Buffalo, N.Y.
The Wheeler Elevator was one of the most significant of Buffalo’s waterfront elevators. It’s design was unique among the elevators here in Buffalo. It was an early concrete elevator but took the design characteristics of the old wooden structures from the previous century. There were no conveyor systems on top as in the modern concrete elevators. All the grain coming in from the marine tower was spouted directly into the bins. The bins themselves were all open on top, something you will never see in a conventional concrete elevator. These features were exclusive to the Wheeler and an important transition example in the evolution of grain elevator construction from wood to concrete, one which needed to be preserved. For it was quite possibly the only one left in the world in this style.
The Wheeler and GLF feed mill complex was an intricate part of our industrial heritage and a key link in future waterfront planning which is now going on. It would be a great complex for highlightng Buffalo’s grain handling and milling histories with incredible views of the waterfront from above. People in power to make decisions in Buffalo need to be aware that all the elevators in the city are individually different in many ways, and form a unique museum as a whole, of world wide significance, even as they stand today.
Careful planning and patience with these structures will create a tourist attraction unlike any other in the world when linked together showing the evolution throughout their history. These buildings are in reality some of the largest machines in the world, which transferred the grain from America's 'BreadBasket' to the rest of the world. More tourism dollars and prestige would come to the city for generations, and far surpass anything that OSC could offer in jobs or tax dollars. Although we thank them for being in the city, they could be elsewhere in the city and offer the same potential, if not more, for jobs and tax dollars as on Ganson Street.
Respect for ones heritage is the first step towards the re-growth of this area. History is Buffalo's future. Properly respected and done with care we can combine history with a living environment that is uniquely Buffalo, and a destination attraction for tourists.
The Industrial Heritage Committee, Inc.
Careful planning and patience with these structures will create a tourist attraction unlike any other in the world when linked together showing the evolution throughout their history. These buildings are in reality some of the largest machines in the world, which transferred the grain from America's 'BreadBasket' to the rest of the world. More tourism dollars and prestige would come to the city for generations, and far surpass anything that OSC could offer in jobs or tax dollars. Although we thank them for being in the city, they could be elsewhere in the city and offer the same potential, if not more, for jobs and tax dollars as on Ganson Street.
Respect for ones heritage is the first step towards the re-growth of this area. History is Buffalo's future. Properly respected and done with care we can combine history with a living environment that is uniquely Buffalo, and a destination attraction for tourists.
The Industrial Heritage Committee, Inc.
Agway "A" left - Wheeler center
- Agway "C" right
- Agway "C" right
The GLF Complex on Ganson St.
Why Not Here? From The Buffalo History Gazette:
Just a few driving hours away from Buffalo in Akron Ohio lies one of the best examples of grain elevator re-use when the option of grain storage is no longer viable. They had one grain elevator in Akron near downtown and after it closed there was a grand transformation to the site. Demolition? A Buffalo tradition. Of course not, they put it to good use and made a first class hotel out of it. Currently, The Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron.
I have stayed there three times and slept in a silo! This hotel is very impressive, steeped in tradition of the Quaker Oats Company who had a mill to go along with the elevator. One doesn't come away thinking this as an interesting hotel inside a grain elevator, the reaction is more like, "this is a magnificent hotel!" And this is by no means the only example of this type of re-use. Since this was built there have been many similar reconstructions into living space in grain elevator and related mill buildings around this country and around the world. What does all this have to do with Buffalo? Plenty. Photo Gallery of Quaker Square
One doesn't have to go back too far in the local news to find the subject of grain elevators. Defended by preservationists, historians, scholars and ordinary people from Buffalo and around the world, the grain elevators here have taken an uncalled for hit over the last few years while the City threw away grand opportunities for needed redevelopment in the interest of creating another parking lot! I don't see too many tourists flocking to Buffalo to see our historic parking lots! But tens of thousands have flocked to Buffalo to see the grain elevators over the years. The Industrial Heritage Committee, Inc. has been conducting their classic Historic Buffalo River Tours to sell out crowds for 26 seasons, attracting and educating people from all over this country and the world. (continued in the Buffalo History Gazette)
www.buffalohistorygazette.com
Just a few driving hours away from Buffalo in Akron Ohio lies one of the best examples of grain elevator re-use when the option of grain storage is no longer viable. They had one grain elevator in Akron near downtown and after it closed there was a grand transformation to the site. Demolition? A Buffalo tradition. Of course not, they put it to good use and made a first class hotel out of it. Currently, The Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron.
