grizzly murder...Imagine, another abandoned house, wide open...only in the 'hood! No, I did not go inside...
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
Still no news from Rober Ibarra or La Jolla Jewelry.
Do everyone a favor. If you plan to buy this house, live there. Simple. Why? I'm your neighbor.
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
The Landmark Society and the Preservation Coalition of Erie County have teamed up and formed Buffalo Tours. There's a complete series of tours to help you get to know parts of Buffalo that you may not have known about. Here's the list...
The Tour de Neglect, hosted by yours truely, and co-sponsored by these organizations, is scheduled for three times this summer. First date, Sunday June 4th...
The Tour de Neglect, hosted by yours truely, and co-sponsored by these organizations, is scheduled for three times this summer. First date, Sunday June 4th...
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Vacant Houses, Broken Promises
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Vacant Houses, Broken Promises
I read about the grizzly discovery of a partially decomposed body in my neighborhood on Sunday in the Buffalo News. I never met Shawn Luchey but she lived close by on Eaton Street, down Michigan Avenue a ways. Eaton is a two block street running east/west between Michigan and Jefferson Avenue. It's part of the urban prairie. There are no "vinyl victorians" on the street, just a bunch of raggedy ass houses and totally over grown City lots that provide meaning to about anybody's definition of blight and neglect.
click to enlarge
Eaton Street has 85 parcels. 23 are owned by the City of Buffalo. It doesn't mean much for Shawn Luchey or her three children that the rear house at 51 Eaton was privatley owned. You can catch a glimpse of it in the picture. When I called the City's third floor today and spoke with a representative of the Inspections Dept, I was told that the house hadn't been in Housing Court for more than five years. Boarded and vacant and Shawn's chamber of horrors and a closet there, her first coffin. Five years is a long time. Problem is, it's only 2 blocks away from the Artspace neighborhood. Click for map.
click to enlarge
The boarded house next door (green, rear cottage), would top the list of places to look for a body, I know. I'm not going to second guess the Buffalo Police Dept and the job they do...they are our gang, love 'em...and the inspectors on the third floor have thousands of buildings to inspect. Last time I heard Judge Nowak's docket grows longer every month. But, next door?
Most readers here don't have a boarded house on the block, I know. And most people who have boarded houses next door, don't participate in the local blogosphere, yet I'm left wondering what's behind the boards on the house four houses down the street.
I don't know Shawn's three surviving children. Someone reading this probably teaches one of them. What do we tell them about life in the 'hood that they don't already know? Suggestions?
Monday's Buffalo News, confirmed the story.
click to enlarge
55 (red) & 51 (blue) Eaton -- Cottage in the Rear (green)
click to enlarge
Most readers here don't have a boarded house on the block, I know. And most people who have boarded houses next door, don't participate in the local blogosphere, yet I'm left wondering what's behind the boards on the house four houses down the street.
I don't know Shawn's three surviving children. Someone reading this probably teaches one of them. What do we tell them about life in the 'hood that they don't already know? Suggestions?
Monday's Buffalo News, confirmed the story.
RIP - Shawn
five day follow-up, right here!
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006
Last January I started keeping track of 669 Genesee Street (google map). I was shocked to learn that 10 years ago the City of Buffalo purchased this complex of buildings - with no plan for their long term use in place, on paper anyway - and had rented it out for four, maybe five years. I thought this complex of buildings would make an excellent location for artist lofts or some sort of intentional community. It's just a mile from Main Street, great bus service, the street scape along Genesee Street is framed by the Electric building downtown and the recently renovated St. Mary of Sorrows Church that houses the King Charter School.
I returned several times last year with various "urbex partners." * I'm still amazed with the view from the roof. Anyway...here's last year's story...lots of comments, pics...etc...
The water was still running in the basement when I visited early last week. The window sashes are all gone and the basement windows, as you can see from the photos are wide open and present a serious hazard to pedestrians. If this building were closer to Elmwood or North Buffalo it would be properly sealed. So, what do we do? John Hannon, Director of Buffalo's Real Estate Division is in charge of maintaining and selling surplus City property such as this. No "FOR SALE" sign or website...come on John...
I've placed this posts on Craig's List and attracted hundreds of hits from all over the northeast, Toronto and New York City. I've called Brian Davis's office, Ellicot Councilman and requested that it gets properly sealed. I gave it my best shot. I'm done.
We've sqaunderd our opportunity to properly seal and "moth-ball" 669 Genesee Street. The question is where is the $400-500K coming from to demolish it.
Any closing thoughts? Let me know...
* Never do this alone. It's dangerous, really.
We've sqaunderd our opportunity to properly seal and "moth-ball" 669 Genesee Street. The question is where is the $400-500K coming from to demolish it.
Any closing thoughts? Let me know...
* Never do this alone. It's dangerous, really.
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Subscribers please take note. I've discontinued using the Bloglet service for sending up-dates. Seems like the guy's hobby was getting out of hand. I've switched to FeedBlitz. The service is very similar to Bloglet. I've migrated e-mail addresses and you should continue to receive regular e-mail updates from this blog via FeedBlitz.
