What does the future of Allen Street look like? That’s what a group of architecture students at University at Buffalo are asking. The School of Architecture and Planning students are currently enrolled in a class under the direction of Conrad Kickert, PhD. Together, they have embarked upon an exercise to determine the various directions that Allen Street could take, while taking into consideration the streetscape renovation, and numerous buildings that are now on the market.
“While the current streetscape renovation of Allentown’s commercial heart remains the talk of the town (for better or worse), you know that there is much more going on along Allen Street,” stated Kickert. “Nearby, mid-Main is set to start, Goodell Street may soon be refurbished, and plans are hatching for refurbishing parts of Days Park. Large developments like the Trico Factory and the Salvation Army site are ramping up, with smaller infill going up left and right (including the key Main/Allen site). Meanwhile, Allen Street landmarks like Nietzsche’s, Hardware, and Mulligan’s have been put up for sale (lead image), raising the question: what does the future of Allen Street look like?“
While it may be impossible to determine exactly how everything will unfold, there are certainly some telltale signs that – if thoroughly analyzed – could lead to some interesting theories. Of course there are plenty of opportunities at hand to help steer the direction of the street, with the right engagement. The Allentown Association is being proactive in that regard, supported by councilmember Mitch Nowakowski.
“My students and I are supporting the Allentown Association to answer the question – “What does the future of Allen Street look like?” We want to understand what residents, visitors, workers, and business owners think of Allen Street today, as well as to understand what they envision the future of this street should be. Allen Street is at a junction in its history, and we want to help Allentown to be informed about its next chapter,” stated Kickert.
“As a first step, the Allentown Association has launched an online survey on Allen Street today and in the future,” Kickert continued. “Questions include opinions on how Allen Street functions as a business street, how and when the street is used, but also how people experience the street, and what they would like to see for the street’s future? Knowledge is power, so the more Buffalonians fill it out, the better we understand Allen Street!”
Take the online survey
