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BUFFALO — More than 25 accomplished Western New York architects have penned a letter to the Buffalo Train Station Site Selection Committee supporting the return of passenger rail to the Buffalo Central Terminal.
In the letter, posted below in its entirety, they say “The extent to which Buffalo’s unique built environment is key to a better future for its people, now and prospectively, cannot be overstated. Other U.S. cities, which lack as rich or deep a pool of architectural resources, go to great efforts and great expense to attempt to create a sense of ‘authenticity.’…Buffalo needs the vision and the imagination to reclaim our own built heritage, and should strive to secure for future generations the singularly Buffalonian experience of the Buffalo Central Terminal.”
The Buffalo Central Terminal was designed by architects Fellheimer & Wagner and built in 1929. The iconic 520,000 square foot structure embraces Art Deco design with metal and marble highlights and Romanesque-inspired arches. Alfred Fellheimer is also known for his work as lead architect for New York City’s Grand Central Terminal and Cincinnati’s Union Terminal. The Buffalo Central Terminal is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Architects signing the letter include:
Robert Stark, Partner at CJS Architects & President of the American Institute of Architects NY. Work includes: Graycliff Estates, 500 Seneca & the Strong Museum in Rochester
Peter Flynn, Principal at Flynn Battaglia and a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a Trustee of Preservation Buffalo Niagara. Work includes: Babeville/Asbury Hall, the Richardson Olmsted Complex and the Guarantee Building.
Steve Carmina, Partner at Carmina-Wood-Morris. Work includes: Lafayette Hotel, The Tishman Building, and the Remington Lofts in North Tonawanda
Jake Schneider, President of Schneider Design Architects & Schneider Development. Work includes: Turner Bros. Lofts on Niagara, AC Lofts, and Shea’s Seneca which is currently under development.
Congressman Brian Higgins said, “A century ago the great architects of the world came to Buffalo to build this city. In recent years especially we have learned to embrace our historic architecture and remake it to fit the needs of today’s City and economy. This letter is signed by the great architects of today, those creating new, modern spaces and those with the vision to reimagine and redesign the historic structures that are uniquely ours.”
The leading local architects of today go on to say in their letter, “…Buffalo already has a rail station more inspiring and more a part of the story of this community than any interpretation under a Thruway viaduct could ever be. It is the Central Terminal.”
The Buffalo Train Station Site Selection Committee is scheduled to make a recommendation in April.
