The National Register eligible Bethlehem Steel Administration building in Lackawanna, NY has been under direct threat of demolition since May 2012. Over the course of the summer there were numerous attempts made to broker a deal with the building's owner, however, those efforts ended unsuccessfully. The City of Lackawanna stayed its course and continued to argue for the building's demolition. In late January, crews from Zoladz Construction began demolition, starting with the chemistry lab located in the back of the building.
Since then, the area's preservation groups remained silent as if the building's fate had been sealed. Preservation Buffalo Niagara issued a statement shortly after demolition began last month. "It didn't have to end this way," according to PBN's Executive Director Tom Yots.
Prior to Thursday's Press Conference - Lesley Horowitz, Dana Saylor, John Nowak, Paul Fusco-Gessick & Mike Raleigh
As the demolition began, a small group of activists which included Meagan Baco, Lesley Horowitz, Dana Saylor and myself focused on the next steps in saving this historically significant industrial icon.
Our research uncovered a previously withheld structural engineering report conducted last August by Klepper Hahn & Hyatt. This report was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request and confirmed what we'd already suspected through our own photographic documentation: that the building is structurally sound.
The KHH report's findings directly contradict Lackawanna Code Enforcement Officer Steven Bremer's own observations and conclusions about the building's condition.
It is unsafe to come in...the whole building is going to implode. - Steven Bremer Lackawanna Code Enforcement Officer, May 2012
We believe the overall building structure to be sound and not at risk of imminent collapse. - Klepper Hahn & Hyatt, August 2012Within hours of reading the KHH report our group reviewed the case with attorney Richard Berger who advised us that there were grounds for a lawsuit. We proceeded to contact two additional attorneys Michael Raleigh and Paul Fusco-Gessick who were also brought in to work on the case. On Thursday, February 7th we held a press conference announcing our findings and our readiness to file the lawsuit against the building's owner.
Lackawanna resident Romaine Lillis at Thursday's press conference announcing the lawsuit
On Friday, February 8th a lawsuit was filed in Lackawanna City Court by attorney Richard Berger. The plaintiff is the Lackawanna Industrial Heritage Group, which was formed last year to raise awareness about the industrial history of Lackawanna NY and the building's history. The group had previously protested the demolition action and in June held a public hearing on the future of the building with professional preservationists and Lackawanna Common Council President Henry Pirowski as panelists.
Hon. Fredderic Marrano has granted a hearing on the matter which is scheduled for February 13 at 1pm in Lackawanna City Court.
Hon. Fredderic Marrano has granted a hearing on the matter which is scheduled for February 13 at 1pm in Lackawanna City Court.
Meanwhile, the Court is allowing the demolition to proceed. This image from February 7, 2013 shows the extent of the current demolition activity. The chemistry lab building is mostly demolished. Here's the May 2012 record image.
In a related matter Lackawanna resident and activist John Nowak has been protesting the building's threatened demolition with a hunger strike. He's been camped out in front of the building since mid December. Members of this group remain tremendously supportive of his efforts and would like to encourage you to come down and speak to him and lend your support in any way you can.
For the latest developments and background information about the lawsuit, the building and the building's significance please join the FaceBook Group Save the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building and visit I'm Steel Standing the official website for this group's work.
Additional information:For the latest developments and background information about the lawsuit, the building and the building's significance please join the FaceBook Group Save the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building and visit I'm Steel Standing the official website for this group's work.
- Mike Puma covered the press conference for Buffalo Rising here and Mark Sommer from the Buffalo News, here.
- Here's the full text of the Memorandum of Law filed with Lackawanna City Court and Order to Show Cause that was signed by Judge Marrano on Friday.
- 8/23/12 - A Stay of Execution
- 6/22/12 - Public Hearing - with link to the event's audio
- 5/19/12 - ReUse Study
- 5/18/12 - Demolition Part III
- 5/18/12 - Demolition Part II
- 5/15/12 - Demolition Part I
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The Glenny Drive housing projects, built in 1954 and abandoned in 1981, are finally coming down (Google map). The first of six, 7-story towers is being carted to the landfill by Apollo Dismantling Services of Niagara Falls, NY.
The Glenny projects, also known as the Kensington Towers, are to Buffalo what Pruitt-Igoe was to St. Louis and Cabrini-Green was to Chicago, and now joins these two icons of the urban renewal era as they're swept into the dustbin of history.
