Maybe Buffalo’s problem is its embarrassment of architectural riches. That is the only explanation I can come up with for the poor condition that this amazing building has been in for at least 35 years. Year after year I thought that someone would step forward and do the logical thing….fix it up. But instead, year after year the building became more and more run down. Buffalo has so many great buildings that its citizens can pass this spectacular edifice and not give a second thought to the severe danger that it appears to be in. It is just another dark old building, just another run down blight on the city that scares away suburban residents and attracts the “wrong” crowd, just another candidate for a Walgreens parking lot. Perhaps, because there are so many great buildings in Buffalo it is hard to see the tremendous potential they hold.
The problem is, Buffalo can no longer afford to loose its historic buildings, especially buildings like this one. Certainly there is someone who has the means and the will to take advantage of this jewel. It sits at the corner of Summer Street and Main, a mere 3 blocks from one of Buffalo’s most prestigious residential streets and diagonaly across from a subway station. One block away is Linwood Avenue with many fabulously restored mansions. Its architecture can be described in one word… “stunning”. Imagine living in as apartment with one of those magnificant corner bays. What a spectacular living room you would have with those third floor stepped arch windows as a backdrop. The massive iron brackets framing the corner entry and supporting the tower would make a most memorable restaurant entry.
This one of a kind beauty is the type of building that would be treasured in many other cities. With so much potential it is critical that this building not be lost. Buildings like this one are the key to Buffalo’s future. Here is to hoping that someone realizes that before it becomes shovel ready.