-by E. Frits Abell
I am frustrated, confused and in need of direction. My quandary lies in the fact that while I care deeply about the state of architectural preservation in Buffalo, I am an "outsider," an "interloper" (I moved away from Buffalo in 1990) and I don't know exactly where to channel my feelings.
Interestingly, I met a woman in NYC recently who badmouthed Buffalo in one breath, and then immediately commented, "but I do hear Buffalo has amazing architecture" in the next statement.
Is anyone paying attention to this statement (other than preservationists)?
Buffalo has few resources that draw positive national attention. Therefore, why do we continue to allow our heritage, and our future potential, to be demolished and to die by neglect? Why are we not saving buildings today for future use tomorrow? Why are our leaders not doing everything in their power to create a plan to fortify preservation?
Here are some reasons why, or so I have heard. Many find preservation an elitist sport. Many view that a building should not be given equal precedence to humans in need. Others simply do not have the education on the richness and history of our architecture. This-was certainly true in my case - I grew up near Delaware Park and had no idea who Richardson or Olmstead and Vaux were. I lived across the street from a Frank Lloyd Wright house and had literally no appreciation for, or understanding of, the architectural significance of the structure.
I build businesses for a living and it is clear that no matter what one thinks of preservation, we have a core asset which we are not effectively leveraging: one of the richest, and most affordable, resources of architecture from the 19th/20th centuries in all of North America. Maybe even the World.
Unquestionably, Buffalo's architecture is one of the city's chief tools for revival (disclaimer: many smarter, more experienced urban planners and preservationists have informed me of this, so I don't take credit for this concept). Take note of the increased tourism to visit our Wright buildings, the national attention we are getting by hosting the National Preservation Conference 2011, and the historical lessons that can be told in reference to our Larkin District or H.H. Richardson complex. Cities from Charlotte to Miami would give their left arm for 1/10th of this rich history.
It tears at my soul to read of an East Side church that is to be dismantled, in the name of preservation, and shipped off to Atlanta. It enrages me to hear that our local governmental officials will not enforce more strict codes on absentee landlords who demolish buildings by neglect. It befuddles me that people still want to "pave paradise and put up a (surface) parking lot" and that they cannot see the business potential behind saving our architectural heritage.
I first became engaged in Buffalo's preservation dialogue five months ago; my interest was sparked when I learned of the critical situation of the Statler and I rushed in to support the fight for preservation of the storied building.
I stayed up until all hours of the night reading about the incredibly rich history of the building, from the many jazz musicians who got their start at the club in the Statler, to the founding of Zonta, the first women's professional organization there. The situation lit a sense of urgency within me to do what I could add constructively to the "Save the Statler" dialogue.
I helped craft emails. I reached out to developers and preservationists throughout the state. I rallied a small group of dedicated fellow expats together and we founded the Buffalo Expat Network to institutionalize the "harnessing of expats' passion for Buffalo."
Though BEN's mission has grown to encompass many other foci, I remain incredibly passionate about the state of architectural preservation in Buffalo. In talking with an increasing amount of expats, I would safely say that it is a significant area of interest by this group.
So what can I do? How can I help trigger, or contribute to, change as an outsider? Financially support the current preservation efforts/organizations, such as Preservation Buffalo Niagara or Campaign For Buffalo? Maybe, but that would not move the needle.
I am a networker and like to bring people together- that could be one of my greatest contributions to the cause. I envision, and have started to talk with others about a Preservation Summit to pull together the key players working in, and concerned about, preservation. The Summit's mission: to map out a stronger, more cohesive and visible preservation movement. It seems logical to me that in a city with dwindling resources there would be greater collaboration and sharing of best practices. We could even establish more of a "divide and conquer" paradigm. We could start to be more strategic as a preservation community, and move away from being reactionary.
