Minor and Major Cover-Ups
As I watched the workers rip into the Pier One building on Elmwood today, I couldn't help but wonder why any business would want to cover such incredible transom window for so long. I never even knew that one was buried under the Pier One blue awning. It's funny... so often even a fairly nondescript facade such as this can make a statement if given the right amount of architectural respect. Take, for example, the NEO storefront just down the street. Remember when there was a terrible Vitamin City awning on the building? Now it is a real eye-catcher.
While driving down Main Street earlier this evening I must have seen half a dozen buildings (I know that there are more) that look as if they are being squandered by bad cover-up jobs. There's an old brick building that has metallic sheets slapped on it, there are beautiful old windows (in-between statuesque columns) that are boarded up just waiting for someone to replace the glass. So many missed opportunities...
It's always good to see what's under the hood of our forgotten building stock. Sometimes there are functioning businesses that are operating inside and don't want any added attention. It's unfortunate because those businesses could be located anywhere in the city... they don't need to be on a commercial street. In this photo I'm using the Pier One building as an example of a hidden surprise... there are many more, far worse architectural blunders than this around the city.
To see Bank of America's plans for the Pier One building, just click here.
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Comment Options
STEEL
The proportions and detailing of that building are actually quite nice without the awning. I never noticed the very nice brick detailing on that facade before.
Those horrid stretched plastic awnings are a plague on Buffalo.
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300miles
I'm confused by this article. Yes, I find the blue awning ugly as well, but they ultimately maintained the original facade underneath. In comparison, the new renovations are going to completely destroy the original facade.
Which is worse? Hiding good architecture, or destroying good architecture?
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Denizen
Those horrid stretched plastic awnings are a plague on Buffalo.
Tsk Tsk Steel....that statement very well illustrates the typical BR reader/contributor's lack of depth in understanding about the real issues plaguing Buffalo.
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BROKEEPSBLOCKINGME
blame Kohler Awning for the bad awnings... Oh and blame the people with bad 80's taste who buy them
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Pauldub
The real issue plaguing Buffalo is the fact that people take themselves too serious. Take Denizen. Please. I'll be here all week, don't forget to tip your waitress... Weren't those awnings supposed to be some kind of energy saving thing?
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BetterThanDetroit
that buuilding sucks. the awning is to keep rain off the window. do you underatsnd this people?
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Texpat10
That building doesn't suck. It actually was pretty cool. I never really noticed it before but it had nice art deco detailing. Some day we'll talk about how we lost this one too.
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gaustad
WHERE IS TIM TIELAMN WHEN ALL THIS IS GOING ON - ?
Tim creates a crisis when the owner of Still Water wants to put up an awning after investing over 1 mill ito restore the property, but is no where to be found when the facade of this building is bearing demolished.
COME ON TIMMY - YOU SHOULD BE PRESERIVNG THE ART DECO FACADE OF THIS BUILDING.
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ChocolateShake
Why, per the advice of the ever so cited Jane Jacobs, split hairs over subjective definitions of beauty? This vacant building is now gone A two storey new build will so be constructed per the suggested guidelines that Queenseyes argued for in a previous post on Wilson Farms.
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milkyway4679
Why can't companies preserve what little we have left of such beautiful architectural features, rather than covering it up with ugly awnings, that do absolutely nothing but shade the front 2 feet of the store? Show off the beautiful architecture.
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BetterThanDetroit
TexPat, do you really think that POS building is beautiful? It has some bricks going one way and some another...great. It's not in an art deco envronment. This isnt South Beach. That building sucks. Get over it...
Give me two solutions that would've worked in that space? I'll check back in a few weeks...
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RisingDamp666
Thank you STEEL. Those awnings spring up everywhere like dandelions. I wonder what those businesses think they impart. All I see is rapidly fading aspiration.
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sbrof
always hidden treasures. I remember when they started tearing down the false facade at the Bellisario Building downtown, where Get Dressed is located. All of a sudden to the surprise of everyone including the contractors there were some beautiful windows and columns just waiting to be found. There is beauty in many of these old buildings if you are willing to find and restore it.
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Joshua
I can't understand why anyone would want to cover up great architectural details. Anyways, it's good to see the Pier 1 building being used, finally.
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Balth
I can't understand why there are so many "cool guys" posting on Buffalo Rising. Wow BetterthanDetroit, you win, you're so right about how that building sucks, gee, without BetterthanDetoit pointing out how crappy the building is, I never would have guessed it myself. And then we have the venerable BROKEEPSBLOCKINGME; yep, spewing crap all day about how Buffalo is terrible really makes people feel great! Also, check out Meg_Bottoms witty quips, she really nails her point home on so many stories that BRO should hire her to write. THE NEGATIVE POSTS ARE DRIVING ME INSANE!
This building is nice, there is some great brick detailing that people DO NOT BUILD into structures today. Apparently from the top picture, some of it got knocked off. It is true in what they say, "the devil is in the details". Details on a building really do stand out, and make a place special.
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platt4
I'm with you Balth! They think they're "keeping BRO real" with their 'wit.' They don't add anything constructive. The only thing real about them is they're real idiots.
