Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It has been one year since Mulligan's Brick Bar was destroyed by a devastating fire, and 18 months since the Brick Bar's Allen Street neighbor - The Old Pink - suffered the same fate.
But, now even as the loss of both has left a deep void, hope remains as developer Kyle Roche is working on preliminary plans to have a mixed-use building constructed on the site that will not only fill in vacant parcels but provide a psychological lift for Allentown.
"It will mean a lot," said Jonathan White, Allentown Association president.
Roche paid $380,000 for the Pink and Brick Bar parcels and also hopes to buy a third parcel from the City of Buffalo so he can proceed with his project.
The parcels are one of several Allen Street and Buffalo holdings in Roche's portfolio.
"Kyle has a big stake in that block," said Buffalo Councilman Mitch Nowakowski, whose Fillmore District includes Allentown.
The Pink and Brick Bar were more than just shot-in-the-beer, gritty destinations. Both were decades-old, Buffalo iconic destinations.
"People didn't just go to the Pink and Brick Bar," Nowakowski said. "They went from there to other Buffalo stops."
The loss of both was one factor in the recent decision by the Allen Burger Venture to close at the end of this month.
White said Roche's development plan could be a critical game changer for Allen Street and Allentown.
"The last thing we need is empty lots on Allen Street," White said.
Nowakowski said he has had several meetings with Roche and more are planned. Thus far, no official development plans for the parcels between 223 Allen Street and 229 Allen Street have been filed.
Both White and Nowakowski are confident Roche will file his plans and begin the city approval process this year.
"It is trending that way," Nowakowski said.
Meanwhile Allen Street continues to welcome new restaurants like the Beacon Grille and interest is strong for the ABV site, too.
"It is hard to believe that the Pink and Brick Bar aren't there anymore," White said. "One year later, we are still feeling that loss."