This would be an amazing spot for a hip and AFFORDABLE place like Betty's. A breakfast and lunch meeting place for people doing business downtown as well as a neighborhood place for the people living down there.

There are enough pricey fine dining options in Buffalo right now and not enough really cool and affordable options that people people can go to frequently. Think Betty's crossed with Chris' Deli and this location could KILL!

Oefor those of us who were employed in heavy industry; Howards Shoes was the place to go for steel-toed safety shoes.

Two locations, that I am aware of, one on Main Street in Niagara Falls and this location in Buffalo. The latter, I had never been in but, as I can see from the photo, their placing no money into the building iaccounting-mentalityi was held firm at both locations.

However, the fact that they occupied the building, long after surrounding vendors departed (especially in Niagara Falls), is something to be saidOelow rent or paid-off mortgage?

The Buffalo site building looks like a winner for restoration and it will be interesting to see if Iskala decides to restore the ceiling, floor and wall murals.

I love this block. Very intact and lots of potential.

Maybe whoever decides to occupy this storefront should go with an "evil" or gothy theme. Ya know, to complement Club Diablo across the street. Something like "Coffee of Doom" or "Casket Cookies". The block could be dubbed "devil's run" or something...although I don't think Catholic Charities will want to stay put in that event...

Howard Shoes is a JEWEL BOX of a space!!! Especially those fabulous swirly terazzo floors! That groovy deco ceiling & detailing! Yummy!

The big windows, the open front on Roosevelt Plaza.......what a great patio space for summer cocktails.

A "Betty's Downtown" perhaps????

Ever since that space was vacated by Howard's Shoes, I thought a diner with a cafe twist (i.e., outdoor tables) would be the bomb. Throw in ice cream and/or frozen custard and it could be a regular stop.

something with lots of outside tables in the plaze would be fantastic. American cities lake the life that a simple restaurant can afford.

It is amusing that Catholic Charities is two doors down from Club Diablo... I can't help but chuckle every time I drive by.