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Bethlehem Steel Administration Building: a stay of execution
3 Comments Published by fixBuffalo on 8/23/2012 at 10:21 PM.
Erie County Supreme Court Judge Kenneth Case has granted a 90 day stay in the case involving the the future of the Bethlehem Steel Administration building, the best example of any administration building for an extant industrial complex in Western New York.
During this period Gateway Corporation will fully explore the possible reuse of this heritage building. fixBuffalo learned today that the completion of the National Register application that local preservationist Darren Cotten is currently writing will play a role in the building's future. Darren is a founding member of the Lackawanna Industrial Heritage Group (LIHG). This newly formed preservation advocacy group recently convened a number of meetings with local attorney William Magavern, Jason Yots - preservation consultant and Lackawanna's Common Council President Henry Pirowski and the building's owner.
During a recent meeting Jason Yots presented a compelling case involving the use of tax credit financing for a heritage reuse proposal. This proposal, along with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recent decision to require a second survey of the building, has helped shape this new dialog around the building's future.
I discussed the outcome of yesterday's court decision with a number of LIHG's founding members today. They were excited to know that the Court, City of Lackawanna and the building's owners are now on board with some of the best urban planning and preservation practices in the region.
In Buffalo we've learned that heritage building restoration often begins with bright shinning lights. The lighting of the Richardson Complex comes to mind. Imagine for a moment - removing the overgrown trees in front of the building and installing a few spot lights. The Bethlehem Steel Administration Building is an amazing building by day. It will be brilliant by night.
For additional images of one of the region's most amazing cathedrals of industry see these pics and especially this Facebook Group - Bethlehem Steel North Office Photography & Preservation - for some amazing interior photographs.
See: Bethlehem Steel North Office Building - Part I, Part II, Part III & Part IVFor additional images of one of the region's most amazing cathedrals of industry see these pics and especially this Facebook Group - Bethlehem Steel North Office Photography & Preservation - for some amazing interior photographs.
Bethlehem Steel North Office Building ReUse Part I
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Bethlehem Steel North Office Building - Part IV
0 Comments Published by fixBuffalo on 8/21/2012 at 8:30 PM.
Lackawanna Mayor Geoffrey Szymanski will now seek a one week adjournment in the case involving the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building, according to Common Council President Hank Pirowski, who called today. Judge Kenneth Case hears the matter tomorrow morning at 10 am in Erie County Supreme Court. The adjournment will give both sides additional time to agree on the specific language for a longer stay providing Gateway Corporation additional time to explore its alternatives.
See: Bethlehem Steel North Office Building - Part I, Part II & Part III
Bethlehem Steel North Office Building ReUse Part I
According to Pirowski, the City of Lackawanna is willing to give adaptive reuse a second look. As early as yesterday, the Mayor's position was unwavering: seek immediate demolition.
The Lackawanna Industrial Heritage Group has been working closely with attorney William Magavern, preservation consultant Jason Yots, and the building's owner to find alternatives to demolition. The fate of the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building was to be decided on Wednseday morning in Judge Case's court. There's hope for Old North.
Letters of support from Preservation Buffalo Niagara and William Magavern were sent to Judge Case.
Stay tuned. See: Bethlehem Steel North Office Building - Part I, Part II & Part III
Bethlehem Steel North Office Building ReUse Part I
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Local preservationist, artist and house historian Dana Saylor recently found this picture of 557 East Utica. It's from the mid 1950's and depicts a gorgeous City residence.
The negotiated 30 day demolition stay with City officials expires next Friday. 557 East Utica has one week left before it's trucked to a landfill.
Please take a moment to circulate this post about 557 East Utica to individuals and groups in your networks. There's a Buffalo Rising post and comment stream that appeared shortly after the announcement was made to halt the demolition. Two other local preservationist bloggers picked up the story. Kevin posted at Unbreakmyhouse and Mike Puma posted at Views of Buffalo.
Please email me if you're interested in purchasing the house and presenting a qualified purchase offer. Terry Robinson - Preservation Buffalo Niagara Board member - lives around the corner and has agreed to help a prospective buyer better understand the neighborhood. You can reach Terry via email.
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This afternoon Al Steele's demolition crews were ready to send this City-owned East Side masterpiece to the landfill. 557 East Utica (google map) has been City-owned since February 2010. James Comerford - Commissioner, Department of Permit & Inspection Services asked Al Steele to wait - for 30 days - and agreed to stay this demolition.
