Webb Building Rescue?

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Jan 21st 2006, 9:57am By West Coast Perspective

In a victory for downtown boosters and preservationists, one of Buffalo's long-vacant historic buildings could soon have a new owner. Sources say the Webb Building located at 92 Pearl Street is under option to a developer who will rehab the property. Present owner Ellicott Development has sat on the property since 1993 and sought to demolish the building in 1997. The five-story former belt and hose factory, located in the Joseph Ellicott Historic Preservation District, was constructed in 1878. Watch for a residential conversion if sold.

Any chance we can package the Greystone Building with that sale?

(Also see What's Up With The Greystone Building... and Poster Child for Demolition By Neglect)

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digulios

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  1. Dan DeFino

    0 ratings12345
    Jan 21st 2006, 07:54

    I work in the adjacent building, on Franklin Street, next to the Webb Building. Part of the roof caved in during Winter '04. Nothing has been done since.

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  2. shopitall

    0 ratings12345
    Jan 21st 2006, 10:15

    Why is the neglect problem being tolerated? It just sets these buildings up to be totally trashed so they can be "shovel readied!"

    How can this be allowed?

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  3. STEEL

    0 ratings12345
    Jan 21st 2006, 13:55

    This building must be saved!!!

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  4. bflover

    0 ratings12345
    Jan 21st 2006, 15:12

    I've often admired this building. I hope it can be saved.

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  5. M Rodgers - West Village

    0 ratings12345
    Jan 21st 2006, 15:54

    I would like to suggest letters be written to the following:

    Tom Marchese - Preservation Board - City Hall - 65 Niagara Sq. Bflo, NY 14202

    Rich Tobe - Commissioner of Community Development/Inspections & Permits - City Hall - 65 Niagara Sq - Buffalo, NY 14202

    Also, we need the support of all the preservation groups - this is the way these groups can come to the forefront and really take action before it's way too late.

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  6. BIA Mod.

    0 ratings12345
    Jan 21st 2006, 16:03

    Glory hallelujah, let a decent owner have the Webb! The Buffalo Preservation Board has consistently refused to approve a demo permit. It addressed it a year ago as per their minutes:

    http://www.landmark-niagara.org/presbd/010605.html

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  7. Glenn

    0 ratings12345
    Jan 21st 2006, 17:17

    FINALLY...

    a chance for the Webb to get out of the clutches Ellicott (let it rot then new parking) Development.

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  8. bman

    0 ratings12345
    Jan 22nd 2006, 04:36

    Nice building. Would make primo living space. I admire it whenever I go to Pearl Street Pub or a Sabres game. Supply and demand will drive the redevelopment of beautiful buildings like these and the demand is rising, like Buffalo. In a few years people are going to be scrambling for property at a feverish pace. Did I recently hear about a proposal to sell off properties for a dollar to people who will develop them (I think it was homes)?

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  9. STEEL

    0 ratings12345
    Jan 23rd 2006, 18:16

    I want those vacant lots filled on each side too. Am I asking too much?

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  10. Gio

    0 ratings12345
    Jan 25th 2006, 22:14

    No steele, I agree with you. Those lots need to be filled up.

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