I have stayed there three times and slept in a silo! This hotel is very impressive, steeped in tradition of the Quaker Oats Company who had a mill to go along with the elevator. One doesn't come away thinking this as an interesting hotel inside a grain elevator, the reaction is more like, "this is a magnificent hotel!" And this is by no means the only example of this type of re-use. Since this was built there have been many similar reconstructions into living space in grain elevator and related mill buildings around this country and around the world. What does all this have to do with Buffalo? Plenty. Photo Gallery of Quaker Square
One doesn't have to go back too far in the local news to find the subject of grain elevators. Defended by preservationists, historians, scholars and ordinary people from Buffalo and around the world, the grain elevators here have taken an uncalled for hit over the last few years while the City threw away grand opportunities for needed redevelopment in the interest of creating another parking lot! I don't see too many tourists flocking to Buffalo to see our historic parking lots! But tens of thousands have flocked to Buffalo to see the grain elevators over the years. The Industrial Heritage Committee, Inc. has been conducting their classic Historic Buffalo River Tours to sell out crowds for 26 seasons, attracting and educating people from all over this country and the world. (continued in the Buffalo History Gazette)
www.buffalohistorygazette.com
See what a little pride and respect for ones history and heritage created in Quebec City. 400 Hundred Years of Quebec City History Projected on a Grain Elevator, the Largest video projection in the world. On the Video Page.
IHC Feature
Presentation ~
The Industrial Heritage Committee, Inc.
Welcome To
Abandoned Grain Silo in France Is Now an Opera House
Grain Silo Becomes Opera House in Marseille
TRAVEL NEWS — BY CANDICE WALSH ON NOVEMBER 11, 2011 AT 11:33 AM
No, we’re not talking plastic surgery here. The latest and greatest opera house in France used to be an old, decrepit grain silo, abandoned and left for demolition. Overlooking the port of Marseille, Arenc Silo was built in 1927, and was highly visible from within Marseille. Fortunately, the city decided it just needed a transformation.
The result was a fully renovated, modern and beautiful work of architectural art. It’s home to a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city, and the large open space at the center of the silo is perfect for an auditorium.
Waste not, want not, right? The Web Urbanist calls it “adaptive reuse.” We learned through them that Amsterdam-based architect Bjarne Mastenbroek has transformed old farmhouses into futuristic homes, while other architects have turned old fire towers into epic mountain homes with insanely beautiful views. Broken down train cars are even being used as churches!
TRAVEL NEWS — BY CANDICE WALSH ON NOVEMBER 11, 2011 AT 11:33 AM
No, we’re not talking plastic surgery here. The latest and greatest opera house in France used to be an old, decrepit grain silo, abandoned and left for demolition. Overlooking the port of Marseille, Arenc Silo was built in 1927, and was highly visible from within Marseille. Fortunately, the city decided it just needed a transformation.
The result was a fully renovated, modern and beautiful work of architectural art. It’s home to a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city, and the large open space at the center of the silo is perfect for an auditorium.
Waste not, want not, right? The Web Urbanist calls it “adaptive reuse.” We learned through them that Amsterdam-based architect Bjarne Mastenbroek has transformed old farmhouses into futuristic homes, while other architects have turned old fire towers into epic mountain homes with insanely beautiful views. Broken down train cars are even being used as churches!
However, other creative minds prefer to turn abandoned buildings into light installations. Luisa Alvarez transformed an abandoned house into a “color-filled wonderland” using old color-tinted photographic negatives and gels. Named Habitando, Alvarez created room dividers, window coverings, and even furnishing to fill the old home with colors and silhouettes. The effect caused swatches of color to be thrown onto the walls and interior. Some of the negatives featured silhouettes of people dancing and swaying along the wall.
Wednesday July 4
Saturday July 21
Saturday August 4
Sunday August 19
Labor Day,Monday September 3
All tours leave the dock at 12:30 P.M. & return at 2:30
Adults ~ $16
Children Age 4-11 ~ $11
Children 3 & under ~ FREE
The tour is on the "Miss Buffalo" operated by Buffalo Harbor Cruises and docks at The Erie Basin Marina entrance gate, Buffalo NY.
