This building, 85 Genesee Street, is a poster child for lost Buffalo. The block it stands on (or should I say partially stands on) is a poster child of what is so wrong with Buffalo but also for what is still possible. The building stood for over 100 years on this triangular shaped plot steadily deteriorating over the last 30 years of virtual abandonment. Just as things started looking up for this gem a tragic chain of events caused it to collapse. All that remained was a portion of the first floor.
It is (was) exactly the kind of building that adds to the fantastical type of street-scape that can be a catalyst for great urban space, a place that invigorates the soul and attracts people. Its odd shape combined with exuberant detail, quirky urbanisms (such as a curving street side stair) and its fantastic rooftop photographers skylight would very likely be a centerpiece of any city’s street scene. But, not in Buffalo! This building and the rotting block of equally extraordinary urban buildings has been a symbol of everything that is wrong with The City.
Even as Buffalo’s recovery surges forward gaining new strength, this strip of buildings except for the one housing the lonely Eddie Brady’s continues to give people who are not willing to look deeper all the proof they need that the City is hopeless. Standing guard at a main portal to downtown, this strip provides the initial impression of the city to many people including many outsiders arriving from the airport. A recent attempt to demolish the eastern 3rd of this block was defeated. Those buildings still stand as empty shells in limbo. After the collapse, 85 Genesee street stands as a ruin with just its front storefront wall remaining, its details eerily intact, surrounded by dilapidated barricades and trash. Why is this tolerated?
A Buffalo Spree article in April 2003 documented plans for this building by its new (current?) owner Jessie Schnell, an urban planner with Flynn, Battaglia Architects. Schnell has been active in the community with such organizations as the New Millennium Group and Forever Elmwood. She was a project manager for the spectacular renovation of Righteous Babe Records’ “The Church”. Schnell became involved with this building and the one adjacent at 91 Genesee back in 2000 when she heard of their imminent demolition by the city. After much red tape run-around by the city she was able to take possession of the buildings for $1. Her plan was to move the architect’s offices to the site. Shortly after taking ownership and prior to installation of temporary reinforcement a major wind storm ripped through the city bringing the building to the ground. Years of neglect had finally run its course. Schnell moved forward with plans to rebuild on the site. A concept for a new building in place of the collapsed structure was published but to this day nothing has been accomplished at the site. The buildings remain open and unprotected with extensive additional deterioration.
^”Schnell plan for reconstruction of 85 Genesee”.
Now we are hearing rumors that the remains of this building and the adjacent building are likely to be demolished in the near future. Why is this block still in this state? Why is this irreplaceable block allowed to continue its course to oblivion? This area of the city was once covered by block after block of buildings like this. Now, after many nonsensical years in which the goal has been to tear down everything, this is one of the very few mostly intact blocks remaining. The city’s own Master plan for downtown calls for preservation of blocks like this.
From the Queen City Hub Plan: Preservation Downtown: assuring the preservation of historically significant buildings and related urban fabric and districts. A preservation approach designed to use history as a significant economic development tool, balancing a reasonable demolition policy with building re-use and restoration.
Urban Design and Management Downtown: creating a quality pedestrian environment; one that is both beautiful and urban.
85 – 91 Genesee represent a substantial portion of this block. If they are removed with no plan for replacement the street will loose much of its appeal and potential. These buildings and the few remaining blocks like this one are an important key to a successful future Buffalo. Many recent renovations in the city have proven that salvaging irreplaceable and unique urban fabric like this makes good economic sense for Buffalo. Come on Buffalo take a stand for this block. Let’s get these buildings… ALL OF THESE BUILDINGS… renovated now!
street scape photo is courtesy Jay Smith
existing condition photo courtesy David Torke
Historic photo by me