This odd building at the north west corner of Richmond and Connecticut has fascinated me for a long time. It is composed in a jumble of assorted towers and peaks which step along Richmond to fill the property. It is not one of Buffalo’s more refined buildings and has been somewhat abused over the years. It has been painted dull gray as long as I can remember and sports a multitude of roofing materials. Several windows have been filled in ands it is covered with conduits and cheap upgrades. I am sure it has been cut up into a as many small apartments as they could cram into its walls.
It was likely an elegant apartment building in earlier days. Seen from the air it actually looks like it could have been a series of townhouses. Richmond was built up as one of Buffalo’s premier residential streets so it is almost certain that this was once a very desirable building. I would bet that a lot of elegant detailing has been stripped away. It probably had a series of porches and balconies along Richmond. There is a gorgeous little segment of original porch rail at the back side that hints at what has been lost.
Today the building sits awkwardly on its prominent site and I am sure many think it is a bit ugly. But with vision and the right owner this building could be a real jewel and a gateway landmark at the head of a quickly re-emerging Connecticut Street. I can dream can’t I?
Images from Google Maps