The most recent news regarding the Coit House (414 Virginia Street), other than it being for sale (MJ Peterson) for $399,000, is the latest effort to move the house back down to the Inner Harbor area. Current owner of the house, Gerhardt Yaskow, feels that the house’s history can be told from where the house now stands (on Virginia). The house can be moved without endangering the structure (Buffalo Chimney – a local company moves these types of structures)… so the move would be possible. Assemblyman Sam Hoyt and Jordan Levy (Canal Development Corporation) both believe that the house would serve a better purpose if it were moved back to its original location (Circa 1868 – Swan and North Pearl).
Over the last two years Gerhardt has restored many of the original elements of the interior while modernizing bathrooms and kitchen (see post). The exterior has also been repainted and landscaped. Gerhardt believes that another option for the Coit would be to return the house back to a single-family home. “All along I wanted it to be back in the public domain,” Gerhardt told me. “A museum would be the best fit. I would like to see that museum on Virginia, but if the Coit is moved, it would also be an asset to have it back down at the Inner Harbor. I want what’s best for the house and neighborhood.”
There are ongoing discussions to open the Coit to the public during this year’s Secrets of Allentown.
queenseyes
Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com