557 East Utica - Buffalo, NY
557 East Utica - Buffalo, NY
I asked Julian Adams from New York State Office of Historic Preservation to weigh in on the significance of this City-owned residence. Julian said: "557 East Utica is an outstanding example of how bold forms and ornament can make a house standout in a neighborhood. The bold broken and scrolled swan's neck decoration in the third floor gable reflects both the colonial revival style of the period as well as the exuberance of the time in which it was constructed. It adds a grace note to the street, being both a singular presence and part of a stronger historic neighborhood."
557 East Utica - third floor detail
557 East Utica - third floor detail
The slide show reflects a strong owner occupied neighborhood in the block of East Utica near Humboldt Parkway. The level of investment in the last few years is palpable. The houses at the corner of East Utica - three doors away - are some of the best examples of restored residential dwellings on the City's East Side.
557 East Utica - Neighbors discuss house's future
Three doors down - Corner of East Utica & Humboldt
557 East Utica - Neighbors discuss house's future
Two neighbors - both have purchased distressed houses in this neighborhood - were discussing the importance of finding a suitable buyer for 557 this afternoon. In anticipation of the demo, Al Steele's crews removed large amounts of overgrown brush from the front lawn revealed the house's beauty that's been dormant for decades.
Three doors down - Corner of East Utica & Humboldt
Tom Yots, Executive Director of Preservation Buffalo Niagara weighed in on the conversation with Julian Adams this afternoon. He suggested the this City-owned heritage residence may be eligable for the National Historic Register. Both Dana Saylor and Mike Puma have agreed to help anyone with the historic research necessary to help make 557 their home. Special thanks to Elizabeth Licata who fielded a phone call this morning from a
neighbor who was disgusted and brought this pending demolition to my
attention.
We have 30 days to find a qualified owner for this City-owned property. If you're interested in knowing more and would like to take a closer look, please email me. I can also connect you to some of the residents who have been involved in renovation projects in the immediate neighborhood. Please take a moment and spread this post through your networks.
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Bethlehem Steel: Public Hearing follow-up
0 Comments Published by fixBuffalo on 6/22/2012 at 12:23 AM.
The newly formed Lackawanna Industrial Heritage Group hosted their first public hearing on the future of the Bethlehem Steel North Office building last week. Artvoice covered the hearing and Spree Editor Elizabeth Licata discussed the public hearing with WBFO in this interview. The full audio of the evening's hearing is now available.
Jason Wilson, project manager at Preservation Buffalo Niagara discussed how this and future preservation projects in the City of Lackawanna will benefit from the establishment of a "certified local government" program.
Darren Cotten presented his research - recent University at Buffalo Masters project in Urban Planning - about the potential reuse of the building. Darren also discussed some of his work in preparing the National Register nomination package which the Campaign for Greater Buffalo is helping to support. See this recent fixBuffalo post for additional details about Darren's work. Lackawanna Common Council President
Henry Pirowski agreed to help draft a resolution which will be presented
to the full council requesting the Mayor Szymanski to withdraw his
support for the City's demolition plans. Mayor Szymanski, Gateway Trade - the building's owner - as well as other local, regional, state and federal elected officials, including Erie County Executive Mark Polancarz were invited to attend and participate.
City planner and local preservationist Chris Hawley moderated the meeting. His opening remarks placing the City of Lackawanna's Cathedral of Industry in a broader cultural and economic context are rather compelling. Listen here.
In case you missed it - the National Trust recently posted this - Grassroots Preservation Turning the Tide in Buffalo, NY - for additional background on the local effort to save this building from the landfill. The Rochester Subway blog recently posted - Lackawanna Blues: How smaller cities are destroying their future by demolishing the past - that leads with this story and provides many examples of successful reuse of formerly decaying industrial buildings. You can stay current with the story of saving the Bethlehem Steel Administration building by joining and following this FaceBook group.
See also: Bethlehem Steel North Office Building - Part I, Part II & Part III.__________________________________________________________________________________
Buffalo Green Code: neighborhood open houses
0 Comments Published by fixBuffalo on 6/01/2012 at 9:22 AM.
The City is hosting a series of Buffalo Green Code open houses this coming week to reveal a "sneak preview" of the new zoning ordinance, which is now being written. From the Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning:
We’re preparing a new zoning ordinance to shape Buffalo’s future. It’s designed to build on the land use plan that was developed last year, and to make our shared vision for the city a reality.The zoning ordinance contains the specific and detailed laws that will govern development in our city. Please join us at an upcoming Open House to learn more about how this will benefit your neighborhood and let us know what you think.
