The Erie Freight House and other thoughts

Yup

Buffalo seems to be against progress, this project doesn't stand a snowballs chance in hell unless the current administration is ousted and the Preservationists are hog tied and gagged until the project is complete.

Letter to the editor? Of what, BRO? Thanks for the laugh.

I guess I should respond, as it is my comment which you are referencing (sorry that it "made you cry").

I was not likening the freight house architectural integrity to that of Shea's. What I was pointing out, as have others, is that preservation can be about more than about the structure--it can be about historical significance, context etc.

This is one of the remaining structures of its type located on the Erie Canal. So, yes, I find that incredibly significant (the only actual architectural significance, from what I understand, would be the innards of the building....)

Aslo, my point (counter to others claims) is that we might be better served to set up commerce on this site (markets, restaurants, etc.) preliminarily, as that would create more foot traffic than private housing. This development is fine--just put it elsewhere so that it can complement this site.

I don't mean to make you cry....but your post shows a narrow view of what it takes to make a great city.

A great city doesn't just save pretty buildings. It preserves it's history by saving a range of buildings, especially those that are unique, like the Erie Freight House.

Do you know why the Freight House is similar to Shea's and the Larkin Building and the Martin House? These buildings were not appreciated and were almost demolished. Many people like the author of this article, thought the buildings were too far gone to be saved. That of course proved to be nonsense. And we are all lucky they were saved.

And yes, someday when the Erie Freight House is rehabbed, we will be grateful for the folks that had the smarts and foresight to save it.

I'd love to see the Metro rail extended along the old right of way north of this site, eventually connecting with the Larkin District. The Nfta supposedly started an expansion study last fall, but i have yet to see the results of that study.

Show me an example where preservation in Buffalo has hindered progress?
Preservation has been the impetus for most of the progress in Buffalo.
The vast majority of projects in Buffalo have been Historic Preservation projects and those that weren't were not stopped by preservationists.
Lafayette Hotel....Termini gets it
Webb Building
Guaranty Building....Hodgson Russ gets it
Statler....Croce gets it
Darwin Martin House.....the world gets it
Psych Center....Lipskey gets it
Larkinville...Zemsky gets it
Canal side....yes we did stop Bass Pro...lol

Buffalo's visitors bureau places their entire marketing campaign on Buffalo's historic preservation.
Unfortunately no one on this blog has actually walked the Erie Freight House, been inside, researched its history. The remarks have been shoot from the hip and anecdotal.

Bottom line, the building will probably come down and I guaranty that Savarino's project will NEVER get built...Another shovel ready site in Buffalo.
Do not denigrate preservation...its all we got folks

There is a proposed food marketplace planned for canalside, not in the DLW but a new build on the faux canals. It will probably be the next big announcement, so that is pretty much out as a use for Freight House. This residential plan is the best use in my opinion of this site, it is surrounded by park (future and present) it is in an existing residential area that could really use some help and the design is urban enough. The restaurant and services will fill in as they have done in other areas.

Plow this rusted steel shed DOWN!

Been vacant for years. No one did/was going to do anything with it.

Get your shovels ready and lets start creating some life in our decollete areas!

Fast trash this project.....please...every city has blighted areas that have risen to unbelevable status....South Boston for example..20 years ago was run down...and of course there are still bad areas, but the developement of high end residential has changed the area....
This area needs this project to spear head unreal potential.....As I mentioned before, a grocery store would be helpful..but you have the rest...park areas, bike paths, green space, water access views....etc....

Awww poor M. Schifano, weepy over "having to look at the derelict hulk" and over comments that, I think, understate the case for historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Yes, you're "missing something," two big things: appreciation of our unique historical legacy, industrial heritage and built environment; and imagination and creativity necessary to reuse existing infrastructure. You don't have to look at the hulk or read the comments but spare us your tears and your idea of "progress."

The thing I find most disheartening about this whole situation is that it further illustrates the marginalization of moderate thought. Now – I don’t mean “moderate” in the political sense (although it could be applied in the overall context of this post), but moderate in the sense of tempering gut reaction with sense and patience. It seems that one must be an all for development without questioning pro-demolitionist or a preservation at all costs obstructionist. Somewhere, between the back and forth rhetoric, recrimination, and general unpleasantness, healthy debate and discussion can take place and a measured approach to progress and preservation cultivated. This is also the space I think many people that are less likely to jump into a fire fight debate reside.

I am, by nature, a bit of a packrat and lover of all things old, used, and abused. The Erie Freight House as a place is right up my alley (as the saying goes) and I believe it would make a really cool space, but (wait for it) I think this proposal, although needing refinement, is on par with the concept of restoration/reuse. Now, the tipping point in this case is the feasibility of resurrecting what has been severely neglected and insensitively modified. How much will it cost? What is the ROI if it is used for commercial space opposed to residential? Who will step up and shoulder the cost of restoration/reuse? Who or what will fill the space when completed? What are the thoughts of the neighborhood?