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The_other_mike
there is some great brick detailing that people DO NOT BUILD into structures today - Balth
Why don't architects and designed integrate creative or decorative brickwork in new builds? Is it difficult to do?
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Dan
The plastic awnings are common in Buffalo because they provide a loophole around the city's sign regulations, allowing a business to display a sign that is much larger than what is normally allowed by the zoning regulations. Sign area on an awning is determined by the area of the logo and any copy; not the entire sign structure as with an internally illuminated box sign. The rest of the awning isn't considered part of the sign area, but it effectively serves as part of the sign because it's illuminated.
Many communities are wising up, and revising their sign regulations to consider the entire backlit area of an awning as part of the sign structure. This effectively bans the obnoxious plastic awnings, while allowing more traditional, functional canvas awnings to remain.
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ILuvNickelCity
I couldn't agree with you more Balth....People need to lighten up it's a new year and it's time for some new beginnings in Buffalo...You would think they are demolishing the "TAJ MAHAL"...LOL
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BROKEEPSBLOCKINGME
thanks Balth... You're really making great strides
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platt4
Dan- Please don't tell us what other communties are doing- we need to come up with Authentic Buffalo-based solutions!
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BetterThanDetroit
Balth, when I need a low-level draftman for a project in North Tonawanda, I'll ask for your expert advice (check Balth's bio). With your three years of expereince scratching the surface in drafting, your input is very appreciated. However, I really think you should fall back kid. You haven't seen much outside of Buffalo, have you? The old Pier One building is a POS. Really. I asked you for two solutions for that property. You gave me insults. That building is a mechanical nightmare. The flat roof should tun most investers away. Would you like to draft a solution to pitch it? One day, my wishes are that you and your friend, Platt4, get it. Not just architechture, but the whole thing!!
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icecreamsub
Balth for mayor
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Balth
BetterThanDetroit: Rather than your typical spewing about a project that is actually getting rebuilt, why don't you find another project to comment on, like the hideous KFC or the tragic RiteAid. If you think that someone cannot build a flat roof in Buffalo, YOU ARE DEAD WRONG. I doubt that this building is a mechanical nightmare, and by the way, what does a roof have to do with mechanicals? If you were talking about the HVAC system or electric system, then I could understand what you meant about mechanicals. However, the roof is part of the structure of the building. Ok, theres your lesson for today, go home and stew about that, and come back at me with another insult later. Then give me some time to fire one right back at ya. Its nice having the luxury of the internet to take some time and sound everything out before writing it.
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gaustad
PLATT4 AND BALTH - YOU BOTH SEEM VERY CONFRONTATIONAL -
as an objective opinion, I think BetterThanDetroit has a valid and credible response.....you are both looking like the agressors on this one.
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BetterThanDetroit
Balth - this article is about The Pier One Bldg, not KFC or RiteAid. Do you undestand that? I'm sure your credentials are worthy of giving me lessons. Now go take my garbage out. There's a dollar bill in it for you.
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Balth
Really... a whole dollar? What is a dollar? I'm so poor, that I don't even understand money. I surely don't understand what your ranting about. You wanted two solutions for this building? There are hundreds of solutions, but heres two... A Bank of America or a Pier One Store. Oops, looks like the Pier One Store ran its course, now its time for a Bank of America Branch to move in. Now do you get it?
Thank you for your charity BetterThanDetroit, but I think my low level drafting skills can keep me afloat for a while. I do find it offensive that you think the people who take care of your garbage need charity from you. How about for a month, the garbage truck passes by your house, and lets your trash and filth pile up. Let's see how much you'll appreciate sanitation workers then.
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bleedingblue11
Hey BetterThanEveryoneElse...that's all I wanted to say
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BetterThanDetroit
Wow - you really couldn't think of two solutions for the old Pier One bldg. I didn't think so. And Bank of America? I give you a C+ for that. Not too bad for a small picture guy. And bleedingblue, I'm not betterthan everyone else pal. My screen name is a reference to the fact that Buffalo is the second worse economy in the nation; right behind the brokest city...Detroit. Do you understand that or should I hold class right here, right now? And I wasn't putting down sanitation workers, Balth. I was telling you to take my garbage to the curb so they can do their job. Now do yours and take my trash out before I take back that dollar! You can twist and contort all you want. I love how you dig your own grave. Did you eat paint chips as a kid?
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BetterThanDetroit
Problem + Solution = Resolution Problem + Balth = A totally different, off-beat problem completely irrelevant to the subject matter of the first problem. Give it up Balth. You already showed you lack of intellect. Now change your screen name and start over. In all sincerity, step up Buffalo and find solutions, not just problems. And for God's sake, focus!!
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bleedingblue11
BetterThanEveryoneElse, It was a pun in reference to your cheap garbage joke. I don't need an economic lesson.
"And I wasn't putting down sanitation workers, Balth. I was telling you to take my garbage to the curb so they can do their job. Now do yours and take my trash out before I take back that dollar! You can twist and contort all you want. I love how you dig your own grave. Did you eat paint chips as a kid?"