Here's the schedule of open houses:
- WEST: Mon., June 4, 6 pm, Lafayette High School, 370 Lafayette Ave.
- NORTHWEST: Tues., June 5, 6 pm, Riverside High School, 51 Ontario St.
- SOUTH: Tues., June 5, 6 pm, South Park High School, 150 Southside Pkwy.
- ELLICOTT: Wed., June 6, 6 pm, Montessori School, 342 Clinton St.
- NORTHEAST: Wed., June 6, 6 pm, Bennett High School, 2885 Main St.
- NORTH: Thurs., June 7, 6 pm, North Park Academy, 780 Parkside Ave.
- CENTRAL: Fri., June 8, 8 am; or Noon, Central Library, Lafayette Sq.
- MASTEN/E. DELAVAN: Sat., June 9, 9 am, East High School, 820 Northampton St.
- EAST: Sat., June 9th, 1 pm, Matt Urban Center, 1081 Broadway
The Green Code is the most important planning initiative the City of Buffalo has undertaken in decades. Plan to attend one of these open houses. For additional information about the Buffalo Green Code check out the following fixBuffalo posts, especially this one - Mayor Brown's official announcement - on Earth Day, 2010.
Bethlehem Steel North Office Building ReUse - Part I
0 Comments Published by fixBuffalo on 5/19/2012 at 9:57 PM.
Darren Cotten graduated with a Masters in Urban Planning last week from the University at Buffalo. He sent me his thesis project earlier today: Heritage Tourism: In a Post-Industrial City (PDF). Darren's work speaks directly to the potential reuse of the Bethlehem Steel North Office building. Take a few moments to download, read and learn more about the value of this truly unique building that may be days away from the landfill.
I've been working with Darren for the past few months on the City's near East Side. He's filed a Homesteading application with the City's Division of Real Estate and intends to make a City-owned residential property, one that was slated for demolition last November, his home. Darren is also the founder of the University Heights Tool Library.
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Bethlehem Steel North Office Demolition - Part III
0 Comments Published by fixBuffalo on 5/18/2012 at 11:53 AM.
See today's Buffalo News front page article - Bethlehem Steel site to be scrapped.
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Please take a moment to read and sign Preservation Buffalo Niagara's online petition.
See: Bethlehem Steel North Office Building - Part I, Part II__________________________________________________________________________________
On Wednesday evening I met George Richert from WIVB and Steve Bremer, the City of Lackawanna's Code Enforcement Officer on site. Here's that story and video clip. Steve handed me a press packet containing numerous items including this email he'd received earlier in the day from Elizabeth Martin, NYS Division of Historic Preservation.
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from Steve Bremer's press packet
Money was clearly available in 2009 to make the Bethlehem Steel North Office Building "preservation ready". The former Mayor of Lackawanna was thought to be cooperating in using RESTORE NY funds for this purpose. Why wasn't this pursued? Why was the building really condemned and court ordered to be demolished? The photographic and eye-witness evidence is completely different from the official line - "it's too far gone to save". Photographers who've been visiting the historic Bethlehem Steel headquarters building for years have formed this FaceBook group. The photographic evidence suggests a structurally sound building and not one of impending implosion or collapse.
from Steve Bremer's press packet
On Sunday afternoon all the floors were safe - a few holes on the first floor, second and third that corresponded with a roof leak. The central staircase had collapsed. There are two other stair cases that provide access to the entire building. There was no roof collapse. Why would a City Code Enforcement Officer and a demolition company misrepresent the actual conditions?
See: Bethlehem Steel North Office Demolition - Part I __________________________________________________________________________________
Bethlehem Steel North Office Demolition - Part I
15 Comments Published by fixBuffalo on 5/15/2012 at 10:23 AM.
The former Bethlehem Steel North Office Building is slated for demolition this week. Designed by noted New York City architect Lansing C. Holden, this magnificent Beaux Arts building was originally designed for the Lackawanna Steel Company in 1902. Bethlehem Steel bought the headquarters building and steel works in 1922. Steel production ended in 1982 and coke production in 2002. This building is located just across the City line on the south side of the Union Ship Canal.
