Author: Mike Puma

Writing for Buffalo Rising since 2009 covering development news, historic preservation, and Buffalo history. Works professionally in historic preservation.

A group of activists concerned with the recently announced plans for a lodge building on Goat Island have come together to petition the state to revise their plans and leave the island as Olmsted intended. Their full letter is below: The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New York State, NYS State Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12224 Members of the New York State Legislature Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation We are expressing our opposition to the proposed lodge to be built on Goat Island in the Niagara Reservation[1]. We…

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The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is working to produce a mural with the working title of The Freedom Wall at the northern entrance into the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor this summer at the corner of Michigan and East Ferry. One public meeting has already been held regarding the exciting project, but another one is coming up on February 28th at 6pm in the Merriweather Library (1324 Jefferson Avenue). The proposed project will utilize a blank, concrete wall at the NFTA’s Cold Spring Bus Depot, which is made up of 29 sections. Each section will depict portraits of notable civil rights leaders…

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Buffalo East: Photography Pop Up, the first ever photography show at Saddle Up Saloon, 55 Hubbard Street, is slated as a one-night-only event this Friday, February 24, 6 pm to midnight. Featuring photographers Christina Laing, Chris Hawley, David Torke, and Molly Jarboe, Buffalo East will reveal hidden and not-so-hidden parts of Buffalo’s East Side. Four photographers, each coming from different vantage points, bring their work to perhaps the most obscure and forgotten tavern in the city. “This is the first ever art event to take place at Saddle Up Saloon, a bar so hidden that even the most knowledgeable localvores are unaware…

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Join like minded folks for another Green Drinks event on Thursday, February 23rd at 1001 East Delavan Avenue from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. . This month’s event will be hosted by The Green Machine, an affiliate company of OSC Manufacturing & Equipment Services, Inc., who is bringing their patented lithium-ion battery-powered construction equipment to our region and beyond. Their goal is to spread the benefits of using electric technology as opposed to traditional diesel equipment. Their electric mini excavators and LED light towers have zero emissions, can be charged with standard 110 or 220 outlets, operate even in below -20 degrees F temperatures,…

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In light of the continued push to demolish the historic Willert Park Housing Complex, Preservation Buffalo Niagara is reaffirming their opposition to the demolition. Below is the letter the leading non-profit, preservation advocacy group has sent to the Buffalo Planning Board. Dear Mr. Morell, Preservation Buffalo Niagara would like to renew its strenuous objections to the proposed demolition of the Willert Park Courts/Alfred D. Price Courts. As you know, this property has been deemed eligible the National Register of Historic Places, under Criteria A (property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of…

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You read that right, this amazing limestone church designed by one of the same architects of City Hall, is being offered for $75,000. That’s a significant drop in the asking price of $450,000 three years ago. The price does reflect the work the building needs, but the rehabilitation costs can be largely offset by the historic tax credits available to the building as of right. It is located in the Hamlin Park Historic District and is ready to be brought into the program! More photos of the church and interior can be seen here. St. Francis De Sales was dedicated in 1928 and…

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I was afforded an opportunity inside this pair of beauties on Broadway for sale, recently highlighted by BRO here to share the wonderful interior with a wider audience. While it is no surprise that the building requires a full blown rehab, the interior is very intact to its original layout and use. The interior hallways for the apartments were once filled with natural light by light wells that have since been covered over and speak to a different era of living. While the apartments retain much of their original floor plan, doors, trim, etc. one thing stands out; they do no…

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Buffalo Arts Publishing is pleased to announce the release of the illustrated memoir of noted African American architect, Robert Traynham Coles, FAIA. Publication of this book was made possible by a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $5,000 this past summer.  Architecture + Advocacy has as its stated purpose the continuation of Coles’ pursuit to inspire more young minorities and women to follow a career in architecture. This richly illustrated book is a success story of inspiration and hope that carried Buffalo-born Robert Traynham Coles, the son of a postal worker, through a 50-year career as an architect. When a high…

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The Western New York Book Arts Center (WNYBAC) presents Roll the Bones, an exhibition by WNY artist Tom Holt, on view from November 18 – December 15, 2016. An opening reception to celebrate the exhibition will be held on Friday, November 18th from 6-9 p.m. at 468 Washington St. in Buffalo. This event is free and open to the public. Holt will be leading a free Watercolor on Wood Panel Workshop on Saturday December 10th from 12 – 2 p.m. at WNYBAC. Pre-registration is required to participate.  Roll the Bones is an exhibit of new works by Tom Holt, a lifelong skateboarder and artist. As an artist Holt unites his…

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The Western New York Books Arts Center (WNYBAC) will be hosting their 2nd annual Liquor & Letterpress this Saturday, November 5th from 6-9pm at 468 Washington Street. The event is a fundraiser that benefits the ongoing programming at WNYBAC, which is a non-profit dedicated to book-related arts and printing. Liquor & Letterpress will feature locally crafted gin, whiskey, rum, and vodka tastings by local distilleries including Black Squirrel Distillery, Lakeward Spirits, Niagara Distilling Company, and Tommyrotter Distillery. The highlight of the evening will include letterpress demonstrations by WNYBAC volunteers and members. Guests are encouraged to participate and create and assortment of hand-printed ephemera to…

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