Seriously? Your posts reak of arrogance bro. Maybe you should consider what you're saying before you post because it's pretty clear you're the one digging your grave.
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BetterThanDetroit
bleedingblue - pay attention. Forget it - let me explain this so even YOU can understand...this city needs solutions not blog-wars. You are trying to protect a meaningless building with a semi-decent (at best) facade that's already gonzo. You have a better chance of drowning Aquaman!! Even Balth was able to add a solution for that building rather than crying that it's going bye-bye. And, don't call be bro while on Buffalo Rising Online. The acromyms get misinterpreted DUDE. BRO (the web-site one) should have one of those " I AGREE TO THE TERMS AND THAT I AM 18 YEARS OLD" button when siging on. Now go take you nap kid!
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Balth
Bravo, BetterThanDetroit... I'll concede, you win. I'll just give up and run away like everyone else because I'm part of the problem. I can't even believe that I'm typing this right now.
This is my last post on this topic. I don't have time to banter on and on about useless crap. I'll take my low level drafting skills, and my poor intellect and just move on to more important things. Keep bringing down Buffalo Rising, BetterThanDetroit, you're doing a bang-up job. I'll just focus on being part of the problem by continuing to work with the West Side GNPA, or only eating at restaurants that are owned locally, or shopping on Elmwood, or working downtown, or buying a house in the city...
Thanks for wasting my time. If you have something useful to contribute in the future, then I will have at it. Otherwise, I'm going to keep posting things on this website, because I contribute positive things to it. You should consider getting off of your pedestal, and come down here with the rest of us.
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BROKEEPSBLOCKINGME
How about that faux second floor? Is it going to be useful in the future?
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mac1234
geez! whoever would have thought one old building on elmwood ave. would cause so much bickering. We ought to be having a healthy conversation while respecting that everyone is bound to have differing opinions...thats what BRO is all about-commenting on our city with whatever opinion we have... in a civilized way! We definitely don't need these slams and personal attacks between fellow buffalonians. Com'mon guys!
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icecreamsub
I agree....these obnoxious insults just totally discredit this whole site.....
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gaustad
ICECREAMSUB- STOP TAKING YOURSELF SO SERIOUSLY
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Greetingcard
Stillwater needed the awning, for, guess what? Mother nature! The sun was coming in during the day making unbearable inside...at least that is the story I heard.
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icecreamsub
I know, I almost said it with a straight face.....the awning does suck. you can "almost" give a business a pass if they can't afford to give their facade a face-lift but even then it isn't right....but when new buildings get built with this crap it really makes you wonder what they're thinking. Probably the biggest offender though may be the stupid awning on the Statler.....at least i think they still have some burgandy awning slapped on the front (haven't been down that way in a while)... that is suppose to be one of downtown Buffalo's more notable buildings that is actually still standing and to put something like that up is a so backwards.......
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xmissanthropic
Wow, this back and forth thread was so boring. I'd be watching Springer if I wanted to hear all this trash (no pun intended) talk. I've got to leave a comment so it wasn't a total waste of my time. Chocolate Shake summed it up when he said... "This vacant building is now gone A two storey new build will so be constructed per the suggested guidelines that Queenseyes argued for in a previous post on Wilson Farms." Sounds like good news to me. Was there value in the building, yeah, but not enough for someone with money to step in before the company who preferred a shovel ready lot to it did.
This is not an environment for art deco? Our city hall is art deco. Everything you ever wanted to know about Buffalo Architecture and it's history can be found right here: http://freenet.buffalo.edu/bah/
Dan's comment was most insightful, thankyou. I sign loophole huh? Makes sense. We can learn a lot from other cities and their zoning codes. We'll just pick and choose from the best and then throw in our own buffalo flare.
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gaustad
BetterThanDet sounds very positive to me - looking for solutions ot problems and asking people to focus does not tear down Buffalo or this website.
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sayvanderlay
The roof line looks much higher without the awning. It looks like a different building.
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RisingDamp666
The roofline looks...what? It's missing a big chunk! That's a lot of ornamental brickwork to recover. Was that an accident or is this really some kind of demolition? And peering into the interior, it's clear this structure was ready to topple any day. It's gonna take weeks to get that smell of rust and mildew out of my laptop.
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BetterThanDetroit
RisigDamp666 - is that an injun word for "he who gets it"? can you believe this much controversy has been created over a meaningless building coming down or even for it havng an awning? some people fight just to fight. please know that I back up my beefs with the statistics people. i've seen the inside of this building recently and believe me, it was a nightmare. I couldnt make anything out of it. I will be glad to arange a tour for any non-believers.
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RisingDamp666
Better Than Detroit is, if possible, even better than Detroit.
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minkselm
to balth - you don't need the garbage man to pick up garbage at your house because you can just drive your double wide to the trash dump
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RisingDamp666
Oh, Balth is much more environmentally-friendly and economical than that.....he has a single-wide.
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uptownnc704
Hey guys.. don't worry.. the buildings completely demolished now. Next story please...
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