Crews are, at this moment, working on removing unsalvageable components of the Old First Ward’s historic Cooperage building. This news might at first appear to be a bad omen, but fortunately that is not the case. Next week, an announcement will be made that preservation efforts will ultimately save most of this structure. Apparently, moneys have been secured in order to launch a six-week shoring up process that will ultimately make the Cooperage a candidate for a loft conversion. It was not long ago that we saw a neighbor to this property, McBrides Tavern, come crashing down. Many have been surmising that The Cooperage might see that same fate.
A second stroke of luck is scheduled to fall on the heels of this report. I understand that additional moneys are being secured to renovate a series of 25 genuine waterfront lofts. Details on the loft project may be announced as early as next week. It was not long ago that news reports began to circulate that The Cooperage was beyond saving due to sections of the building that had collapsed.
Fortunately, the much of the building is salvageable and will stand to see a second life in the form of living units… all right on the Buffalo River and the Ohio Street bike path (and soon-to-be Festival Park).