Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Efforts continue towards trying to save the historic Great Northern grain elevator from emergency demolition at the hands of its owner Archer-Daniels-Midland in Buffalo's "Old First Ward".
Back on July 5, more than six months after a windstorm caused significant damage to the North wall of the grain elevator, Justice Emilio Colaiacovo ruled to lift an injunction in place that block the emergency demolition of the 1897 structure.
According to Justice Colaiacovo, he says then-Commissioner of Permits and Inspections for the City of Buffalo, James Comerford had a rational basis to act within his authority to order the demolition of the grain elevator. While the building has historic interest, Colaiacovo ruled it cannot survive with a huge hole in its North wall.
The order and decision by Colaiacovo goes into effect on Aug. 12, where at that time, ADM and preservationists like the Campaign for Greater Buffalo will have to respond to the order. Director of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo, Tim Tielman says the group fully intends to appeal the decision, in which case, they'd have a preliminary injunction pending the outcome of the appeal.
Tielman and the Campaign even took the time to pen New York Gov. Kathy Hochul later that week in an effort to convince New York State to step in and buy the grain elevator to ensure the long-term future of the Buffalo landmark by restoring the structure as part of an expanded State Park.
Related
While preservationists and other government officials have expressed their hopes of the restoration and preservation of the Great Northern, others in the public are also hoping to see the historic structure saved.
"I think they should save it as part of Buffalo's history. It's a landmark, it's not anything to be torn down," said Lisa on the Great Northern. "Just because it could use some work doesn't mean that you should always tear things down."
"It's been around for hundreds of years. It'd be cool [if they could do] something like they're doing [at RiverWorks]," said local resident Mike. "Why knock it down? You can never build it again. [Someone] should save it."
When asked about the future of the Great Northern grain elevator, a number of people felt the structure should be saved due to its history. In addition, others feel it could be revitalized similar to how RiverWorks and Silo City were transformed over a number of years.
"It's always cool to try and preserve history," said RiverWorks worker Cole. "It kind of fits the vibe around here. There's a lot of old buildings with a lot of history, so I think it's cool to have that and kind of keep that preserved."
There were a few local residents who would rather see the building preserved, but know that if it is not structurally sound, it may need to come down.
"I think it could be saved if it's safe enough," said Michaela. "I mean, if it's a big danger to anyone there, I would say tear it down. But if you can save some of it, why not save what you can?"
"They should sell it and let somebody fix it, because it's historical," added Louise, a resident visiting RiverWorks. "It should stay there. Just remodel it. Can't be that hard."
While many people were in favor of saving the Great Northern and trying to preserve as much of it as possible, there are others who have already seen the writing on the wall, believing the building should come down.
"Knock it down. It's ugly, it's [an eyesore]," said local resident Joe. "It blocks the river view. It's ugly, it's old. What do you do with that?"
Others who feel the grain elevator should be torn down say that the saga has dragged on for far too long. If the building is still standing without any answers going forward, why fight the fight any longer?
For those looking to have the Great Northern torn down, they feel it's a better option than having the building stand longer with a gaping hole in its North wall.
"I think this area is up-and-coming and living," Joe said. "Anything is better than what I see in front of me right now. It's dangerous, we don't know when the rest of the wall is going to come down, and if you repair it, what are you were repairing? I understand history, because I'm a history buff, but I don't see no history there, except a grain elevator. I mean, it's an eyesore."
On the other side of the argument, what are some people hoping to see happen with the Great Northern if the historic building is saved and restored?
"I feel like maybe they could make it into apartments or a hotel or something. Just something with activities to do with the family," Michaela said. "Whatever they want to put their time and effort into making it something nice other than just sitting there empty and not really doing much."
"I'm sure the possibilities are endless," Cole added. "You look at RiverWorks and they've done a whole bunch of cool stuff over here, like turning these old buildings into cool, different attractions that everybody really likes to come and enjoy. So I'm sure there's a lot of opportunity to do something with it. I mean, there's plenty of space to do all kinds of cool stuff, just like RiverWorks has done."
Hear more from the public on the future of the grain elevator in the player below: