By Scott Glasgow
There have been many lively discussions around the merits and feasibility of restoration and historic preservation here on Buffalo Rising. It is often argued the poor condition and unfortunate location of much of our housing stock prevents serious consideration of renovation and reuse. In sharing the story of my project, I hope to demonstrate the potential and possibility that exists in so many of our old houses.
The photo above was taken in the late 1970's as part of my very amateur effort to document the oldest structures in the City of Buffalo. Located at 71 Amherst Street in Black Rock, the house was one of only a few surviving examples of the Federal Style. According to local legend the house had been built in 1825, and was once a part of the Underground Railroad.
By 1989 (below) the house had been abandoned and an order of demolition had been issued. Even in ruin, and though obscured by many alterations, the simple dignity and proportion of the classic design was still apparent. The house was also a key piece of a very attractive streetscape including the Arts and Crafts Style Engine 15, Romanesque Style St. Francis Church, and Gothic inspired St. Johns.
An effort to stop the demolition soon developed into a plan to restore and reside in the house. Acquiring the property proved very difficult. The order to demolish was being actively pursued in housing court. The house was entangled by a fugitive owner, second mortgage, back taxes, and water bills. After many weeks of intense and disjointed negotiations, I was finally able to take title to the property.
Restoration began with the removal of 40 tons of debris. Beneath multiple layers of modern materials most of the original construction was remarkably intact. The exterior wood siding and trim had deteriorated, but provided the proper dimensions and scale necessary for reproduction. All exterior millwork was replaced in-kind, with careful attention to the original. New appropriate windows and a reconstructed cornice and roof completed the first phase.
Inside the house, period moldings and wide plank floors were uncovered. These original features had actually been preserved by the later addition of paneling, dropped ceilings, and tile flooring. The hand-hewn timber frame was exposed and eventually incorporated into the design of several rooms. Interior plank walls were studded out to accommodate new wiring, plumbing, heating and insulation requirements.
Contrary to urban legend, no tax credits, breaks, or grants were available for the project. In fact, the back taxes and water bills incurred by the previous owner were not forgivable and were required to be paid in full before closing. By providing most of the labor, the budget to acquire and restore the house was held to about $50,000. The exterior was completed in about a year but the interior required four years more to make livable. Research has revealed the house was actually constructed between 1830 and 1835 as a tavern to entertain prospective land buyers. Claims of connection to the Underground Railroad could not be substantiated, but there is evidence that points to the possibility.
The 175-year-old house has adapted well to modern living; the space is both comfortable and manageable. There are good neighbors here. This is the city's oldest intact neighborhood, and within a few blocks there are over 90 structures built before 1850, though most are disguised behind a century and a half of alterations. Many are more modest examples but still possess the unique character and charm inherent to their very early construction.
This part of Black Rock, adjacent to the river and canal lock, was the heart of the old village. The area is small - only about six square blocks, and most of the homes are owner occupied. The Howell house (also circa 1830) is undergoing restoration, and several large commercial buildings have been renovated. We are pursuing the establishment of a Historic District and plan to install plaques to identify the numerous very early historic sites and structures.
I invite those with an appreciation for truly old houses to take a look and consider Black Rock. There are many homes here worthy of restoration that would not require a huge capital investment, all they need is a caring owner willing to recognize and restore them to their original condition.
I remember this dump and when it was restored to such pristine condition -- surely, the pride of Black Rock -- I thought it was by an organization intending to use the structure as a museum. For years, I waited to see a sign posting the hours for tours. It's an incredible restoration.
Only through BRO did I discover that this house was once again a residence. If derelict little structures in Buffalo received the same treatment, it would have a profound effect on reinvigorating western New York.