Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - State Supreme Court Justice Dennis Ward issued a temporary restraining order Sunday afternoon that prevents any demolition activities on the historic 1897 Great Northern grain elevator on Ganson Street in Buffalo.
The court order prevents demolition until at least Wednesday when both sides in the matter are due to return to court, according to the Campaign for Greater Buffalo and Tim Tielman who sought the request.
"There is currently no danger of any structural element of the elevator collapsing," said Tielman. "Despite the very spectacular damage that everyone sees in the brick shell, there's very little danger of further damage happening to that curtain wall, which is not structural at all." He said even if there is new damage, the public is protected by barriers and fencing.
Related
The structure, heavily damaged in last weekend's wind storm, was deemed a safety hazard by the city of Buffalo and an emergency demolition permit was approved by the city for the building's owner, ADM.
The campaign submitted arguments and affidavits to the court on the structural integrity of the building and also referenced similar damage that an epic storm cause on the building more than 100 years ago.
"We are getting structural engineers who will be able to provide new information on Wednesday to demonstrate, 1, that the grain elevator is not coming down and 2, if danger occurs, there is no threat to the public and 3, that this is the road map out. This is how the elevator can be stabilized, restored and put back into economic use," said Tielman.
In another major development involving the status of the industrial structure, developer Douglas Jemal is now working with Tielman's group and has expressed an interest and willingness to purchase the property, according to Tielman.
"It is fantastic to have Douglas Jemal and his team join the effort to save the Great Northern," Tielman told WBEN Sunday night. "It is wonderful to have someone with the vision and means to help save this landmark and realize its potential. A lot of work must be done to make it a reality, but this is a tremendous step for everyone who believes in the value of preservation."
Jemal is not intimidated by the way the building looks, according to Tielman. "There are challenges, but challenges are there to be overcome. He is the type of person that welcomes a challenge. We should embrace that type of interest and action," said Tielman.
Tielman says Buffalo's preservation community will work with Jemal and anyone who comes forward to help with ideas or resources to save the elevator.
The demolition permit was granted late Friday, just hours after a local union stepped forward expressing interest in taking ownership of the property for a union hall and museum.
Related
