Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The former Wonder Bread factory - once an East Side landmark - has become an urban eyesore with broken windows, strewn garbage and human waste.
The factory is owned by Canadian developer Harry Stinson - yes, the same Harry Stinson who owns the long-vacant Buffalo Grand hotel, that has become a development headache for the city.
To Ellicott District Councilwoman and Common Council majority leader Leah Halton-Pope has turned to the city law department to see what legal measures can be taken to either force to clean-up the complex or sell it, or risk facing fines and the possibility of Buffalo taking ownership of the building.
"We need to exam all options," Halton-Pope said. "Let's face it, the building is in disgusting condition."
Stinson bought the six-story, nearly 200,000-square-foot building in September 2020, paying $897,000, according to city assessment records.
Stinson declined to comment.
At the time, Stinson said he was considering a mixed-use development with apartments and incubator space for start-ups. But, nothing has transpired and the building continues to fall into disrepair.
It is almost the same story Buffalo leaders are facing with the Buffalo Grand and Stinson.
"The building hasn't been kept up at all," Halton-Pope said.
Yet, despite its rough shape, the development bones of the building are in good shape.
The building was constructed in 1923 and for generations it was where Wonder Bread and Hostess-branded snacks were made. The factory was shut down in 2004.
"I would think if the right developer could get ahold of this building, they could do something amazing," Halton-Pope said.
Leaders are concerned about status of the Fougeron Street landmark
Leaders are concerned about status of the Fougeron Street landmark
