There’s a glimmer of hope for the Summit Building. No, it is not from the ever-increasing hole in the building’s roof. The City is applying for Restore New York funding to help save the historic property at 918 Main Street in the Allentown Historic Preservation District. State assistance would be used for internal demolition work and façade restoration.
The four-story, Richardsonian Romanesque masonry building is located next to the Red Jacket Apartments, south of Allen Street. It is a former carriage factory built in the 1880’s and designed by Cyrus K. Porter, a well-known Buffalo architect. While the front facade is intact, neighbors report the roof started collapsing over three years ago and City officials acknowledge the deteriorating structural condition of the building is ‘very serious.’
Last fall, Greanleaf Real Estate purchased the building next door at 916 Main Street. The real estate management and development company has not announced plans for its three-story building.
“We continue to work on a feasible project,” says Greenleaf General Manager James Swiezy, declining to say whether he is working with City officials on a plan to redevelop both properties.