Rebuilding Buffalo..

When the Buffalo Central Terminal opened its doors on June 22, 1929, the largest crowd the city had ever seen gathered to celebrate the event and witness the departure of the very first train. During a time when many people questioned whether life would ever improve as they experienced the start of the Great Depression, our beautiful city was thriving. The “Queen City,” second only to Chicago, was proudly holding its ground as larger cities grew up around it. Just 30 years later, as everything else bounced back, Buffalo was falling apart. In 1959, Central Terminal was abandoned, leaving just a hollow building as a constant reminder of what this city used to be. What once was a mark of success for Buffalo has since become a stopping place for vagrants and drug dealers, so decrepit and dangerous that people were no longer even allowed to go inside the building.

50 years later, the Buffalo Central Terminal Restoration Corp. has released what they call their “master plan” to restore the building and make it not only useable, but livable as well. The looming tower that currently sits unused and in ruins is being renovated for residential living, with loft-style apartments throughout and penthouses on the upper floors. In addition, the rail lines plan to be used for access not only around Buffalo but as part of the high speed rail being built to New York City. Restoring the main concourse to be used as public space, along with an Urban Habitat Classroom to further green development throughout the city, are also part of this plan. Estimated at about $75 million overall, the restoration group hasn’t yet set a timetable for these goals, but progress is clearly being made.

Developing buildings like the Central Terminal is long overdue and with so many empty promises being made to this city (the waterfront, the Peace Bridge, the Aud site, to name a few) it’s a refreshing change to see a cultural landmark restored, rather than ignored. There are so many beautiful landmarks in the city that have been left to literally fall apart, it’s impossible to drive through the city and not notice how many things could be amazing if someone took the time to restore them. Take into consideration Mark Croce’s recent purchase of the Statler and that’s two gorgeous buildings in Buffalo that could become something we’re proud of again.