Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - If Buffalo's Department of Public Works (DPW) moves out of the Broadway Barns in East Buffalo, the city's preservation community is wasting no time in trying to get landmark designation for the property to highlight its historic past.
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Most people in the city know that the cavernous building at Broadway and William Street houses the city's snow fleet, garbage trucks, and mountains of road salt. But the garage had a storied past that dates back to before the Civil War in 1858.
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"It's only been known as the Broadway Barn since 1948," said Tim Tielman,
Director of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture.
"It was a public market, a state arsenal, and an armory building that was opened by President-elect Grover Cleveland in 1884. After that it became a civic auditorium from 1910 - 1940."
Tielman told WBEN if you peel back the additions made by the DPW, a magnificent Romanesque auditorium is just waiting to be restored.
"The neighborhood has long wanted it used as a community athletic and meeting facility. It's part of the Michigan Avenue Corridor management plan and we endorse that," he said. "Restoration of the Broadway Auditorium is the most significant thing that can be done to promote the rebirth of the neighborhood."
Tielman noted it's significant history. "It is the oldest standing building where professional ice hockey was played, Ella Fitzgerald sang there, Joe Lewis boxed there, and many politicians - starting with Theodore Roosevelt - campaigned there"
The arsenal, built in 1858, was destroyed in 1948 except for the front portal which is currently embedded in the south wall of the current building. The Broadway auditorium is in tact, behind the additions that were made in the late 1940's and onward. "It's a matter of removing some facade, brick and unsympathetic buildings," said Tielman. You would enhance the landmark Nash house, which is directly across the street, the Michigan Street Baptist Church, which is undergoing restoration, and the Colored Musicians Club. You have a core of historic landmarks and this would be the cherry on the top."
In Tielman's opinion, the entity that can make this project happen, is New York State.
"For two percent of the money that they want to spend to cover the Kensington, they (the state) could have a beautifully restored and
functional Broadway Armory and community asset again."
Location is key. All East side public transit routes come together within a matter of blocks and Tielman also noted there is easy access from the Thruway.
A hearing on whether to give landmark status to the Broadway Barns is scheduled May 11 before the Preservation Board.