This building is probably the least known major art deco building in the city. It is also one of the biggest, and in my opinion, one of the best deco buildings in the city. One of the reasons I continue to add to this “favorite buildings” series is to call attention to buildings that are great pieces of architecture which sail under the radar. I am tired of the media focusing on the same 4 or 5 major architectural landmarks in Buffalo as if that was the limit of the city’s treasure trove of buildings. Even The New York Times, in its recent list of top places to visit, referred to Buffalo’s scattered specimens of pioneering architecture. Certainly, no city is made up entirely of pioneering architecture. The stuff that fits in between the scattered master works makes up the true heart of any city. This building, Kensington High School, is a great example of the stuff in between that we need to pay attention to.
Kensington High was built in 1937 as part of a jobs stimulus plan during the “last” great depression. It was designed by Daniel McNeil, who also designed at least 2 other schools in Buffalo (including another art deco beauty that I have never seen). The building is quite large, but its simple architecture and powerful lines reinforce a sense of massiveness beyond its true size. It is not nearly as massive as Chicago’s 1930 Merchandise Mart, but has many similarities to that giant art deco landmark 500 miles west. It would be interesting to know if the Chicago building was a source of inspiration.
I love the sense of solidity in this building. It almost looks like it was carved from a big block. Once you get up close, the building starts to reveal its intricate ornamentation. Make sure you take note of the boldly angular bisons at the top corners of the central tower. These are the kinds of details that intimately tie a building to its place (Bisons are very common on Buffalo’s buildings). You will find other animal carvings around the building, such as the owls staring down from doorway keystones. These may be a reference to knowledge and learning.
The school is located at 319 Suffolk Street on the northeast side. Many of the city’s most troubled and poverty ravaged East Side neighborhoods fed students into this school. For several years, the school experienced a high level of violence and gang activity and also ranked at or near the bottom of all WNY high schools academically. Eventually, the city closed down the high school. It was most recently used for a temporary school location while Hutch Tech was being renovated. I have not heard any plans for the building recently. I can’t believe that this beauty is destined for destruction, but you never know these days. Check it out if you get a chance.
More pictures here http://www.buffaloah.com/a/suffolk/319/index.html if you don’t like going out in the snow.