My Favorite Buildings: Sullivan? Wright?... Not quite
This tarnished gem at 2221 Seneca Street housing a Bank of America branch was originally built in 1921 as a Liberty Bank outlet. It was designed by architect Harold Jewett Cook with a composition inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's early work. You can even detect a few echoes of Buffalo's now demolished Larkin Administration Building. It is also delicately decorated with rich and colorful terra cotta ornament inspired by Louis Sullivan (architect of Buffalo's spectacular Guaranty Building).
The wonderful thing about this building is it ability to evoke monumentality in a small package. The powerful verticality of the six columns marching across the front gives contrast to a massive horizontal masonry block at the top. It has had some unsympathetic renovations over the years. The windows have been changed and partially filled in and the interior is completely remodeled (hopefully the original interior is still in there covered up by the ‘cheap-ish’ new finishes). Ironically there are some elements of this building that have remained remarkably unchanged. Things such as an ancient burglar alarm bell and some fallout shelter signs dating back to at least the 60's. Here is to hoping that Bank of America with all its power and riches realizes that it has a priceless little gem in their possession that needs a little TLC.
Steel,
About once per year, I find myself in that part of town and always stop to take a closer look at that Bank. Always wondered about the Sullivan / Wright connection. Nice shot of the soffit. It's always nice to see the original windows in an old classic Bank. The predesessor to Hopes Windows, was the International Casement Company. Because of my interest in old Banks, they sent me a copy of a 1919 or 1920 catalog of Bank Windows. 20 pages of photos of small Bank buildings around the country using their windows. I'll try & dig out.
This building is really beautiful. A bit of landscaping in front of the ramp would be a big improvement at little cost. And, may I suggest that they go a bit beyond the classic shrubs-in-a-row look that so many commercial buildings opt for?
Compart
I have a post coming up that talks about that shrubs in a row issue
Bank of America seems to have a big interest in revitalization projects nation wide and i think if this issue was brought to there attention they would jump into it.
I work for Bank of America at the South Park Avenue Banking Center, and was just in the Southside branch yesterday - The original ceiling is still in place and is hidden by drop ceilings - the original cary safe vaults are also in existance and are beautifully maintained - I know that the company has plans to renovate the banking centers within the next 7 years - hopefully these two centers can be restored to their original classic styles - maybe with the right publicity, we can spark the interest of corporate B of A.
Its missing some FLW inspired planters and exterior lighting....that would help the building and the neighborhood alot.
I wish this city would get off its collective arse and get some momentum into the Richardson and rebuilding the Larkin Administration Building. Practically every other FLW project in Buffalo is nearing completion...its the perfect time to put their attention into fundraising to rebuilt the Larkin.
About ten years ago someone, maybe the Preservation Coalition, tried to landmark this building and the then-councilmember from South Buffalo made a big deal out of voting no by waving a copy of "Business First,"as if preservation stymies economic development. It was disgusting.
As has been beautifully documented by BRO, preservation has been our *only* meaningful economic development.
Kudos to the BRO staff..It is an interesting look at developments and happenings in Bflo.I bought a condo in Allentown and can look at my window and see some featured changes.
Thanks for a post about South Buffalo that's not related to old-school Buffalo politics, taverns or ethnicity. Even though I'm a North Buffalo/Northtowns native, information about South Buffalo that doesn't have a Jimmy Griffin-like flavor is much appreciated. It's a much-forgotten part of the city, and I'd really like to see more coverage of the area on BR.
Cool building. Wouldn't count on B of A doing anything. In the Village of Hamburg we have a similarly beautiful building that is unfortunately covered over in fake peeble panels. B of A has refused to do anything despite our repeated efforts. So much for B of A's propaganda about being community minded and in favor of downtowns. Good luck.