Buffalo Central Terminal

CENTRAL TERMINAL MUST BE SPARED THE FATE OF OTHER LOST TREASURES
September 13 , 1994

History surrounds us, and the Central Terminal is one of the prime examples of such history. In its day, the terminal was the center of much activity, once bursting with excitement. Today, it is a neglected, deteriorating site.

The cost of demolition is estimated at $11 million. If the city can put that exorbitant amount of money toward its destruction, why not put that amount toward funding it’s preservation? If there’s money available to construct buildings such as the Crossroads Arena, I should think there’s more than an adequate amount of money to devote to something as culturally rewarding as the terminal.

As a member of two preservation groups and a member of this area’s younger generation, I am urging others to support the terminal’s preservation and spare it from being demolished. Buffalo has already lost numerous historic sites that will never be replaced. We should at least start salvaging what is left. Soon it will be too late.

BETH M. KONTRABECKI
Hamburg

Losing our heritage

The possible demolition of the New York Central Terminal brings to mind the past failures to preserve historically significant architecture in the city. White there may not be answers today as to the future use of the terminal, it is necessary that every possible consideration be given before this glorious structure is lost forever.

In the past, we have seen such treasures as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Larkin Administration building destroyed by the wrecking ball and Frederick Law Olmsted’s Humboldt parkway-turned-highway destroy the essence of Buffalo’s greatness.

Who is to determine that the funding and ideas for its restoration will not arise down the road?

Perhaps a national symposium on the terminal’s reuse need be organized, just like that awarded to H.H. Richardson’s beautiful structure on the grounds of the Buffalo Psychiatric Center. Local preservationists, planners and architects know the value of such historical buildings. It is time the public be invited to learn about local treasures.

Whatever the building’s future possible use (museum, hotel/casino, office, train station), it is vital that we take steps now to prevent future decay. The loss of the New York Central Terminal would only reinforce the city’s image as “The City that Destroys Great Architecture” rather than how it could be, “Buffalo: The Architectural Museum.”

CHRISTOPHER A. NEUBECKER
Buffalo

‘Unthinkable’

It is sickening to see what has become of the Central Terminal. Although I agree something must be done, demolition is unthinkable. The entire Western New York community should be outraged that this building has been allowed to deteriorate for so long.

It is high time for community groups to pressure City Hall and for local businesses and organizations to sponsor some kind of restoration. At the very least, the building should be secured for the winter so a decision could be reached without pressure for a quick solution.

It is time to take a stand and face the challenge to preserve this building, no matter how far gone it may be.

CRAIG MADEY
Orchard Park

Foolish priorities

Has anyone thought what $11 million would do for the Central Terminal? Only because it is on the East Side would someone suggest that it be torn down. What would happen if it were out in Amherst? Nothing can be done about the location, but if the richest community in Western New York can get $80,000 handed to it to study traffic patterns, I’m sure the poorest community can get money to save this “monument to a railroad age that died. ”

No, restoring the old depot won’t solve Amherst’s traffic problems, but handing federal money to a town that can afford to foot the bill is like giving away food stamps in Beverly Hills.

BRUCE HEATLEY
Buffalo