City right to save fire-damaged cobblestone structures

Yes, it’s good news that the city of Buffalo is, for once, working with conservationists and historians to save Buffalo’s heritage. If only that were still the case. An even more fervent wish is that negligent owners like Darryl Carr, who has failed to maintain these buildings for over 10 years, are not allowed to get away with such blatant disregard for the historic built environment from the city.

The Cobblestone District has local and state historic preservation designations; the local designation was in place 15 years before Carr purchased the properties. He knew what he was getting into.

In successive court appearances dating back to at least 2011, Carr was repeatedly ordered by Housing Court Judge Patrick M. Carney to repair and mothball these buildings, but the owner ignored all court orders – with impunity.

In December 2022, the City of Buffalo took the unusual step of initiating eminent domain proceedings so it could force the sale of the buildings. It was good to do it. It makes no sense to leave these properties in the hands of this indifferent owner any longer.

Today, with ongoing eminent domain court proceedings — Carr has an appeal pending — the buildings are in more precarious condition than ever. Luckily, the city is all about business. As the News’ Mark Sommer reports, Brown is working with architect Steven Carmina, developer Sam Savarino, Preservation Buffalo Niagara and others to discuss next steps for the historic structures.

They are the right people to work with. They have combined expertise and experience that spans the length and breadth of Western New York, with many successful rehabilitation/reuse projects completed along the way. If Carr had brought in these experts earlier in the process – Savarino offered to purchase and renovate the buildings years ago – we wouldn’t be where we are today.

The hope is that eminent domain will be preserved and plans to rehabilitate and reuse the structures can proceed. Despite their state of disrepair, there is great potential here to create a heritage tourist destination.

These buildings were the height of Buffalo’s bustling port scene and lend authenticity to the popular Canalside and Cobblestone neighborhood. They would surely be of great interest to tourists and locals, if repaired. There is still an opportunity to bring the properties back into positive territory and the city should be commended for holding firm to its preservation mission.

Would it be too much of a stretch to hope that this example could lead to an ongoing preservation plan that could avoid such last-minute efforts? It is high time for a survey and catalog of Buffalo’s historic properties, noting especially those listed or eligible for the National Historic Register and those in imminent danger. Demolition practices and laws should be compared to what has worked well in other cities across the country. There should be policies to ensure buildings don’t get to this point.

It’s been a difficult week. The city lost a cultural icon and beloved local watering hole, the “Old Pink” at 223 Allen Street, in a fire early Monday morning. On Tuesday, many of the firefighters from the Battle of Allen Street were on scene in the Cobblestone District, where another part of Buffalo’s heritage was under threat.

Whatever happens, we owe our thanks to these firefighters. Gratitude also goes to those fighting to save Buffalo’s history for future generations.

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