Norwood (not the football player)
I noted in my recent Ashland Avenue story, that Norwood Avenue is like a twin to that wonderful street. Norwood runs just east of Richmond and a block west of Ashland, for just over a mile, and is filled with exuberant Victorian houses. Though there are subtle differences, I get Ashland and Norwood mixed up in my mind. I flip-flop between which is my favorite and which street I would rather live on. Even with the similarities there is a subtle flavor unique to each of these streets.
For many years Norwood was like the poor sister to Ashland. It was a bit too close to Richmond for many and that meant it was too close to one of the city's rich/poor neighborhood divides. Things have changed though. Over the last 15 years the Elmwood village has gained substantially in desirability and so has Richmond, Ashland and Norwood. Norwood, more than any street in the Elmwood Village, has experienced major improvement in the quality and care of its Victorians. It seems there is always a major renovation to be found on the street and there are few remnants of the dark, tired old street it once was.
When I think of a street like Norwood--and all the densely packed Victorian treasures that fill the streets around Norwood--I can't help but wonder why there is no movement to designate this part of the city a historic landmark district. It certainly qualifies on a local level and should even be considered for such a status on a national level. None of these beautiful houses is currently protected from destruction. And though it is unlikely to happen, anyone can come in, buy up a block and tear it down at will. But if Allentown is historic, why not this neighborhood? In many respects the Elmwood Village is Buffalo's most precious and delicate asset. Hopefully, the powers that be will recognize that fact and work and plan to take advantage of such an asset.
For more Norwood images click here
What Others Have To Say
What Do You Think?
Related Articles
-
The County Budget: Revenue, Reduction, Restoration, Resol …
The Erie County Legislature has approved an amended 2009 Erie County budget in a "surgical approach" by accepting the amendments approved last week by the Finance, Management and Budget Committee, but - much to County Executive Chris Collins' dismay - eliminating his previously proposed tax rate increase.
By holding the line on property taxes, Collins' $1.2 billion proposal was cut by about $9.5 million, while providing for essential services such as public safety, health, huma … - Today, 12:00am
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
-
Hoyt Pulls Funding From West Side NHS
Ever since ArtVoice broke the news about the suspicious ousting of West Side housing activist Harvey Garrett from the board of West Side Neighborhood Housing Services, everyone has been wondering: What will happen next? Will this stick? Will there be some kind of investigation? When will the other shoe drop?
One dropped yesterday. In a letter to board Chairman Ramon Morales, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt announced his intention to pull his legislative initiative funding from West Side … - Yesterday, 5:10pm
- Continue Reading
- 26 Comments
-
Sabres V Preds Game 24
Four games in 6 nights certainly marks a rough patch in a schedule, and the Buffalo Sabres showed what kind of toll it can take by losing to the Nashville Predators 2-0 on home ice.
To be fair, both teams played an uninspired game from start to finish, which makes sense when you consider that the Predators played 3 games in 5 nights. There were few exciting scoring chances on either side of the ice and the game's pace was both stilted and broken. It was likely due to the coache … - Yesterday, 4:26pm
- Continue Reading
- 3 Comments
-
Kabab and Curry Express To Open In University District
From Hoss: "Is Kabob and Curry opening at the old Mondo location on Elmwood, or Main? I haven't been to their primary eatery on Transit, but I hear they serve the best Indian food around."
Kabab and Curry will open in about two weeks at the former Mondo Video location... approximately mid-December. I understand that it will be more of a take-out operation than the existing restaurant located on Transit Road. It appears as if the Transit eatery attracts a lot of university student … - Yesterday, 4:24pm
- Continue Reading
- 9 Comments
Comment Options
ToddS
I've always liked Norwood. Always thought this was a great street with lots of colorful houses. So much character.
Report this
color
If you cross Richmond, the first street parallel to Norwood and Ashland is Livingston Street and it is also a charming street with alot of fresh energy ands lovely homes.
Report this
buffaloweiner
One only has to look at the Kensington to see that the Eastside had an equivalent of high end period homes also.
I would like to clarify though....Buffalos real historical district which is the most intact...is really between Niagara Street and Michigan. The area between the Niagara River and the expressway is largely demolished while the area between the Outer Harbor (excluding the Larkin District) and Michigan is largely gone.
Its no secret that Buffalo is 60% empty.
Which is why I would ask Buffalo Rising to rethink their limitations to the historic district somehow only being the peripheral streets of Elmwood, Allen and what is being termed the west village.
If you continue to limit Buffalos historic area to such a small area then as evidenced on Buffalo Rising, that is all you may have left....because thats all people may consider.
Report this
sbrof
I think BRO would agree with BW above that more needs to be done to preserve or save those structures all around the city that are worth saving. AKA kensington, cold springs area etc.. but unfortunately the lack of density in those areas are precisely the reason why they can not be considered for an historic district.
Report this
elias
i have alot of fond childhood memories of norwood and ashland, growing up on hudson, we would ride our bikes through both of these streets and think what a charming little neighborhood...a touch of envy, but lots of admiration...always seemed like a 'warm' neighborhood...
Report this
buffaloweiner
In reference to Montreal and Quebec and our European friends, I like the idea of referring to the terms of Old Buffalo and New Buffalo.
Designating the entire area between Niagara and Michigan as old Buffalo would focus the attention of those interested in historical structures, preservationists, etc to this area.
It would also warn developers ahead of time that this area was for infill only)
It would also provide a strong push for new development onto the eastside and south buffalo, inner harbor, outer harbor areas.
Right now what we are seeing is that as soon as the older buildings start to be preserved and add value...thats the only place new developers want to go...in effect the stability of architectural character is as detrimental to the historical nature of the community as is neglect.
Following the examples of other cities, this is something we can manage.
Report this
GDF81
Steel, I dont get why anyone would confuse scott norwood with your article.. not really funny..I love the neighborhood thou
Report this
magnum
I commend people who have bought in and renovated these old homes. Sadly, the tax man showed up to reward them for all their hard work and for helping revitalize Buffalo with a higher assessed value. We need to change the system so that home owners don't have to pay twice for home improvements; once for the repair and then with higher tax rates. Did you know that 75% of Buffalonians pay less than $1,500 a year in taxes, hence the good people of Elmwood village pay for the majority of city services and use these services the least i.e. 911 calls.
Report this
blackrocklifer
I remember how nice these streets were in the early 70's before Elmwood was gentrified. It certainly would qualify and benefit as a historic district.
Report this
pegger
I can't think of any neighborhood on the eastside that comes close to the Norwood/Ashland/Richmond area. Not one. Not even some of the fine homes near MLK Park. There are plenty of reasons in an historical context that I am sure most readers in this forum understand. We all know or should know the Humbolt Pkwy. story. But even before the city was divided, it was just a corridor of respectable houses. If I am wrong, I welcome any info concerning clusters of good housing stock on the Eastside. Having avoided the area even in broad daylight for so long, I may have forgotten.
Report this