Maybe my frustration lies merely in the fact that I am an "outsider" and that I want BEN to do more to help (we do have an increasing international cadre of preservationists/urban planners to leverage-so let's use them!) But, in speaking with others "on the ground" in Buffalo, I know that I am not alone in these feelings. People want to do more, vent their rage about this situation which has persisted for far too long. Some are willing to expose negligent owners, some want to start letter campaigns, and some talk of a revolving preservation fund. Others want to simply be heard: "this is our community's asset--don't mess with it!" Whatever the end goal, it is certain that there are more of us out there that are not certainly engaged in the fight for preservation in Buffalo.
So, if given the opportunity, how would you like to help fight the good fight?
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E. Frits Abell was born and raised in Buffalo and now lives in New York. He is one of the founders of the Buffalo Expat Network that was featured in the New York Times on Thursday.
Demolished building images by Chuck LaChiusa.
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Interested in continuing the discussion? A Google Group, Allies in Buffalo (Architectural) Preservation, has been launched to brainstorm ideas and increase dialogue amongst the preservation groups and others interested in saving Buffalo's architectural resources.
Another view of Buffalo's architecture.....
http://www.filthybuffalo.com/?p=220
Really? is that the most constructive you can be towards this dialogue? I have a hard time seeing your point and/or determining what value you add. Also, your "Buffahoes" feature is pathetic. Just sayin'.
from your 'about' page:
"Mad that every time it snows some hack from The Weather Channel shows up and further cements our image as a barren, snowy wasteland."
please explain how urban decay porn supposed to uncement our image as a barren, snowy wasteland.
Terribly sensitive, aren't we? Are the photos cherry picked? Yes, we all know that. Are they dishonest in any way? No. The same goes for the slideshows STEEL does except he cherry picks the (far scarcer) pretty ones.
A lot of people sit on BRO all day doing the feel-good thing. Sometimes that gets great stuff done (see: Powder Keg). Usually, it doesn't. These people at filthywhatever do the b**ching thing. That doesn't make them any more or less apathetic, effective or constructive than any of us here at BRO.
You read their "about" page as incompatible with their content. I read it differently. Looks to me like not only are they calling it like it is, they're doing it with a sense of humor. And frankly, that's something that's too often missing from the pages of BRO where every park bench installation and new coat of paint is cause for celebration and extensive analysis.
LFR: I thought the slideshow was cool and I LOVE that song. Every building saved by a developer (with or without tax incentives...grumble grumble) is a huge victory for all of us. But jeebus, people, look around!
Travelrrr: As for the "Buffahoes" feature, get a grip. She's hot. I'm glad she's from Buffalo (vapid though she may be in person).
Grad94: I see a HUGE difference: The Weather Channel comes here to exploit a snowy spectacle for their nation-wide audience. They couldn't give a hoot about Buffalo. It looks like this filthy site has only a few posts so far but if their "about" claims are genuine (a big IF) they might yet be of use.
Alright everyone, back to patting each other on the back.
congratulating yourself for your naughtiness is hardly an improvement over those you can't stand who congratulate themselves for their virtue.
I like that. I also have no beef with the sentiment. But let's be honest, naughty is way more fun.
Besides, since when is it about virtue? Even if it is, comments on a blog are no measure. Action is.
okay, so you protest blog comments by starting a blog. certainly makes you part of the problem rather than part of the solution, doesn't it?
Sorry, I was out on the lake drinking and enjoying a gorgeous sunset. Did I miss something while I was gone?
I never "protested" blog comments. Do you see what you're reading? It's a blog comment. A blog comment written by me. I comment on lots of blogs. What I don't do is go around to various blogs unilaterally drawing nonsensical lines in the sand. I realize that back in 1994 when you graduated from ECC [or whatever] there was no such thing as the interwebs. Just Nirvana. And flannel. And Pedro from the Real World, San Francisco. But this is how it works. We're all entitled to an opinion [and an avatar]. When you get fired up for no apparent reason (oh no! ugly houses on youtube posted by mean people!) I too get fired up and start posting comments to blogs. It's a beautiful, albeit vicious cycle.
Ok. So did that make sense? No. Just like your assertion.