Bethlehem Steel North Office Building - c. 1903
The emergency demolition order was signed by the City of Lackawanna three weeks ago and the emergency demolition of the historic Bethlehem Steel headquarters building will begin later this week, see this notice. Asbestos remediation has already begun and the
diesel powered wreckers are tucked behind the former headquarters
building, poised for action. Demolition begins on Friday.
Rear view - Bethlehem Steel North Office Building
The building has suffered 30 years of neglect. The decorative copper detail is loose and missing and the slate roof failed years ago. The modern addition's windows were blown out and most of the interior architectural detail has disappeared.
Hallway, first floor - Bethlehem Steel North Office Building
Most of the iconic steel making structures that were built on this site are now gone. The hand riveted steel smoke stacks and blast furnaces that evoked our industrial supremacy have been cut to pieces. On the other side of the Bethlehem Steel ship canal the coke ovens are crumbling. What's left of this site, big steel and an industry that shaped this City and some of the most important structures of the 20th century - Empire State Building, George Washington Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge? Mostly scrap. People who worked at Bethlehem remain as plaintiffs in various work place related injury claims and the Steel Museum now displays artifacts and objects, providing a glimpse into the lives and work of laborers, that were painstakingly salvaged from dumpsters when the steel plant wound to a close in the 80's. In other places around the world the era of big steel and what it means is still celebrated. Emscher Landschaft Park in Germany's Ruhr Valley provides one example. The pairing of a casino and the preservation of five blast furnaces in Bethlehem, PA provides what is perhaps the country's current best practice in preserving the legacy of big steel's industrial heritage.
View from the top window - Bethlehem Steel North Office Building
The City of Lackawanna, NY has no preservation ordinance or active preservation organization. Decisions to help preserve these industrial landmarks have not entered the preservation or public dialog in Buffalo. Aside from decades of missed opportunities to do something with industrial preservation at this site, what remains? Patricia Bazelon captured the last days of our Bethlehem Steel, dozens of photographers have followed. Kendell Anderson's work stands out. Additional Bethlehem Steel North Office building interior pics are available here and as a slide show.
Update: A new FaceBook group has formed: Bethlehem Steel North Office - Photography and Preservation. Dozens of photographers have been inside this Beaux-Arts style gem and are posting their pictures. The photographic record contradicts the official City of Lackawanna line: "It's too far gone." Check out the growing collection of images and commentary that show a structure that's stable. There is no roof or floor collapse. The building is not "imploding".
__________________________________________________________________________________Update: A new FaceBook group has formed: Bethlehem Steel North Office - Photography and Preservation. Dozens of photographers have been inside this Beaux-Arts style gem and are posting their pictures. The photographic record contradicts the official City of Lackawanna line: "It's too far gone." Check out the growing collection of images and commentary that show a structure that's stable. There is no roof or floor collapse. The building is not "imploding".
Here's a look back at some of the places I've seen this past week. If
you're not familiar with the locations you can see them on the flickr
map next to each photo. In some cases I've provided a description of the
place or links to additional information.
To see the individual photos and related maps, follow this link or you can view the series as a slide show. The weekly series is archived at Seeing Buffalo.
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Here's a look back at some of the places I've seen this past week. If
you're not familiar with the locations you can see them on the flickr
map next to each photo. In some cases I've provided a description of the
place or links to additional information.
To see the individual photos and related maps, follow this link or you can view the series as a slide show. The weekly series is archived at Seeing Buffalo.
To see the individual photos and related maps, follow this link or you can view the series as a slide show. The weekly series is archived at Seeing Buffalo.
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509 Michigan Avenue: City-Owned (for sale?)
8 Comments Published by fixBuffalo on 4/28/2012 at 10:30 PM.
The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) owns 509 Michigan (google map). It's right next door to the Michigan Street Baptist Church and the Nash House is behind it. 509 Michigan is located in the middle of Buffalo's African American Heritage Corridor.
According to City records this mixed-use building, with a second floor apartment, is assessed for $20,000. It was purchased by BURA in 2005 for $350,000 from a private owner.
Since the opening of the Nash House in 2007, the completion of street improvements in the Heritage Corridor on Michigan Avenue and the more recent completion of renovations at the Michigan Street Baptist Church I thought 509 Michigan was next in line for renovations. I spotted this sun faded poster in the front window the other day.
I first photographed 509 Michigan in 2006 and have seen the deteriorating conditions of the building for the last six years. This is a building that must be saved. The City's Real Estate Division does not list the building for sale. There are no known plans for the building and under BURA's ownership the fate of the building remains unknown.
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