And What A Score It Was!
Bill Metzger's Brewing News' headquarters is incredible. After hearing about the building I decided to head over to take a look. The two buildings must be a combined 9000 sq. On the first floor the space is adjoined, where as the upper floors are separated. Much of the old interior brick has been dry-walled, unfortunately, but Bill is looking into long-range improvements that will chip away at the original appeal of the buildings. The buildings are examples of East Lake architecture that date from the 1880's. The Old First Ward building's once housed a butcher shop, a community grocery, and alleged speakeasy on the third floor (affiliated with Simon Pure Brewery). When Gerhardt bought it the building was filled with old examining rooms from the Sisters of Mercy outpatient hospital clinic (Mercy Clinic 10-15 years).
Then Gerhardt sold it to Bill... and what a building it is. There are a few of the original exposed details left intact on the floors that housed the speakeasy. Bill says that he wants to keep as much of the remaining details as they are... obviously there is work to be done. This is a building that would be a prize for any city to have in its architectural portfolio. It's in amazing shape (exterior) and is a total showstopper from the road. When I first heard about the transaction I never expected such a find at the end of the road.
It's good to know that another grand old brick building has found a new role in life. By the way, Bill and his staff just happened to be celebrating their first day in the building today!
Gerhardt also has a warehouse/office building combo behind the Larkin building for development/lease/sale. It’s a former bowling alley and tavern turned into office space and warehouse, which would be great as a creative loft space and/or office. For further information contact Gerhardt at 716.432.6385.
What Others Have To Say
What Do You Think?
Related Articles
-
The Wait is Almost Over - BR's New Site
As we mentioned in our previous post, we’re in the process of changing the Buffalo Rising site. We’re almost there as we expect to launch the new site on Friday, December 19th.
In the meantime, posting will be light as we log new stories in the new publishing system which will only be viewable when we launch on Friday.
As always, we appreciate our users’ patience as we make this transition but we promise it will be well worth it. With faster load times, a comment view … - Dec 18th 2008, 11:32am
- Continue Reading
- 5 Comments
-
A Kennedy Visits Buffalo
Caroline Kennedy was in town for a visit with our mayor yesterday. A possible choice to succeed US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Kennedy's name has been mentioned along with that of Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (son of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo) and our own Byron Brown, among others.
Certainly, Kennedy has "been around politics" all of her life, which is to say she was born into a family of politicos and lived in the White House--neither of which would necessarily f … - Dec 18th 2008, 7:55am
- Continue Reading
- 32 Comments
-
Downtown Free Fare Zone May be Axed
Free light rail rides on downtown's above ground section could be derailed thanks to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's budget mess. That is the news coming out of a Buffalo Place meeting this morning. Facing a budget shortfall and reduced State operating assistance, the NFTA is scrambling for new revenue sources and is contemplating charging for rides along the lengthy downtown pedestrian mall.- Dec 17th 2008, 4:40pm
- Continue Reading
- 48 Comments
-
The NFTA Santa Ride
Well it is Christmas time in the city and the NFTA helped put people and especially children into the mood in a very festive and fun way. One of my favorite memories of childhood was taking the train downtown with my grandfather. I would gaze out the windows and watch the tunnel speed by. It always felt like we were going a million miles an hour.
Then there was the ability to stand up and walk around during the ride without the need to be strapped down. It was always a fun time … - Dec 17th 2008, 4:34pm
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
Comment Options
carlmalone
Wow. With the proximity to the Larkin Building, what a wonderful opportunity to buy these properities, get a demo permit, execute, and build a 10 story high rise mixed-use high rise to the curb. Maybe we could even get light rail to run out to there and then continue up to Watertown to serve.
Report this
Hospitable
lol.. seriously though.. what character.. what a building
Report this
kahawa
Wouldn't it be great to have those brick infill panels removed on the first floor and the storefront windows restored?
Report this
benfranklin
Is it possible the building on the left is older? I have a buidling with similar construction in Allentown. While doing some work on a wall we recently found a receit dated 1852. I'm speculating, but I think the first floor brick work was added later to tie the two buildings together.
Report this
buffcitygirl
Hooray!!!! Just another fantastic article to send out of town to the nay sayers who left years ago. I know they secretly want to come back. Thank you to another smart investor! Thank YOU!!!! And please don't knit pick this one to death...please. Let's just see how it goes. Enough of the two cents that I wouldn't even give that for. Leave a message on the person's profile if you want to bantor. That's what it's for...OK? Please?
Report this
Joshua
What absolutely awesome buildings. Some of the details, such as the lights and the brick work is great! Even if these two buildings were not originally connected, at least there was an attempt to make the two look similar.
Report this
sbrof
Nice buildings, something I have never seen before. It is always nice to see new things even after 25 years roaming around the streets.
Report this
thisoldcrackhouse
Take a walk through this neighboorhood, stop at McCarthy's. Great old industrial landscape starting to re-awaken. Homeowners here take pride, terrific old Catholic church (still open,no parking lots!)
Report this
BetterThanDetroit
Smart purchase fellas!! Best of luck to Bill in your new digs!
Report this
August
Great job guys! Gerhardt, I like what you are doing for the Old First Ward of Buffalo, and in particular, this re-use of this building. Perhaps, this is an example of why you have so many friends in the First Ward. Thus, I can see what happens finally when you are known to still clean the streets (South Park/Hamburg) with an old push broom in an old world style. Great guy you are. And for Mr. Bill Metzger, you are the true hero here! Thank you, and your entire staff for your creative vison of the new Buffalo Downtown. Finally, let us wish you all the best for the new year, and good luck with your beer stories.
Report this