Historic Grain Elevator Set To Be Torn Down In Buffalo, New York
Back in December 2021 a strong windstorm blew into Buffalo and wreaked havoc all across Western New York.
That windstorm caused all sorts of damage to public and private property throughout the region.
One historic property in Buffalo that is the biggest victim of the storm is on the verge of being demolished.
The Great Northern Elevator on the Ship Canal in the Buffalo River District is the world's largest grain elevator, standing at 187 feet tall, and was built more than 100 years ago in 1897. At its peak capacity, the elevator could handle more than 3 million bushels of grain.
The brick curtain wall that was built to protect the elevator structure was severely damaged in that December windstorm. Officials from the owner of the structure, Archer Daniels Midland, have stated that the damage is beyond repair and the building must be torn down. While the owners have deemed the property unsalvagable, preservationists have been seeking to save the building, going so far as to file legal proceedings to stop the demolitions.
According to a report in the Buffalo News, all of the legal hurdles have been cleared. If there are no other legal setbacks from preservationists, the razing of the landmark grain elevator is set to start on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
It's not clear exactly how long the demolition will take since the century-old grain elevator is sure to present some challenges for crews based on its size and age.
I'll be interested to see what from here. I personally would like to see the elevator saved, but won't be upset to see it go.