For reservations and information: (716) 856-6696
NOTICE: Due to new Coast Guard Regulations for 2012, the capacity of the Miss Buffalo has been reduced to 185 from 200. What this means: At 200, these tours always sold out, many in advance of their scheduled date. At 185, it may be more difficult to obtain tickets on the last minute, so if you want to be assured of a seat, please plan well in advance. Thank You
The Historic Buffalo River Tour 2012
Observing the elevator, the main problem was the corrugated iron on the marine tower which could either be removed or easily repaired. As far as the elevator is concerned, an independent engineer should have been allowed to be brought in to ascertain it’s structural integrity, and not be left up to a demolition company, of all things, to make that assessment. Concrete holds up a lot better than most people think over the years. Observing the demolition in 2011, it was obvious that the elevator in many phases of destruction, with much of it's structural guts removed, was in no danger of collapse even in that state. It was solid right to the end. So where did the lie begin? More importantly, when will they end?
I was happy to see the building still there for the Preservation Conference, where people from around the world were able to see first hand Buffalo's true nature when it comes to historic preservation.
Now This is Amazing!!!
Visit Cris Angsten Interior's Blog for more incredible photos and information. It will blow your mind! And all they can think of in Buffalo is demolition. Some different views also at LOFT LIFE MAGAZINE
To this day, Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill’s legendary live/work complex in Barcelona, Spain remains one of, if not the most impressive examples of adaptive reuse we’ve ever seen. It all started about 35 years ago when the controversial architect discovered an abandoned cement factory comprised of over 30 silos, underground galleries and huge engine rooms. He bought it and began renovation. This included defining the space by demolishing certain structures, cleaning cement, exposing previously concealed forms, and planting various greenery including eucalyptus, palms, olive trees and cypresses.
Today, the factory has been successfully transformed into his personal home, as well as a multitude of offices, modeling and archival laboratories, a projection room, and a huge space known as ‘The Cathedral’, which serves as a venue for subsequent exhibitions, lectures, and concerts.
Today, the factory has been successfully transformed into his personal home, as well as a multitude of offices, modeling and archival laboratories, a projection room, and a huge space known as ‘The Cathedral’, which serves as a venue for subsequent exhibitions, lectures, and concerts.
The Barcelona Spain cement elevator renovation from 1975, video, photos & links. You WILL be amazed! Where is all the innovative thinking in Buffalo? Compare this story to the Wheeler story on the left. The opportunities for great things are all around us, but here, it is faster & easier to tear something down, than to THINK and CREATE!
Barcelona Spain Cement Factory Re-use
This unique boat tour has been educating sell out crowds for 27 years now, covering the history, architecture, and technology of the grain elevators, flour mills, and other industries along the Buffalo River and City Ship Canal, along with a general history of the inner harbor area, current events reflected in the news and more. It also provides a great perspective of the greenspace and natural beauty of the Buffalo River, and potential re-use ideas for the elevators not operational at this time. Photographs, maps and video are on display to further enhance this unique educational experience suitable for all ages.
With all the talk about waterfront development being tossed about, don't miss this chance to listen, learn and see first hand what the real potential is, here, in our historic grain elevator district, that was so significant in local, U.S. and world history.
With all the talk about waterfront development being tossed about, don't miss this chance to listen, learn and see first hand what the real potential is, here, in our historic grain elevator district, that was so significant in local, U.S. and world history.
The reasons given for demolition was safety with an eye on expansion of the business. That is all well and good and usually a refreshing concept in the Buffalo area, and normally I would applaud such efforts. But prior to purchasing the original parcel of land I feel safe to say that they were well aware of the elevators existence, and future expansion was not suitable or easily done on this parcel. Buffalo abounds with open land suitable for the type business they have. It was not necessary or advisable to purchase the land next to the elevators (or on the water for that matter) then complain about the neighbors and lack of room.
A better plan for them, would have been to look for a location elsewhere in the city which is suitable for expansion and future needs. Purchasing that original site likens to someone building a house near an airport then complain about the airplane noise to the town and airport owners for the next ten years. It was a poor business decision, in my opinion, to locate there on Ganson Street. (continues below)
A better plan for them, would have been to look for a location elsewhere in the city which is suitable for expansion and future needs. Purchasing that original site likens to someone building a house near an airport then complain about the airplane noise to the town and airport owners for the next ten years. It was a poor business decision, in my opinion, to locate there on Ganson Street. (continues below)