If you are new to Fix Buffalo, simply enter your e-mail over on the right and receive digest updates on a regular basis. Let me know what you think.
If you are new to Fix Buffalo, simply enter your e-mail over on the right and receive digest updates on a regular basis. Let me know what you think.
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
A new home for Performing Arts High School is becoming a reality diagonally across the street from this City owned - abandoned, boarded, derelict and vacant - local landmark. In addtion, the Merriweather Library is now open just a few blocks away and the African American Cultural Center is just two blocks away on Masten. And we all know about Artspace, a few blocks away, too.
click to enlarge
Residential real estate is gathering momentum just around the corner in Midtown. The sale of 38 Northampton a few weeks ago and the sale of three houses on Coe Place to a local architect are encouraging. They'll get the rewards for taking risks in this Artspace investment area. These row houses were originally home to four families in 1896 when they were built. Converted to eight units 15 years ago and slathered in vinyl siding at the same time, they are ripe for a conversion back to for family or perhaps even a two unit...
click to enlarge
Artists and crafts people take note...a side lot comes with the package! Roof top patio, too! Think, one unit for living, the other for creating! A deal for $7000K went bust 3 years ago! I'll be volunteering in Councilman Antoine Thompson's office beginning next week...get in touch if you want the tour! You could buy this from the City, I'm thinking, for alot less than that.
Here's the archive about the Woodlawn Row Houses.
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
Here's the archive about the Woodlawn Row Houses.
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Readers of FixBuffalo have been following Artspace developments since December 2004 in the Artspace Archive. Great background material, photos and announcements.
Last week, while photographing 38 Northampton, an indication that residential real estate market is ripe for development, I took a few shots of the back parking lot area, behind the Post Office and soon to be Artspace complex.
click to enlarge
The Artspace project will have numerous entrances. In addition to the Main Street and Northampton Street entrance/exits, access to Artspace will also exist from Coe Place and Ellicott Street, pictured below.
click to enlarge
The map and picture over at Buffalo Rising is a bit misleading. Artspace now owns 1217 Main Street which is the corner building at Coe Place and local developer Mark Pagano just closed this week on 1219 Main the five story building. He will retain ownership of the adjacent building, where the Post Office is currently located. In an e-mail exchange with Mark a few weeks ago, he advised me that he'll be working with HHL one of Buffalo's most dynamic architectural firms to re-design the front of this building.
click to enlarge
For the time being the Post Office (Station C) will remain in Mark's building. A year ago PO officials told Mark they were planning to re-locate on the same day they held a public hearing. (Our government at work... Here's that story PO 14209 Re-Location.) While the mix of a Post Office and Artspace is really cool and firmly places this block in the epic-center of Midtown development, I'm wondering about truck traffic and parking with dozens of new euro-style artist spaces just a few feet away.
The truck traffic and parking issue were sited as the two primary reasons why PO people in Washington DC wanted 14209 to re-locate...
Last week, while photographing 38 Northampton, an indication that residential real estate market is ripe for development, I took a few shots of the back parking lot area, behind the Post Office and soon to be Artspace complex.
click to enlarge
Northampton Street view, looking south
That's Coe Place in the background!
Looking at the ground here, you can see where a one story brick building used to sit. It was owned by the City, used by the elusive John Hannon Director of Real Estate and his staff for maintenance (yeah, right...). Love to know who paid for the demolition. In any case the site is now "shovel ready." That's Coe Place in the background!
The Artspace project will have numerous entrances. In addition to the Main Street and Northampton Street entrance/exits, access to Artspace will also exist from Coe Place and Ellicott Street, pictured below.
click to enlarge
Additional views - behind 1219 Main Street
click to enlarge
The truck traffic and parking issue were sited as the two primary reasons why PO people in Washington DC wanted 14209 to re-locate...
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006
While making my way back to my Masten neighborhood the other day, I stopped here on Lathrop Street. I mean I've passed by these grain silos dozens of times over the years and took the camera out just the other day.
Cool places...
Cool places...
Just checked for the owner of record...on-line. Can't find it. Here's the google satellite image. I'll check property and tax records at City Hall, next week.
The only other East Side grain elevator, the Wollenberg Grain Elevator on Koons Avenue is owned by the City of Buffalo and is a stop on my PresCo sponsored 'Tour de Neglect' bicycle tour, later this year. Here' what that looks like...
The only other East Side grain elevator, the Wollenberg Grain Elevator on Koons Avenue is owned by the City of Buffalo and is a stop on my PresCo sponsored 'Tour de Neglect' bicycle tour, later this year. Here' what that looks like...
click image for additional information
I took lots of interior pics and wrote this piece in February 2005. Here's the back ground and information about the structure and its historic significance. The totally insane thing about the place, other than the urban campers that use the place, is that the City of Buffalo is trying to sell this property sans "for-sale sign" or web listing. Way to go John Hannon - Director of the City's Real Estate Division...
Does anyone know if "City-Stat" will be tracking City owned property?
And so it goes...Does anyone know if "City-Stat" will be tracking City owned property?
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
In case you missed the front page story in yesterday's Buffalo News, here it is...
