By Brett deNeve:
As most of us know, the Public Bridge Authority has recently demolished a series of Busti Avenue houses. More old news, Buffalo ReUse got there right on time and salvaged artifacts from said houses. What is noteworthy is that they still have them.
Prospect Hill neighborhood representatives attempted to fund the purchase of these artifacts in an effort to keep them in the neighborhood, or at least in Buffalo. These plans never solidified, making the items available for sale to the public. Legendary English art critic John Ruskin once said “When we build, let us think that we build forever.” This quote, from his 1849 publication entitled “The Seven Lamps of Architecture,” resonates most in the hearts and hard-working, callused hands of those who keep pieces of architectural history alive.
However, like any viewpoint that’s 164 years old, a little adjustment may be required to make it applicable to the new age. Maybe the quote should be more along the lines of “When we build, let us hope the Public Bridge Authority does not require more lanes for commercial trucks to pass through.”
Whatever the case may be, Ruskin’s mentality can be found in full bloom tomorrow, via Buffalo ReUse’s unloading efforts, at el Museo Gallery, 91 Allen St., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you own, design for, or restore Buffalo’s buildings, definitely come out and get your hands on some select authentic Buffalo architectural history.
Tickets are $25 per person and will be available at the door. Funds raised are to go towards Buffalo ReUse for fire proofing work, which the organization must comply with in order to reopen on East Ferry (see event details on Facebook).