Sadly, in the end, for so many places, their future depends on their former and current custodians as well as the bottom line – cost. I am by no means a structural engineer, but, the last time I was on the river, which was a few years ago, I remember noting the dismal condition of this place and the twinges of anger at the city for not enforcing code (something I feel in core-shuddering amplitude every time I traverse the East Side). I can only imagine the amount of deterioration that has take place since then. With this in mind, I am more apt to accept that this place is beyond saving (really – anything can be saved with the right amount of money) in a way that does not bankrupt the entity spearheading the project.

In the end, I think we all come to this site out of the love for our city and the fight for “progress” or “preservation” are not mutually exclusive, nor commiserate of one another. Somewhere, in discussion and analysis, the best path forward can be forged . . .

They should have just bulldozed it two weeks ago at 2:30 am.

Pro-demo out in FORCE today. You all take your Wheaties or what?

The last remaining Erie Canal Freight House should be saved in one form or fashion. I can't understand why they don't just utilize the historical integrity but renovate the rest of it. It doesn't take much googling to find some very cool designs of old warehouses.

The historical significance needs to be saved. When tourists go down the River on a Kayak, Ferry, Miss Buffalo or whatever, they shouldn't be told, "This is where the last Erie Canal Freight House stood, but we tore it down for these boxy apartments" People that go on these tours appreciate our history more than we do apparently. Now it would be cool to be able to say, "This is the Renovated Freight House Apartments"

It doesn't take much imagination to see this being saved and still be used for apartments. I can't understand how people can cast away our history so easily.

I am surprised at the number of people that are adamant about saving this building in light of the proposed project. What am I missing?

With that said I do believe this project can be substantially improved with architecture inspired by its context...not rehashed historisism. And screen the parking beneath. Otherwise this project sets a great precedent for public access at the water and is a step in the right direction.

Savarino's architect (CJS who should know about such things) said that the north end of the structure has already had the second floor removed years ago so there is nothing left on that third of the building to save - it is long gone. That is evident when looking at the building from Ohio Street or from the river. According to the reports what is left there is in bad shape and not salvageable anyways.

CSJ stated that the south end of the building has been "historically compromised" by having the inside (the second floor?) totally gutted and that it was serving as an interior truck dock. You can see from Ohio Street that giant doors have been put into what is remaining of the building skin.

The middle third of the building has suffered what looks to be a total collapse. You can see splintered trusses and fallen debris from the river side and just a little bit from the Ohio Street side.

What's to "save" here? If there is nothing to restore and rehabilitate is Savarino obligated to reconstruct what WAS there?

That may a significant difference between this building and, say, Shea's or the Martin House.

Is anybody refuting the studies or the engineer report? Even the report attached to the PBN press release stops short of criticizing the observations in the reports. It probably doesn't help that the PBN press release contains a photo that shows construction that is not even there any more and that hasn't been there in years.

Has anyone been to the Buffalo News online photos page today? There are a few pics (recent) that shows the state of the collapsed areas.

Who in their right mind is going to spend the hundreds of thousands of dollars to basically rebuild that structure when there is no use for it? Buffalo is full of warehouse space (and its very cheap). Why would someone invest their money ... and why would ANYONE involved in preservation use good money on a worthless effort to rebuild this structure. In today's world are you telling me there's no better use for money (private or public)?

Everyone needs to take a breath now. This is not an attack on preservation. It's investment in an area.

* to the cynic (forgot your "handle") who said Savarino's project will "never" be built - a question - why would he (a man who's reputation suggests every dollar earned is already accounted for) spend money to acquire ($200,000) the property, abate asbestos ($? ... probably a healthy chunk, and demolish ($? ... again, probably a healhty chunk) if he has no intention to build something? Please tell me when did "actions speak louder than words" lose it's meaning?

Regarding the Erie freight house:

Originally I thought the effort to save the structure was ridiculous and found the proposed development architecturally interesting and a great addition to the riverfront. I still do. However the buffalo news today showed a picture of the interior:

http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs...NESS/121019591

A few quotes from the article:

From PBN: “It’s amazing what steel siding can cover up,” Yots said. “Underneath that is the original wooden structure. It’s incomparable.”

From Savarino: “It’s in deplorable condition,” he said. “There’s not much left there to work with.”

Now I find myself in complete agreement with both points of view. The Erie freight house is the opposite of lipstick on a pig. Totally ugly and without merit on the outside, but really cool and unique inside. Originally I felt that PBN was doing themselves a disservice by being so petty, but now I am partially in agreement. I love the timbers and latticework and can see value in saving the structure.

Of course, it's not my property, or my money, and I also see value in the new development. My hope is that Savarino and PBN can work something out and that we don't end up with both a demolished freight house and no development.

It seems to me that unless you have been inside the building, and heard and seen all of the possible plans for it, then how can you have an opinion on what should be done with this building or any others?

The picture does not tell the whole story.