Take a slow drive through Delaware Avenue's Millionaire's Mile, historic Allentown, or anywhere in the downtown area, and gaze at the architectural glory of our Rust Belt city.
Many of the 19th century mansions, houses, and buildings that line Buffalo's streets have been built, brick-by-brick, by the hands of master craft-workers. Aged and weathered, some of our finest architectural beauties are in serious need of delicate and careful restoration. So where are all the bricklayers? "I have been waiting to respond to that question for some time," says Mike Di Virgilio, Vice-Chair and Field Representative for Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (Local No. 3) NY. "Our organization dates back well over one hundred years in Buffalo and includes bricklayers, stone masons, tile setters, tuckpointers, marble masons, terrazzo workers, and finishers." They are alive and well, and have recently purchased through their training fund a 20,000 sq. ft. training facility on 1175 William Street, east of downtown Buffalo.
Bricklayers and Allied
Craftworkers' presence in Buffalo dates back to the mid-to-late 1800's,
possibly as early as 1869. They were several different trade unions of
craftsmen that eventually merged together to form the present organization. The
Local No. 3 NY has a 24-county jurisdiction, while the Buffalo Chapter includes
8 Western New York counties. The union has been advocating for fair wages, good
benefits and safe working conditions for its members for quite some time. "Our
work includes, but is not limited to, the building, constructing, fabricating,
erecting, cleaning, maintaining, repairing, renovating, sealing, caulking,
waterproofing, acid proofing, application of chemical products to, an all other
work to or upon walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, decks, roads, paving and other
objects or structural, building or construction components consisting wholly or
partially of masonry," Di Virgilio says.
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworker Local # 3 has played a major part in the restoration and maintenance of many architectural jewels of the City of Buffalo. Their master craftsmanship has graced the famed Frank Lloyd Wrights Darwin D. Martin House Complex, the ornate Guaranty building, the Liberty building, and the classical Art Deco architecture of Buffalo City Hall. Their work can also be celebrated in the opening of the newly constructed and nationally recognized Burchfield Penney Art Center. Though steel and concrete dominate modern construction, "Brick building construction is on the front edge of green architecture," says Di Virgilio, "Whether we are constructing, restoring, or tearing down an old building, the environmental impact is minimal. New and innovative designs are being created by architects to boost efficiency in brick building construction. Sustainable architecture/design may be a high initial expense, but long-term durability and maintenance is very cost effective. There are new products that may eventually be incorporated into the construction."
Not to be encumbered
by the revolutions in building construction, Bricklayers and Allied
Craftworkers Local # 3 is empowering a generation of highly skill craft-workers
through the organization's four year apprenticeship program. They are committed
to training future craft-workers in trade. "Currently we are conducting
apprenticeship school in bricklaying and will begin the tile and restoration
classes soon, at no cost to the public," says Di Virgilio. Need I remind you
that their classes are free, defrayed by union dues? You can check out their
website: www.baclocal3ny.com for more information.
Images: ECB
Not to start off with a nit picky item but 1175 William Street is nowhere near downtown. That is akin to North Campus students calling South campus and the University Heights 'Downtown.'
If you brought someone to 1175 William and told them that this is our downtown... they would never come back. It is a little thing but important to understand.
Outside of that, this is great. I hope that this union takes a smart approach to working with developers and government to not only push for brick but to really grow and improve in their skill. It is really a shame that costs and unions are often given as an excuse to NOT use brick. I hope that this beautiful skill could be used to inspire new generations of both craftsman and citizens.
They should really get involved with local schools to provide vocational training to local residents. I see a trade like this as something with a lot of personal pride for its members. And how inspiring would it be for a kid to learn a trade that might allow them to build something as beautiful as our historic buildings. Whatever it takes to put care, detail and attention into the construction of architecture again is a plus in my book.