Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The fire that engulfed Mulligan's Brick Bar marks, yet, another historical blow for the Allentown community.
In less than a year, Allentown suffered the loss of two historical, and culturally significant bars, both of which were right next to each other.
"It's a place where people gathered in good times and in bad, shared memories, shared laughter, met spouses, memories, and those stories go on and on," said Buffalo's Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon on Sunday. "I'm sure we'll hear a number of those stories in the coming days and coming weeks. It's been a tough year for the Allentown community, here along this strip."
This fire at Mulligan's comes about seven months after the city lost The Old Pink in a fire right next door. That fire resulted in the immediate emergency demolition of the structure.
Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski says buildings like Mulligan's, The Old Pink, and Nietzsche's are staples of the community, and remain timeless, despite the city changing around them. He feels those businesses hold deep significance for many Buffalonians, whose memories there have shaped their connection to the city and the neighborhood.
"This is an incredibly sad day in Allentown. An eclectic, artistic and beautiful street that really provides a lot to the cultural significance of Buffalo and Buffalonians is now going to be taken down, and it's really, really incredibly sad," said Nowakowski on Sunday.
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Department of Permits and Inspection Services Commissioner Cathy Amdur says efforts will soon be underway to preserve artifacts, with partnerships from the Buffalo History Museum and the University at Buffalo's School of Architecture.
"We're trying to be forward-thinking in this, and understand it's an important piece in all of our hearts. We want to do the best we can in unfortunate circumstances," Amdur said.
The fire caused around $1.5 million in damage to the building, and around $600,000 worth of damage to the items inside. City officials are planning a partial demolition, as it is still unsafe to be around.