This has been a constant battle between the shopping cart pushers parading down William Street and East Side landlords for years. It's getting worse as the price of scrap metal, particularly copper is going up...
Last time I checked, a shopping cart cost close to $300 to replace. Solution. Arrest people pushing shopping carts down William Street with copper plumbing and hot water tanks in the carts. Having a shopping cart in your posession is stolen property. Period. Grocery stores own shopping carts, people don't.
Don't believe me - on your way to the Clinton Market drive down William Street past R & R Salvage and see the parade of shopping cart scavengers for your self.
Pictures soon...love the Wikipedia entry for Scavenger!
btw...you should see what happens to aluminum siding!
This has been a constant battle between the shopping cart pushers parading down William Street and East Side landlords for years. It's getting worse as the price of scrap metal, particularly copper is going up...
Last time I checked, a shopping cart cost close to $300 to replace. Solution. Arrest people pushing shopping carts down William Street with copper plumbing and hot water tanks in the carts. Having a shopping cart in your posession is stolen property. Period. Grocery stores own shopping carts, people don't.
Don't believe me - on your way to the Clinton Market drive down William Street past R & R Salvage and see the parade of shopping cart scavengers for your self.
Pictures soon...love the Wikipedia entry for Scavenger!
btw...you should see what happens to aluminum siding!
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Living and breathing abandonment and decay begins to weigh heavily on one's soul. I spoke with a British sociologist the other day. He was in town for a seminar at Buffalo State College. He told me about a Buffalo tour he had earlier in the morning and I recited a portion of the preservation catechism and it just fell out of my mouth in a reflexive way that seemed to shock our British guest. "You know at the turn of the 20th century there were more millionaires per capita in Buffalo than anywhere else in the country." Like even before I had finished what I had rehearsed he said, "So, you know live in a ghost town, a city that's a shadow of its former self."
I was thinking about what he said while I was taking pictures again of the Transfiguration Church later in the week. I've received e-mails from all over the country from former parishoners that are shocked and dismayed regarding the current condition of Transfiguration.
click image to enlarge
I know local attorney, Bill Trezevant doesn't really care for me. He got his mother to sign and become the President of the corporation that owns this building. We last sparred in January. He ran for Ellicott District councilman awhile back and when I checked Board of Election records, none of his contributions, save from downtown law offices, came from residents of Ellicott District.
When I visit City Hall this week, I'll go next door to City Court and check on the the status of warrant for his mother and see if he's done the right thing and put up the money for Transfiguration's demolition. I'll be all over his ass if he stiffs and let's the taxpayers of this "ghost town, a city that's a shadow of its former self," pay for the demolition.
Check out the one pic. I was tipped off by a neighbor living nearby that the City's crew's were out earlier in the week with those barricades and yellow ribbon. Like the yellow plastic ribbon is going to help when more slate shingle slides off the roof...
click image to enlarge
When I visit City Hall this week, I'll go next door to City Court and check on the the status of warrant for his mother and see if he's done the right thing and put up the money for Transfiguration's demolition. I'll be all over his ass if he stiffs and let's the taxpayers of this "ghost town, a city that's a shadow of its former self," pay for the demolition.
Check out the one pic. I was tipped off by a neighbor living nearby that the City's crew's were out earlier in the week with those barricades and yellow ribbon. Like the yellow plastic ribbon is going to help when more slate shingle slides off the roof...
PS: Bill, I've picked up a dozen or so shingles off the sidewalk and side lawn. Let me know where I can drop them off. Thanks, David
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
I really think the Diocese of Buffalo is forward thinking. Get over the fact that Bishop Kmiec has the list of churches and schools that he plans to close locked away in his desk, and imagine this place at Hickory & Eagle on the City's East Side 15 or 20 years from now becoming a fast-food joint.
Anticipatory adaptive reuse...only in Buffalo.
click to enlarge
This lastest McChurch sort of reminds me of the facade just below on the former K-mart building that was supposed to be the center piece of Broadway Fillmore retail resurgence. Here's another McChurch, over on Northampton.
Click through the Annals of Neglect for addtional pictures of this insanely stupid project the Diocese is doing...
Anticipatory adaptive reuse...only in Buffalo.
click to enlarge
Click through the Annals of Neglect for addtional pictures of this insanely stupid project the Diocese is doing...
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
I was taking pics of the Transfiguration Church the other day after I was alerted to the new sidewalk barricades having been erected along Mills Street. I ventured further down Mills Street for another shot of the church and saw this...
click to enlarge
Guess 998 Broadway will be sold at a public auction in July. Or is it an old sign? I checked the CB Richard Ellis listings for Buffalo and couldn't find it.
Love the view of two of Buffalo's most prominent buildings...
click to enlarge
Love the view of two of Buffalo's most prominent buildings...
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
I got in touch with Craig Howard this afternoon from NorthCoast Online, Buffalo's dyed in the wool conservative blogger. The only Buffalo blogger who's visited this little corner of Masten and has had some choice words to say about one of my favorite posts, Where is Perrysburg?
If you've been looking for Craig he's got a new site, NorthCoast Online. Spread the word.
If you've been looking for Craig he's got a new site, NorthCoast Online. Spread the word.
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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