Next Issue: I wish I had the time and patience to start a blog. Unfortunately, my JOB has a majority stake in my day to day. As a result, I'm left to occasionally lash out at nincompoops like you on blogs like this. Shoot, come to think of it, if I could make actual money (or an actual difference) blogging, I'd do it in a heartbeat. If only to keep sheeple like you at a steady boil.
I'm not "part of the problem." I AM the problem!
"if I could make actual money (or an actual difference) blogging, I'd do it in a heartbeat." Honestly, Lofty (and, that is a REAL stretch for a name), I would not quit your day job. Your approach, dictum and style are neither compelling nor insightful to read. And, you truly have no (perceivable) point to your "blog".
You come across as a teenager who is acting out for the first time, and thinks that you have re-invented the wheel, while, in reality, everything you are doing has been done before...except better.
I am for dissension and controversy like the next guy-I really am. However, you need to up your game-your approach is really bush-league and, well, moronic. Get a thesis. Study what has already been done and do it better and with some originality.
Right now, I can assure you that no one will pay to read your drivel, and no right-minded advertiser will associate their brand with your wasted breath. So, no, don't quit your day job.
i was thinking 'puerile' but 'moronic' will do.
Incidentally, my name comes from my place of residence. See, I live in a loft. With a view.
When I returned to Buffalo a couple of years ago all full of p*ss and vinegar and ready to change the city for the better, I ended up in a gorgeous building brought back from the brink. I was (and am still to this day) proud to be living/eating/drinking/shopping downtown.
What you have done with that name is classic internet. You've projected your interpretation onto something as simple as a user name in a blog comment section. Let's call this your second lesson on the idiosyncrasies of the internet.
As for the critique, all I can say is, THANK YOU. That's exactly what I'm going for. Based on your review of my writing and the tell-tale compulsive replies you've been posting, I'm thinking it might be about time to start that blog after all.
Take a look around the web at some high-traffic blogs (gawker, jezebel, wwtd, dlisted). I think you might struggle to find a "thesis" for any of them -- BRO included. You'll also note a great deal of overlap in content, style and...dictum. They're blogs. They take broad themes like, I dunno, dining, entertainment, events, real estate (look familiar? good b/c it's from the BRO header...) and spout off on said topics as they see fit. Lesson three, complete.
As for getting paid, I think I just saw that Perez Hilton (the worst example of web-based garbage-spewing I could come up with) got a $20 million dollar offer for his site. Methinks you're not the authority on blog valuation based on ad revenue.
Look, my initial response to the ad hominem attacks on Let Freedom Ring were not meant to incite the foaming-at-the-mouth BRO defenders. My only point was that BRO doesn't have a patent on some secret recipe for effective community activism. On that you'd have to agree. But then came the nasties and the assumptions and the feces flinging. And I fling back.
Maybe I can start a blog with the thesis, "Irrational anger among blog commenters who don't agree with other blog commenters." You guys can write all the content for me.
Oh boy, some awesome-clever geniuses have FINALLY brought snark to Buffalo!! Thanks 'lofty' and 'Filthy'! you are all so damn clever! AND you live in a loft! Cool!!!! It is interesting that while every other blogger in town puts their name on their work 'Filthy' hides behind a load of ripped-off language and tired cynicism. Boorring! Um, we all read the Onion, ok? AND Perez. AND Gawker. Who, by the way, all sign their names to their work. AND got on the bus ten years ago. AND are actually so much cooler in their self-importance. But don't let that discourage you, 'Lofty', surely there's room for one more $20m cynical blog! Especially one that uncovers the TRUTH about Buffalo. Right. Btw, it's not as if we all don't know where we live, k? Do all of us a favor and go back to Boston. This town suffers from enough cartoons. And right on Frits, your article, regardless of the silly attempt to hijack it, is thoughtful, intelligent and contributes to a progressive dialogue. The rest of the comments speak to that. Well done and thank you.
Frits - Great job. I know what it's like to watch in horror from afar. If you can manage it without becoming cynical, more power to you. Agree with the sideshow that developed here or not, you're doing good stuff. Keep it up.
1962 - Boston? Ouch. I take that personally.